Venice, Italy Timanfaya, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

In today's shrinking world, the knowledge of a foreign language gives the student an added dimension that employers find desirable and for many positions, essential. Increasingly American companies are creating joint ventures or establishing branches overseas and their need for employees who can speak a different language and understand other cultures is greater everyday. Whatever your profession is, the knowledge of a foreign language is a real advantage. Knowing a foreign language enhances opportunities in government, business, medicine and health care, law enforcement, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social service and marketing. For the most recent salary trends students should consult the latest data available from the U.S. Department of Labor.

"I encourage all people, especially young people, to take the opportunities they have to learn and use other languages. As a business person in today's global economy, I see everyday the benefit of growing in our knowledge of all cultures and in gaining the ability to communicate in other languages. I personally communicate in German and Spanish as well as my native English. I find this to be beneficial professionally as well as personally."

-- Robert W. Lane
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Deere & Company