Language Learning Gap Years Can Help Workers Get Ahead Advise Independent Gap Year Directory Gapwork.com

10/24/2012 10:32 AM EST

From accounting and sales to marketing and journalism, learning a second language can boost career prospects and translate to an extra 15% in salary terms according to recent studies. With language learning no longer compulsory at GCSE level, the number of Spanish, German and French speaking graduates are half what they were in 2001 but all is not lost for those keen to climb the career ladder. For anyone still haunted by school time memories of grammar tables and keyword lists, Gapwork.com, the specialist directory service, suggests a language-focused gap year.

Rebecca Jordan, Co-Founder and Director of Gapwork.com said, “Immersing yourself in a second language such as Portuguese or Spanish is a great way to learn a new skill, meet new people and make yourself more employable. This can be combined with travelling and working to help offset the cost of acquiring such a marketable addition to your CV. Speaking a second language can have immense career benefits, particularly in modern workplaces which are increasingly bereft of bilingual and trilingual employees.”

In 2010, just 8% of GCSE students sat a Spanish exam, a paltry 11% took German and only 26% took French. A-level studies fared little better with records for the same year showing the number of students opting for French and German qualifications had declined by 3.8% and 3.4% respectively while other languages had slid by as much as 7.1%. With so few learning a language in school and the subsequent dearth of speakers in the workplace, a year abroad with a language learning component is becoming increasingly popular.

Those who want to study a language in a gap year have a number of options, suggests Gapwork.com. One of the study abroad options featured on the website is CESA, which offers travellers the chance to study French, Spanish, Italian or even Japanese.

Ms Jordan adds, “Studying abroad is a very popular means of travelling. English speaking nationals can enjoy the thrill of employment, education and relaxation whilst taking some time off from work and university. In a business world where European and International affiliations and links are held in extremely high regard, studying another country’s history, language and traditions is not simply impressive but fast becoming crucial.”

As an independent directory service, Gapwork.com can assist anyone looking to hone their language skills. In addition, it also provides a series of helpful guides, travel planning resources and up-to-date information concerning essentials such as visas and insurance. This knowledge bank helps a gap year trip to get off to the best possible start, leaving nothing to do but soak up an entirely new way of life.

To find out more about learning a language on a gap year, visit http://www.gapwork.com/gap-year-ideas/study-abroad/index.html