by Lisa Aiken, retired world language teacher
Did you know that learning a foreign language is good for you? Is your college French a bit rusty? Perhaps you want to bring the Polish from your childhood to the front of your brain? Is learning Korean via K-pop lyrics too difficult? Servas Language Exchanges may be your answer!
Servas has opportunities besides the Servas Youth Language Experience (SYLE) for 18-30-year-olds. The Servas Language Experience (SLE) is for older adults. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to Malawi? They have a great volunteer program. Many hosts allow longer stays so remember to filter your host searches for “Longer stay (SYLE, volunteering, other training)”.
Learning a foreign language as an adult provides immediate advantages for your career, travel experiences, and personal growth. Professionally, bilingualism increases your earning potential and opens up global networking opportunities by making you a versatile asset in the workplace. When traveling, knowing the local language grants you independence from tourist traps, allows you to navigate unfamiliar spaces confidently, and helps you form genuine connections with locals. It also deepens your cultural appreciation, letting you experience foreign cinema, literature, and media without losing critical nuances in translation.
Beyond social and career benefits, regular language practice serves as a powerful investment in your long-term brain health and personal identity. Toggling between two languages enhances your multitasking abilities and sharpens your decision-making by reducing emotional bias. Crucially, this mental workout builds a cognitive reserve that can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms by up to five years. Embracing a new tongue also expands your empathy, connects you to vibrant social communities, and allows you to discover entirely new facets of your own personality.
For more information, contact youthandfamilies@servas.org.
For more information about SYLE and scholarships available to US members aged 18-30, visit the US Servas Youth Language Experience page.
