By completing online courses in Spanish, you can increase your business' customer base, improve your cognitive abilities, and build bridges to other cultures.
by Jessica Santina
Online Universities Columnist
If you're looking to boost your test scores, become better at your job, or gain a greater understanding of the world, consider online Spanish programs. Here are five ways something this simple could improve your life.
- Online Spanish programs can actually improve your business. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of Spanish speakers in the US increased by 62 percent between 1990 and 2000, making Spanish the second most common language in the nation. Because only about half of American Spanish speakers speak English "very well," an inability to speak Spanish means you can't communicate with a huge percentage of the population. Businesses without Spanish-speaking employees are missing out on a huge consumer base.
- A recent survey found that more than half of Spanish-speaking respondents had purchased something online, and that a full 69 percent preferred shopping on Spanish sites. Online Spanish courses improve your ability to interact with Spanish customers, and can also help you to expand your online presence.
- Your online courses can make you smarter. Research shows that bilingual education boosts standardized test scores, improves creativity and problem-solving skills, and even increases English proficiency. Spanish certificate programs can actually enhance your academic abilities.
- Online Spanish programs can make you a more well-rounded citizen. These online courses can help you to communicate with more people, express yourself more fully, develop an appreciation for other cultures, visit more countries, and gain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
- Spanish certificate programs completed online have benefits that traditional programs don't. Online courses provide a measure of anonymity to those unsure of themselves and their pronunciation abilities, so they can feel more confident. These certificate programs provide greater access to instructors around the clock, and they can be completed from anywhere, so they're perfect for those in rural areas or traveling abroad.
So get ready to improve your business and your life, and look into Spanish certificate programs today.
About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and promotions. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Source(s)
"Second Language Learning: Everyone Can Benefit," Cal.org
"Spanish-Speakers Becoming More Engaged Online," Hispanic Business News
U.S. Census Bureau News
Published
August 27, 2007
