The Many Benefits of Language Learning at NYU

Boost Brain Power

Research shows that students who study one or more languages tend to have more developed reading abilities. They also have increased linguistic awareness and are better equipped to generate scientific hypotheses than monolingual speakers. In fact, neurologists say people who are bilingual have more gray matter in the portion of the brain associated with learning vocabulary. When language learning occurs, that portion of the brain literally gets a workout. Like any other muscle in the body, regular “exercise” makes the brain stronger and larger. Increased size means the brain will work faster and more efficiently. What’s more, experts say that learning grammatical rules improves your memory and helps you become a better decision-maker.

“I think learning a language expands your mind in all other fields,” says Liepa Januskaite, a Spanish and Linguistics major at the NYU College of Arts and Science who also speaks English and Lithuanian. “Even just within my own head, I have found that learning a different language changes the way I think.”

Build Cultural Awareness

In our interconnected world, learning another language offers direct access to the worldviews of another culture and makes it easier to create meaningful connections. At NYU, advanced language classes let you explore subjects like Italian cinema, contemporary Japanese writing, and Brazilian art and activism.

“Learning a language opens up doors to communicate with other people and learn about their lived experiences,” adds Liepa. “Also, certain words don’t have direct translations into other languages. Some ways of thinking can be almost unexplainable in a different language. I think that’s beautiful, and it helps you understand how vast the world is and how much difference exists.”

Studying away further helps students dive into a new language and culture. When Mariana Arboleda, a Photography and Imaging major at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, studied Italian at NYU Florence, she took field trips to museums and historical sites and researched themes related to the city. “I was able to get more in touch with the Florentine culture,” she shares. “My perspectives also completely changed and broadened. I now look at the world differently, knowing there’s so much more to explore and find out.”

Improve Job Opportunities

Learning a language has been shown to add 10 to 15 percent to your pay, making it a wise investment in your future. Additionally, multilingual abilities can give you an edge when you apply for a job or a promotion. When you’re competing with other highly qualified candidates, being able to speak a second—or even a third—language helps you stand out in our increasingly global economy.

“I believe studying a language provides strong professional benefits, especially in fields that require working across cultures, collaborating with international teams, or operating in more than one language,” says Isabella Teubal, a Cinema Studies major at NYU Tisch with minors in French and Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology. “I’d like to pursue a career in France, and, to do that, it is essential that I master the language.”

Unlimited Career Paths for Language Learners

People who know multiple languages are in demand in many professions. Educators are needed to teach languages in traditional schools, language institutes, and international nongovernmental organizations. In business and government, communicating with people across cultures and countries is critical, whether you’re negotiating deals, overseeing investment decisions, or delivering vital public services. Translators and interpreters work everywhere from courtrooms to conference centers. Multilingualism is also invaluable in health care, where it can help patients receive better outcomes.

“As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand how hard it is to describe your symptoms and feelings in a language that isn’t your first,” says Rebecca Cai, a prehealth student in Anthropology/Global Public Health with minors in Korean, Medical Humanities, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. “Being able to speak to patients in their native language makes a real difference. Beyond that, learning a language means learning a culture: understanding cultural taboos, health beliefs, and communication styles. That knowledge helps me ask targeted questions and provide more culturally competent care.”

Ultimately, wherever your passions lie, learning a language at NYU is a powerful pathway to expanding your impact on the world.