Is it better to learn Spanish fluently or both Spanish & French to an intermediate level for a business career?
I´m currently in Spain on an intensive Spanish course as part of my gap year. My current plans are to study Spanish straight to the end of June. I´m considering changing my plans to, instead of having 30 weeks of spanish, to having 15 weeks of Spanish and 15 weeks of French.
Which do you think is better, fluency in Spanish or knowing both French and Spanish to an intermediate level from a business career sense? Which option would be more useful?
Thanks for the help!!!
Posted in Business Career
While it is tempting to learn both languages to an intermediate level, the benefit is an illusion. I consistently win contracts from clients who have used other translators for years because my Spanish is superior. While businesses will appreciate your ability to speak their language, they will be more impressed with a foreigner who demonstrates a deep comprehension of their language and culture.
That said, I have also discovered that once you have gained superior fluency in one romance language, additional languages come easily. Portuguese and Italian are a cinch for an educated Spanish speaker, and French is only a step beyond those.