High School Foreign Language Study

In response to your letter concerning the survey conducted by the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) on the High School Foreign Language Department (HSFLD), I still accentuate the importance of secondary languages in this school’s curriculum despite your arguments.

Students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program are required to study another language (Language B) in addition to their mother tongue (Language A). The students’ awareness of several cultures and ability to explore globally essential ideas and issues through different perspectives is increased significantly through Language B courses. Thus, it becomes increasingly evident that secondary language courses are beneficial to high school students.

Your letter concentrated

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) published a study showing the economic advantages of being bilingual. MIT Economist Albert Saiz claimed there are different ‘premiums’ for various languages in the global professional environment, “Spanish has a 1.5%, French 2.3%, and German 3.8%.” These ‘premiums’ are highly beneficial in the long run. They can have a profound impact on an individual earning an average annual income between $45000-$60000 supposing they are applied over a 40-year period. Thus, bilinguals would gain the following values in surplus respectively: “Spanish earning $51000, French earning $77000, and German earning $128000.” Just astonishing how students can earn additional income based on their bilingual abilities learned in high

As a senior, Enrique was not the strongest academic performer. He was undeniably hardworking, just dedicated towards his artistic interests, not his academics. Enrique graduated through his most academically challenging school year. Unfortunately, gaining acceptance into universities in the United States and Britain was difficult. Thus, Enrique had to explore elsewhere. Eventually, he applied to a college in Spain. The school accepted him due to his fluency in Spanish- the language of instruction in the only art course that would take him. Even to this day, Ryan is consistently using Spanish as he travels throughout South America to complete several of his art projects. Enrolling in Spanish was a decision that ultimately shaped Ryan’s future for