Learning opportunities have drastically increased in the last years. My parents studied French at the secondary school, but they never attended any extra courses, neither they went to France to improve their fluency. In addition, they didn't use to listen to French music, neither they watched film in French. 
Today is easier to find music and videos in foreign languages. New medias spread worldwide and having a good command of the English allow you to find more information on the Net. 
On the other side, we are almost forced to learn English, otherwise finding a job would be harder. Many companies had started business with foreign partners and their employees are required to know English. In addition, English is the language of the Science, so academic papers have to be written in English.
However, I consider the spread of  the English an opportunity to meet foreign people and to know other cultures .