Language learning is a key priority under a new EU study abroad funding program for education, training and youth organizations due to be launched in January 2014. The new scheme, called Erasmus+, follows a report from the European Commission on the importance of language skills in a market where businesses increasingly operate internationally.
Speaking at the London Language Show recently, the EU commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou, said: “Language learning is vital in Europe... foreign language competences are needed not only by the large multinationals, but increasingly also by SMEs [small and medium enterprises] with international marketing strategies, and by public services having to deal with increasingly multicultural and multilingual citizens.”
Other prominent organizations highlighting the need for more foreign language learning include the UK’s Guardian newspaper and the British Council, which helps to create international education opportunities. In addition, the recently launched 1000 Words Challenge campaign aims to inspire everyone in the UK to learn 1,000 words of another language.