If you limit yourself to being monolingual, you're impeding upon your full potential in many aspects: educationally, culturally, professionally and communicatively. Having an understanding of the world in which we live is very important today; with globalization in full-swing, it's important to be knowledgeable about our near and not-so-near surroundings. This is not to say that to reach this understanding you need to go learn the world's top 20 languages. But, even learning one, such as Spanish, will broaden your horizons immensely.

Spanish is one of the fastest-growing languages in the world. The current approximation of how many people speak Spanish as their native language is around 350 million. It is the primary language in 25 countries and it ranks among the top five most spoken languages.

Throughout North America and many European countries, Spanish is gaining more importance and recognition in the education and business sectors. It is one of the six working languages used at the United Nations. The Spanish language is also very prominent within many aspects of culture and the arts. Spanish literature, music and films are gaining recognition in the entertainment world.

It's a common misunderstanding is that if you speak English you don't need to know a second language because everyone speaks English. This is grossly inaccurate; almost four-fifths of the world's population doesn't speak English! Besides, even if English is quite commonly used, Spanish is the second-most used language in international communication!

The best way, tried and tested, to learn a new language is through immersion. Dive into a culture where it's the native tongue. Studying Spanish in Spain will definitely increase your level of fluency because you'll be surrounded with the language. You will constantly be practicing, whether by asking for directions, ordering dinner or just friendly conversation during a night out.

In Spain, you'll find the host culture to be very welcoming and eager to help you learn Spanish. If you don't even attempt to speak some Spanish with locals you'll end up missing out on a greater part of the experience. While you're roaming the streets and partaking in local activities you'll quickly pick up phrases and words you might not find in a classroom or book.

Learning Spanish shouldn't be viewed as a hard task, in fact, you should embrace the chance to learn the language of Cervantes, Picasso and Gaudí. Spanish has a long, deep history and is continuing as one of the world's leading languages. Learning Spanish will bring you countless opportunities and benefits.