English as a tool for school in Mexico.

How important is studying English for people in Mexico?

There are many opinions about the importance of English for people these days. The students have their very own and realistic opinions. Also the parents and school teachers have a very personal concept of the importance of English in Mexico. Many students have family relatives living in the US or they have a close relationship to someone that has gotten back from over there. As a result, they can "taste" the importance of studying English today. They can understand that if they know English now, they can open a wide range of new life opportunities for them in the future. Some other students in higher levels, believe that English is the most important language today. They are aware of the use of English at the University classes and in business transactions. Furthermore, they have realized that many employers in Mexico offer job  opportunities better paid when you speak the language. When I ask my students if they know how important the language is, they often reply: "Yes, I know English is great for my future". Somehow the students have the fact that  studying English is crucial in the back of their heads.

Parents also realize that studying English it is a part of their kids "duty" at school. They refer to the subject as one the of the most important in the school. And even more, you can feel there exists a "silent code" among many parents in Mexico, when it comes to selecting the best private school for their children, parents find out if that particular school has daily English classes as a factor for taking their final decision. It comes to my mind a person I talked to a few years ago.  

Government authorities in Mexico have changed the laws and the education system so that English language instruction begins in all public schools of the elementary level of education. As a consequence, many English teachers are working for the public sector now. This has brought up the importance of English in Mexico to a new level.

Personally, I believe students in Mexico are sure of the main significance of English in their curricula. Parents are also convinced that studying English it is now a key subject for their children and young adults' education for life. Spite the cost of education, that sometimes it is not cheap, students in Mexico are  struggling for learning English.

• How important is studying English for you?
• Que tan importante es el idioma inglés para tí?         

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