What Are the Benefits of Learning English?

“If you do not speak English, you should study it as a missionary. This will bless you during your mission and throughout your life” (Preach My Gospel, 140). Learning English during your mission can provide you and your companion opportunities to strengthen and support each other. “Help your companions experience success and gain confidence in learning the mission language or in learning English. Sincerely and frequently compliment your companions and other missionaries on their progress” (Preach My Gospel, 142). When you return home, you can use your English skills to help others. “Continue to use your mission language after you return home. The Lord has invested much in you, and He may have uses for your language abilities later in your life” (Preach My Gospel, 140).

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. BYU–Pathway is a university program that provides online certificates and degrees.

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.