While English often dominates the conversation in international education, there are fascinating patterns of second language learning around the world that reflect historical relationships, economic opportunities, and cultural influence. Let’s explore the most commonly studied languages globally and the motivations behind these educational choices.

Leading the pack

English remains the most studied second language worldwide, with an estimated 1.5 billion learners. Beyond business and technology, it dominates academic publishing and research. This practical utility, combined with English-language entertainment’s reach, makes it an educational priority in most systems. In many Asian countries, for example, parents invest heavily in private English education from an increasingly early age.

The silver medalist

With approximately 120 million learners globally, French maintains its position as the second most studied foreign language. Its prominence extends beyond Europe to former colonies in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The language’s association with diplomacy, arts, and gastronomy continues to attract learners seeking cultural enrichment.

The rising star

As China’s global influence has expanded, interest in Mandarin Chinese has grown to around 100 million learners worldwide. Government initiatives like the Confucius Institute programme have established centres globally to promote Chinese language and culture. Today’s Mandarin learners often cite career advantages and business opportunities as primary motivations.

The popular choice

With approximately 20 million students outside Spanish-speaking regions, Spanish continues gaining momentum, particularly in North America. The language’s relatively accessible structure for English speakers and the rich cultural heritage of Spanish-speaking countries make it an appealing choice for many students.

So the next time you’re developing international recruitment strategies or designing language support services, consider the linguistic journey many students have already undertaken. Their prior language learning experiences provide valuable insights into their educational backgrounds!

Written by Stephanie Clark