Hi Mauricio, I started to learn a new language when I got a job in Shanghai, China. It was difficult not being able to speak their language. So I decided to learn Mandarin. Upon learning the basic, I was able to communicate with people on a daily basis. It definitely made my life there easier.
To answer your question "how did it change me?" well, learning a new language gave me a new perspective as an English teacher. When I became a language student myself, I realised that it's not that easy learning a new language. But because of that experience I learned how to put myself in my student's shoes and I am thankful of that experience.