Add a language to your resume and, in many professions, it can improve your chances of getting a job and being paid more for it.

A recent Korn/Ferry poll found that 64 percent of business executives speak two or more languages, which can come in handy when businesses expand overseas. Job applicants who speak two languages can work as teachers, translators or interpreters or they can help a company deal with its overseas operations.

According to the National Association for Bilingual Education, active-duty military personnel can earn an additional $1,000 per month if they have vital language skills.

The demand for bilingual workers is expected to grow, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, as America's population becomes more diverse. What's more, a recent job forecast found that nearly four in 10 "plan to hire bilingual candidates" and half said, "If they had two equally qualified candidates, they would be more inclined to hire the bilingual candidate."

Fortunately, it is more feasible than you might imagine to become proficient in a language. Programs such as The Language Flagship are changing how languages are taught, making it easier to immerse yourself and use your language skills in a professional situation.

The Language Flagship offers intensive domestic language instruction, cultural immersion and direct enrollment in foreign universities, where students take courses in their field of study. Students also are required to participate in  an internship in countries such as Egypt, China, India, South Korea, Russia and Syria.

The program focuses on languages critical to national competitiveness and security, including Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Swahili, Russian and Persian. Flagship Centers, at major universities throughout the United States, provide undergraduate and graduate students intensive language study in concert with their academic major.

Hundreds of students have completed the program and their professional paths are as diverse as their backgrounds. Some have chosen to further their academic development, while others have decided to work in education; in law; for government agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Defense; or for multinational companies.

"This groundbreaking program is directly addressing the concerns of government, business and the general public regarding America's ability to compete effectively in the global environment," said National Security Education Program Director Robert Slater.

The Star Ledger - Newark; March 03, 2010; Page 6