It's that time of year again where we look back at what we've done and look ahead at what we want to do. As you're thinking through what your goals are for the next year we think you should consider adding learning a language (or improving a language you already started to learn) to the list. Why? Well...5. It takes you placesThere's a special kind of magic that comes from traveling when you know the native language - even just a little bit of it. New options open up as you can look beyond the guide book. If you know the language you can have conversations with people from the area about their favorite places to visit, things to eat, and who knows what else! Beyond your expanding - and more flexible - itinerary you also will gain a new sense of depth to your travel. Learning a language takes you closer to the culture, history, and outlook of another place giving you more context than a translation.4. It helps your careerOf course learning a language can literally take you places, by giving you new opportunities in your career. Even if you're not learning a language to get that dream job in the foreign office,  language skills are becoming a key part to any competitive resume in an increasingly connected world. Nearly any field needs language skills now-a-days whether you're working with international partners and audiences or increasingly diverse domestic ones.3. It's fun!Ok, we know that you're thinking, "Conjugation tables and flashcards aren't fun." But that doesn't need to be the be-all and end-all of your language learning (and they can fun be if you do them right!). What you're really getting with a new language is a whole new library of music, movies, TV shows, poetry, games, books, etc. What ever your interest is somebody has probably talked, written, and thought about it in a different language. And they likely did it from a whole new perspective you haven't considered yet.2. You'll make new friendsWhile you can get pretty far learning a language on your own, eventually you're going to need to start testing out your new language by speaking with people. This can be a pen pal, a tutor, a stranger, a host family, whatever! And it will probably be intimidating at first, but trust us it'll be worth it. You'll be amazed how encouraging people are and how excited they will be when you show that you want to learn their language.1. You'll learn about yourselfOne benefit that people often forget to talk about when learning a new language is the introspection that comes with it. You're challenging yourself to do something new, and its going to be hard. But the chance to reevaluate something as basic as how you name and explain your world is going to give you new perspectives and make you reevaluate your old assumptions.If you're thinking of learning Spanish or Maya next year - or improving on what you already know - we'd be happy to help. Just check out our site or email us at SAY@naaitkmexico.org. 

 If you would like to read more about Mexican culture, history, cuisine and language, check out our blog page for our latest monthly articles. You can also sign up to our newsletter to receive these straight to your inbox along with the latest news about our non-profit school for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto. 

The best way to experience the Mexican lifestyle is in person, with a Na’atik Immersion experience. Not only do you live with a local Mexican-Maya family, sharing home-cooked meals and free time, but also receive expert instruction in your chosen language at our school. Best of all, every immersion experience helps fund our subsidized and free local education program, helping local students to access opportunities and make their own futures.