You're absolutely right about the immersion and the cultural element, which are aspects often overlooked when considering the benefits of language learning. They say travel opens your mind; well, this is like traveling without moving from your spot!
The intricacies of grammar, pronunciation, and the richness of vocabulary expand our very perception of communication. And, as you said, being able to step into another's culture is a humbling and enriching experience that often comes with some form of self-reflection too.
It's incredible how many doors a new language can open, be it for travel or even just connecting with diverse people locally - the possibilities are endless! I've heard some people say learning languages is a waste of time, but to each his own; the world is so diverse, and it'd be a pity not to embrace that.
What languages do you find most intriguing, and why? That could give us some hints on where to point our energies!