Compared to other countries, the United States is incredibly lacking in their foreign language education. 

Most Americans begin studying a foreign language in school around age 11 or 12, if not later, whereas many European students begin studying a foreign language between ages 6 and 9. The younger you learn a language, the easier it is. But American schools, in general, seem to prioritize other subjects, such as math and science, over learning a foreign language.

In my experience, I began studying French at age 11. Due to the program and level I was placed in, I would have been able to stop studying French at age 15, without picking up another language. How much could I really have learned in four years?

Compare this to a high school student I met while studying in France. She began learning English in elementary school and by the time she had gotten to high school, she was practically fluent, and began picking up another language as part of the school’s required curriculum. 

I found similar results with my international classmates in France. I had tested at the same fluency level as students from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand and other countries who had French as their third language. Most of these students only had two to five years practicing French, compared to my nine years.

Many Americans have the mentality that learning another language is not important, because “everybody speaks English.” The reason “everybody” speaks English is that other countries prioritize learning languages. American media is one of the most dominating and wide spread, besides the fact that many Americans cannot speak another language, causing other countries to try and adapt, which they should not have to.

This is not just hurting our reputation as a country, but it is hurting students going through the school system. They are being put at a disadvantage, due to the education system that they are stuck with. Being bilingual, at the very least, makes you more competitive in the workforce, among many other benefits.

Learning a language can lower your risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and in that vein, can improve memory overall. It is also a fantastic way to get to know a country’s culture, or even get in touch with familial culture that could have gotten lost through the generations. 

Plus, learning about a culture is an easy way to become more open-minded and understanding of other people and their backgrounds. Learning a foreign language has also been proven to make people better problem solvers, and in some cases, more creative. 

The United States education system needs to change. By making language classes seem unimportant, they are making their students feel the same, which hurts everybody in the process. Not only are Americans falling being their international peers, but it is reinforcing stereotypes that Americans are lazy and nationalistic.