Why Should a New Zealander Learn Spanish?

By Kenneth Leong

Spanish is the most popular language offered by Euroasia. We are often asked why is this language so popular. Here are some reasons.

• Spanish is unquestionably one of the world's most important languages, spoken not only in Spain but also in most of the Americas, from California to Cape Horn!



• The Spanish-speaking countries are exciting places: the cities offer a round-the-clock buzz, while the great outdoors has huge potential for adventurous outdoor activities.



• Within the Spanish-speaking world, there is an enormous range of exciting places to visit: in Mexico and Central America, the cities of the Maya and the Aztecs, and resorts such as Acapulco and Cancún; in South America, the cities of the Aztecs (including Machu Picchu), the colourful Andean cultures of Peru and Bolivia, the strikingly varied landscapes of Chile and Argentina, and the cosmopolitan excitement of Buenos Aires. Although some English is spoken, getting around is much easier with a little Spanish.



• Spain itself is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, famous not only for its Mediterranean beaches, but also for its stylish cities, its well-preserved small towns, and, in the south, its unique Moorish heritage. Not to mention Ibiza, with the hottest nightclub scene in Europe, if not the world!



• The Spanish language has been the vehicle of great writers, from both Spain and Latin America. Both areas have also been the home of world-renowned artists and, more recently, film-makers.



• New Zealand is increasingly looking to South America for trade links, especially Chile, the most prosperous of the South American states, and the one closest to New Zealand. Spanish speakers will be in demand in the future (in fact right now we have Kiwi businesspeople doing business in South America coming to us).



• Young Kiwis can go and work in Argentina, Chile or Uruguay for one year under a working holiday scheme. A knowledge of the Spanish language would obviously make a huge difference to anyone's job prospects.

Kenneth Leong is Director of Euroasia, New Zealand's premier provider of foreign language courses for Kiwis. Visit their site at: http://www.euroasia.co.nz