Most Studied Languages at U.S. Colleges?

Hello, trying to select a language to study in college but I'm curious - what are the three most studied languages at U.S. colleges currently? Are these languages particularly beneficial in today's job market?

The three most studied languages in U.S. colleges, according to the Modern Language Association, are typically Spanish, French, and German.

SPANISH: Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States, and it's also widely spoken globally with many countries in Latin America using Spanish as their primary language. Therefore, learning Spanish can definitely give you an advantage in many sectors such as business and healthcare where it's beneficial to communicate effectively with a diverse population.

FRENCH: French is spoken in many parts of Europe, Africa, and parts of Canada, making it a truly global language. It’s also one of the official languages of many international organizations, including the United Nations. Therefore, knowledge of French can be useful in fields like international relations, diplomacy, and international business.

GERMAN: German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe and is the most widely spoken first language in the European Union. Germany is also known for its strong engineering and technology sectors, so learning German can be especially advantageous if you're interested in these fields.

Ultimately the choice of language to study should align with your personal interests, academic goals, and career aspirations. Use these factors to guide your decision rather than basing it solely on popularity. For example, if you anticipate a career focused on East Asia, studying Mandarin would be more beneficial than studying any of the three most popular languages. Similarly, if you're interested in Middle Eastern studies or international relations, Arabic might be an excellent choice. If you're unsure, you could reflect on where you envision yourself working or what cultures and languages interest you.