5 Reasons To Learn English as A Second Language

Committing to learning English is a serious decision. To succeed in this endeavor, you need to be ready to invest a lot of time and effort, but eventually all your hard work will pay off. In case you haven’t made up your mind yet, here are 5 reasons that might persuade you to go for it.

• English language is spoken in 180 countries worldwide. Since there are only 196 - or 195, according to different sources - independent countries in the world, it means that wherever you go, you will be able to communicate, understand and be understood.
• Your chances to find a great job will be significantly better. While the overall effects of outsourcing on global economy is still unclear, the ability to speak English will help you to secure a job offer from an English-speaking company. In 2004, USA- and UK-based corporations outsourced 42% and 17% of jobs, according to the findings of the latest “English Next” study conducted by the British Council.
• Do you spend most of your time online? If so, learning English is definitely a good idea for you, since the English language continues to dominate the cyber space (even though other languages as Chinese experience a rapid growth in this area).
• The number of people speaking English as a Second Language keeps growing and has already exceeded 1 billion people. That’s a great community to belong to! We doubt you can find anything even close on Facebook.
• Shakespeare, Elliot, Plath, and Whitman - these are just a few of the great timeless classic writers who created in English and whose works are a must-read for any educated person. While there are many good translations, do not miss out on pleasure that comes from enjoying the beauty and complexity of the English language and read the originals instead.

Do you have your own reasons for learning English? Share with us in comments!

Free Classes And Workshops in New York City

New Yorkers are known for their loyalty to healthy lifestyle, hence the number of gyms and organic food stores in the city, and for their intellectual curiosity and insatiable desire to expand their horizons, hence the number of yoga studios and various workshops and classes where they can work on their minds, bodies and souls. It certainly is very interesting and commendable; however, ventures into self-improvement come with a hefty price tag. Membership in Pilates studio and ballet lessons can easily set you back hundreds of dollars a month, which might be difficult to handle for an ESL student on a budget in New York City. Yet, there is no need to fall into despair and go on a bread-and-water diet – try one of these free classes instead.

If you live in Queens, you are at luck; if you don’t, consider going there nonetheless. Visit Socrates Park in Long Island City where, come May, you can attend free weekend classes and practice yoga, capoeira, Pilates or Tai Chi. You can also Sign up for free kayaking starting late May.

If you are artsy and creative, clear your Monday nights schedule to attend one of the Etsy Craft Nights at Etsy Labs. Artists and designers will show you how to make unique accessories and transform regular clothes into one-of-a-kind pieces. Hey, you never know – if you are good, you might just start a booming business of Selling your handmade items online.

If you can’t decide where your interests and passions lay, but you desperately want to find an outlet for your creative energy, sign up for the Mini Skills classes at Brooklyn LaunchPad and learn anything from sewing to meditation techniques. For girls with a fashion sense and nothing to wear, there are occasional clothes swap events where you can get rid of your tired outfits.