Another thing I have noticed about other countries and education is that they learn a foreign language or two. When I was young, I always felt like the rest of the world should learn English. Now many countries do teach English throughout the education process along with other languages. We don’t. It is always a good thing to know another language, even if it’s just to enjoy your vacation more. LOL
Language skills are important, but for a European or an Asian learning English is a no-brainer. Is there a single ‘obvious’ alternate language for Americans? Spanish? Mandarin? Cantonese? It all depends where you intend to market your skills I guess.