ESL or English as a Second Language is not only a subject AND a communication tool, but it is a way of life for some people. English is one of the languages most commonly spoken throughout the world and one of the most desirable languages to learn. In many countries, you have ESL teachers coming from predominantly English speaking countries to teach the language to the locals. For ESL teachers, it’s an adventure of a lifetime – an opportunity to see the world as well as make some money.

To say that English as a Second Language is just another language subject that one studies in school are a major understatement. People taking ESL aren’t learning the language like a student might take Spanish or French in high school or college. ESL learners aren’t hobbyists – they are studying English because they believe it is a communication tool necessary to further their education and career possibilities.

They aren’t wrong either. ESL has been proven to improve a number of brain functions. Compared with single-language speakers, bilinguals have an easier time with:

  • Understanding math concepts
  • Developing critical thinking skills
  • Paying attention
  • Analyzing languages
  • Learning new languages
  • Problem-solving
  • Abstract thinking
  • Filtering out distractions and extraneous information
  • Multi-tasking

Successful ESL students also enjoy:

Superior Memory

ESL training will lead to an increase in memory ability and is particularly good for short-term memory.  This is a lifelong benefit that helps in school and the workplace.

Mental Flexibility

A second language opens up pathways in the brain which helps a person think from multiple angles. ESL helps exercise the brain to keep it flexible and agile.

The Benefits Of ESL Aren’t Just For Children

Bilingual adults have more employment opportunities than their one-language colleagues and the demand for bilinguals will continue to grow around the world.

ESL benefits are also evident in older groups. As people age, they lose the ability to perform complex tasks. The part of the brain responsible for planning diminishes and older people are less able to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances. However, studies show that ESL senior’s brains decline slower and operate more efficiently than monolingual seniors.

Recent studies have also shown that bilingualism may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s. Researchers have noted that bilinguals showed symptoms of Alzheimer’s four to five years after monolinguals with similar genetic traits.

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is a North Toronto based English language school founded in 2005. We provide prestigious English language courses that will equip you for academia and business. Contact us today for more information.

 

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