We all know that learning a language offers cognitive benefits. Studies show that people who can communicate in more than one language have improved memory and concentration in comparison to their monolingual counterparts. Apart from these benefits, they also provide many pathways to a rewarding career. Let us take a look at the various career opportunities through foreign languages.

Teaching is one of the most obvious career choices for foreign language experts. Proficiency in a foreign language can open up opportunities in schools, universities and private institutions.

The Goethe-Institut Max Mueller Bhavan in India works in close cooperation with the 1200 Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and 700 Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) schools where German language is offered as an optional subject. German is taught as third language in many institutions offeringInternational Baccalaureate (IB) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programmes.

Students interested in overseas education can benefit from learning the local language. It not only makes the transition easier but also helps avail internship and employment opportunities in these countries. Europe is one of the popular destinations for Indian students to pursue higher studies. English is not the first language in many of the European nations. There were more than 25,000 students enrolled in German Universities in 2019-20 while France had over 10,000 during the same period. Spain is a popular destination for students interested in sports management. Some master’s programs in Germany require intermediate proficiency in German as part of the admission criteria. All these factors have fuelled the demand for foreign language teachers in the country.

Globalization has ushered in new possibilities and brought the world closer. Employers across the world value cross-cultural competence as a valuable addition to the skill set. It allows a diverse group of individuals to collaborate on a global platform. The growing IT and IT enabled services in India employs a good number of translators for their corporate communication requirements. The Business Process Outsourcing or BPO industry employs foreign language professionals in areas like back-office support, document translation and processing, technology helpdesks, and more.

Careers in Translation and interpretation offer flexibility and professional independence. Foreign language experts can have a rewarding career as content writers, editors and translators. Some of the greatest pieces of literature that we read in English today are translations from other foreign languages.

Interpreters in the United Nations provide simultaneous interpretation from and into the six official languages for the meetings of the General assembly and its subsidiary bodies. The services of an interpreter are also required in embassies, government agencies, media houses, sports clubs etc.Interpreters find opportunities in embassies, government agencies, media houses, sports clubs etc.

It is interesting to note that the coveted Indian Foreign Service has a mandatory requirement for proficiency in a foreign language. The Foreign Service Probationer has to undergo training and successfully clear a test in the allocated foreign language before being assigned to diplomatic duties.

Foreign language experts can have a rewarding career as content writers, editors and translators. These offbeat careers offer flexibility and professional independence. With an increasing number of OTT platforms, foreign language subtitling is also in demand.

Language has an intrinsic connection with culture. For this reason, language experts have always been part of the hospitality and tourism workforce. The service-oriented aviation industry welcomes passengers from destinations across the world. Based on the destinations they fly to, international airlines hire cabin crew who are fluent in many languages.

Entrepreneurs with an international presence can greatly benefit with foreign language skills; from winning new clients to expanding their presence on foreign soil.

There are tremendous opportunities in areas of product localization. This involves adapting or modifying a product or service for a given language, culture, or region. It includes support documentation, website copy, articles and blog posts, presentations etc.

The possibilities are endless in the modern world that extends beyond traditional careers.