English is useful for traveling or for giving directions to foreign tourists. But having an entire generation of young people study English for several years seems a lot of effort just so they can give directions or ask for a coke in a restaurant in Hawaii. A good phrase book will give most people all the English they need for travel or giving directions.
Another reason for studying English is that it might be useful in future employment. Perhaps, but these days, even students who speak English very well have difficulty finding jobs in which they can use their English. Let's face it, most people seldom have a chance to use English at work. Some employers want to hire students with good English ability, and some employees will have chances to work abroad and speak English, and so studying English is not a bad career investment. Nevertheless, it is hardly a reason for making every university student, even those with modest career ambitions, continue to study English in university.