375 million people use English as their first language and it is estimated that over a billion speak it as a second language. This makes it one of the most important languages in the world. It is the language of business, science and international organisations and can unite communities and nationalities that otherwise would have no means to communicate.
Speaking and understanding English can open doors and give you access to opportunities such as jobs, travel and study that simply wouldn't be possible otherwise. Being bilingual makes you a more attractive candidate for jobs and will greatly improve the opportunities to travel and live overseas.
You could learn English from a textbook or even on the Internet but certain things will be lacking. English has a lot of idiosyncrasies and irregularities that you simply won't grasp unless you live in an English-speaking country. Plus it will take you much longer to learn it and could become rather boring.
So, why not learn English where it all started, in England? Set your sights on the country's capital and you won't be left disappointed. This enthralling city has over 2000 years of history tracing back to Roman times and is still just as important to the world economy today.
However, there is more to London than history and the financial industry. Greater London takes up a area of roughly 600 square miles and within this boundary there are so many shops, bars, restaurants, clubs, pubs, cinemas, parks, museums, art galleries, sports centres and famous landmarks that it is near impossible to get bored.
London may well be one of the world's most expensive cities for house prices, rents and entertainment costs, however the national museums and galleries are free; there are at least two cheap restaurants for every expensive one and every summer there is free music, cinema and theatre on the South Bank and many other open spaces. These are the kind of things you only really discover once you have become a Londoner.
Along with a more in depth understanding of the English language and culture these are the type of things you can only learn and enjoy by living and learning in.
Furthermore, over 300 languages are spoken in London so if you do start to feel a little homesick, you are sure to find some reminders of home dotted all across the vast capital city. London is a truly multi-cultural city, where despite this diversity you can still feel at home.
