What is the point of learning Spanish as a second language

When I look at the desire to learn a second language it is based on travel. What foreign country can I visit that speaks this language. It is the ability to leave the common touristy areas and enter into local authentic restaurants, small towns, or country side and embrace their way of life. And what better way to do this than by speaking their language. Also, the ability to move to a foreign country is also appealing if you can speak their language. There are so many great little towns in Italy so learning Italian is appealing. The same way with learning Greek or French or German. The same can be said for Japanese or Chinese.

The three most common languages spoken in Europe are:
1. English 2. French 3. German.


I know the Spanish they speak in Mexico is not the same Spanish they speak in Europe. So what is the point of learning this Mexican Spanish? Are you going to go to Lubbock Texas and practice it? Do you wish to talk to illegal immigrants who are living in the United States and can not talk English? Visiting Mexico outside of the tourist spots is not safe. Mexico is classified as a third world country. I do not see the appeal of learning native languages for the countries of Africa and I view this similar to learning Spanish. I don’t see a point in it.