Languages at DIT
Learning a new language is an exciting and enriching experience. There are many good reasons for learning foreign languages; below you can read the most important ones:
- Employment opportunities.
Foreign language skills enhance your employment opportunities, both in Ireland and abroad. Ireland's economy depends to a large extent on export, and nearly half of Irish jobs are export-related. According to the IDA (2003), over 1000 overseas companies have established operations in Ireland. Ireland is also a popular tourist destination for people from other European countries, with an increasing number of jobs in the Irish tourism industry.
- English is not enough.
While many people around the world may understand some English, speaking the language of the customer is a significant advantage, especially if you want to sell goods and services to other countries. Lack of cultural knowledge and insufficient language skills may lead to misunderstandings both socially and in business, resulting in missed business opportunities and failures.
- Intercultural awareness.
Foreign language skills improve your communication skills and intercultural sensitivity and hence your understanding of people from different cultural backgrounds and your empathy towards them. This is particularly important in today's Ireland, which is becoming increasingly multicultural.
- Gateway to mobility.
Travelling to other countries is much more enjoyable and beneficial if you understand and speak some of the language. And why not consider studying abroad? Since the Bologna Agreement (1998) it has become much easier to pursue parts of your third-level course in other European countries. However, if you want to avail of this opportunity you will have to know the language of your study destination.
- New levels of consciousness.
Most importantly, learning new languages opens up a whole new world of thinking and being. The journey of language and cultural discovery can also be an opportunity for intellectual development and personal growth. Inevitably this will lead you on a journey of self-discovery, and as a result, you may look at yourself and your own language and culture from an entirely different perspective.
Learning a language is both a destination and a journey. Why not embark on this exciting and enriching challenge? You will discover that travelling, studying or working abroad are experiences that will stay in your memory forever.