What Are the Benefits of Learning English?

Preach My Gospel encourages missionaries who do not speak English to study English as a missionary. Learning English will bless missionaries during their mission and enable them to help build the Lord’s kingdom in additional ways after their mission. Learning English will be a blessing for them and their family (see Preach My Gospel, 140). Learning English can also increase companionship unity and provide opportunities for companions to support each other in learning a language (see Preach My Gospel, 142).

All young full-time missionaries completing their missionary service (including early-release and service missionaries) are preapproved for BYU–Pathway Worldwide and receive a tuition discount. When missionaries complete the EnglishConnect 3 online course or achieve a qualifying score on the English language assessment, they can waive the English admission assessment to BYU–Pathway Worldwide.

“Through BYU–Pathway Worldwide, many returned missionaries who otherwise would not be able to gain higher education will be able to achieve their educational goals and better provide for themselves and their families … Please encourage missionaries who do not speak English to learn English even if they do not plan to apply for BYU–Pathway Worldwide” (Handbook for Mission Leaders, 2.7.2).

Learning English can improve opportunities for employment. These opportunities may be available locally or remotely. In countries where English is not the primary language, individuals who speak English have expanded options for employment and can earn 30–50 percent higher salaries than the average non-English-speaking individual.

Visit missionary.englishconnect.org to learn more and access additional resources.