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Aside from the fact that most competitive colleges require at least two years of a foreign language, and some require three or more years, studying a foreign language can enhance your life and broaden your horizons.

Studies have found that speaking two or more languages is a great asset to the cognitive process. The brains of bilingual people operate differently than single language speakers, and these differences offer mental benefits. Even if people begin language study in their adult lives they can still achieve the same levels of fluency as a young learner, and still reap the same mental benefits. For example, there are a lot of students who study English in Ireland as adults.

What exactly are the mental benefits of studying a foreign language? Consider some of the following:

You actually become smarter

Speaking a foreign language positively affects your brain by challenging it to communicate using varied language systems. This boost in brain power also translates into being able to complete other problem-solving tasks. An added benefit is that students who study a foreign language tend to score better on standardized tests, especially in math, reading and vocabulary.

Studying a foreign language teaches you to multitask

Multilingual students are skilled at switching between two systems of speech, writing, and structure. Penn State University conducted a study that showed the “juggling” skill makes learners multitaskers, because they can easily switch between different structures. In one study, participants used a driving simulator while doing separate, distracting tasks at the same time. The research found that people who spoke more than one language made fewer errors in their driving.

Your memory improves

Everyone knows that your brain is like a muscle. It functions better with exercise. As you study a foreign language your brain becomes more adept at memorizing and this helps strengthen your mental muscle. This means that multilingual students are better at remembering lists or sequences, such as names, shopping lists and directions.

Your senses are heightened

A study from Spain’s University of Pompeu Fabra showed that multilingual people are better at observation. They are more adept at focusing on the relevant and sifting out the irrelevant. They’re also better at spotting misleading or incorrect information.

Your ability to make decisions improves

According to numerous studies, students who speak more than one language tend to make more rational decisions. The nuances of a new language subconsciously influence your judgment. Bilinguals are more confident with their choices after thinking it over in the second language and seeing whether their initial conclusions still stand up.

Your brain stays alert during the aging process

As you get older, your brain is often less active. If you study a foreign language, either as a young learner or as an adult, your brain muscle is being exercised and your mental alertness stays consistent as you get older.

If you study a foreign language you not only improve your brain power, but knowing a second language allows you to become immersed in other languages and cultures.