Use it or lose it. Learning a foreign language is excellent for understanding how language works but becoming fluent when one has no reason to use a language is not useful. I learned the nomenclature for parts of speech with HS French, fortunately my Honors English class never wasted time on labels beyond the basics (excellent usage does not need knowing the three word phrase describing the tense/whatever- I suspect the elite U English prof from my HS classes would agree).
It is a lot more meaningful for Europeans to speak other languages since they have the opportunity to use them. I disagree with any attempts to make Spanish compulsory, btw- there are so many other languages spoken by immigrants to the US and the Spanish speakers need English to communicate with others.
It is excellent for colleges/universities to require a foreign language for admission and to recommend four years’ worth. As above, it enhances one’s understanding of language, regardless of one’s future major. Accepting the time spent without any tests on ability allows students to not strive for fluency where using the language is not at all practical. I do see it a shame too many students concentrate on Spanish instead of other European languages with a richer history of literature. Please, do not ask those fluent in three languages (and alphabets- think India) to learn yet another language to accommodate those who won’t learn English in the US.
re post #19. Decades ago my experience visiting French Canada was that the French speakers were not always bilingual- they skimped on learning English. In today’s world I suspect more English is learned (not just taught as always was done) because of globalization. Those from other countries needed the second language while locals did not.