Why your 30s are prime time to learn a language

Career September 1, 2020

Which is the odd one out?

  1. Poorly considered tattoo
  2. Doomed romance
  3. Questionable piercing
  4. Learning a language

That’s right, it’s number 4, learning a language. The other three are things that are best done before the age of 22.

If you are put off from learning a language or studying abroad because that’s something “for younger people”, you should know that more people are learning languages as adults than ever before, and for a whole variety of reasons, including to improve their CV.

The past is gone…

You didn’t learn as a kid, so what? Don’t dwell on it, if you want to learn a language there is nothing stopping you from starting today. Make a commitment and make it happen. You can’t replay your life.

You have seen first-hand the advantages of languages

Whether in business or when travelling, speaking a foreign language is a big asset. Travelling has never been easier, business is becoming more international and multilingual by the day and networking is incredibly important in the modern, flexible working world.

People who can speak foreign languages walk a little taller at work, while being able to communicate with local people abroad opens doors that are not open to monolinguals. Watching foreign-language movies on Netflix is pretty sweet too.

You can afford to see the world now

Hopefully you’ve got some kind of grip on your finances after more than a decade as an “adult”. Learning a language abroad in immersion is no more expensive than a normal holiday, and offers a much more valuable experience.

You can spend your money on things or experiences – guess which one makes you happier?

You may never be this free again

Perhaps you have an idea of what you want from life, perhaps you don’t, but there’s really no downside to getting out there and seeing the world before you are too weighed down with commitments.

Languages are a great investment

Once you learn a language, it’s with you for life. More career options will be open to you, holidays will be more fun when you can communicate in more languages and your network will cross borders much more easily.

Your employer could pay for the course

Studying a language in immersion is excellent staff development for companies. Find out how to pitch a language course to your boss here.

Learning shouldn’t stop after school

You may never want to step foot in a maths classroom or school gymnasium again, but learning a language is different. Languages are something you benefit from every day. If you feel like you need something refreshing in your life and want to get your brain working again, learning a language may be exactly what you are looking for.

You will bring some new skills to your studies

Believe it or not, older language learners actually have many advantages over younger learners.

Expand your romantic horizons

If you are looking for love, speaking a new language opens up a new world to you. There’s no better way to learn a language, after all.

You will regret it even more if you don’t learn now

When Bill Gates was asked if he had any regrets in a Reddit AMA, the one thing he highlighted was not learning a foreign language.

You don’t know what the future holds, so make the most of the present and do something that will improve your life, starting today!

There are courses especially for you

We have courses for all tastes. Some of our partner schools attract mainly students in their early 20s, some attract slightly older students, some run courses open only to over 30s. The thing is, you won’t find this information on their own websites, which is one more reason you benefit from booking with an agency like ESL – language travel: we will give you honest, unbiased advice.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Learning a language could help you get there! Check out our brochure to choose the programme that’s right for you – from business courses to exam preparation!

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By Alex Hammond

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