People choose to learn a second (or third) language for a variety of reasons. Career opportunities, travel plans, or enriching an academic portfolio are some reasons to learn a foreign language, but the benefits of becoming multilingual don't stop there.

UNESCO notes that roughly half of the world's population is bilingual. Ninety-two percent of students in Europe learn another language in school; nearly 25 percent of Canadians can hold a conversation in both English and French; but only about one in five K through 12 students in the United States are enrolled in a world language class, says ACTFL® Language Connects. Knowing more than one language pays numerous personal and professional dividends, and here are some of the top benefits to consider.

Boost brain reserves

Bilingual people may have more impressive brains than those who speak one language. With the help of MRI technology, researchers can compare the differences between monolingual brains and bilingual brains on a visual level. Bilingual people have been shown to have more neurons and dendrites, which are the connections between neurons. These components are known as gray matter. Bilingual people have denser gray matter, says World of Better Learning. Bilingualism also impacts white matter, which is the system of nerve fibers that connect all four lobes of the brain. Bilingual people have increased white matter integrity.

Cognitive benefits

Ithaca College notes bilingual people typically exhibit greater attention and task-switching capacities than monolingual individuals. They may also be more creative and better at developing visual-spatial skills. A more active brain might delay neurological diseases like dementia.

Introduction to a new culture

Language is one of the first introductions to a new culture, and can be the gateway to learning more about a country or a people. Taking part in the language makes for a more immersive experience.

Better memory

Practicing vocabulary and learning grammar skills in another language can boost memory power. According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Cognitive Psychology, people who speak a second language regularly perform better on memory tests than those who are monolingual.

Personal growth

Language study helps students to develop new interests and push themselves in new directions. Learning a new language is challenging, and overcoming obstacles can offer a lesson in resilience.

There are scores of reasons to learn another language. Students who add language classes to their schedules can benefit in myriad ways.