Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
16 May, 2025

Why Learning Foreign Languages at School Matters, and the Unique Advantage of International Schools

Why Learning Foreign Languages at School Matters, and the Unique Advantage of International Schools  - Why Learning Foreign Languages at School Matters

In today’s globally connected world, the ability to speak more than one language is becoming increasingly valuable. While not every child will grow up bilingual, early exposure to foreign languages can offer lasting cognitive, academic and social benefits.

 

For parents raising globally minded children, prioritising foreign language learning from an early age is one of the smartest educational investments you can make. And when it comes to setting your child up for multilingual success, international schools offer one of the most effective environments to develop real-world language skills.

Why is Learning a Foreign Language at School So Important?

In a world where global connections shape our lives more than ever, foreign language learning is essential to help your child excel. Here’s why introducing it early, especially in school, sets your child apart.

 

1. Cognitive Benefits That Last a Lifetime

Research consistently shows that children who learn a second language early develop better memory, enhanced concentration, and stronger problem-solving skills. Bilingual students are also better at multitasking and tend to outperform peers in standardised tests. Learning a new language helps build neural pathways that benefit overall academic performance.

 

2. Boosts Confidence and Communication Skills

When children speak more than one language, they become more comfortable expressing themselves in a variety of settings. Whether in a classroom discussion or a real-world scenario abroad, foreign language learning builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and strengthens both verbal and non-verbal communication.

 

3. Opens Doors to Global Opportunities

In an increasingly competitive job market, being bilingual or multilingual gives your child a serious edge. From careers in business and international relations to travel, tech, and hospitality, the ability to speak a second language is a powerful professional asset. It also makes navigating the world — both personally and professionally — much easier and more enriching.

 

4. Encourages Cultural Awareness and Empathy

Language is more than just vocabulary; it’s a gateway to understanding different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Learning a language helps students become more open-minded, empathetic, and respectful — traits that are essential in a globally connected society. It builds true global citizens.

 

5. Develops Lifelong Learning Habits

When children engage with a new language, they also learn how to learn. They become more adaptable, more curious, and more resilient — traits that carry over into every other subject and every stage of life. Language learning fosters a growth mindset that prepares them for future challenges and lifelong success.

 

Why Do International Schools Lead the Way?

At Nord Anglia Education, we understand that the best way to learn a language is through meaningful, everyday experiences, not just textbooks. That’s why our students don’t just learn languages, they live them.

 

In our international school environments, students are surrounded by a diverse mix of nationalities, cultures, and mother tongues. This natural immersion makes language acquisition faster, more intuitive, and more enjoyable. Whether it's ordering lunch in French, collaborating on a Spanish project, or making friends from around the world, language learning is woven into daily school life.

 

Some of our schools even teach in more than one language. This level of immersion across subjects and disciplines creates genuine fluency and confidence in cross-cultural communication. Interested in learning more about these schools? Check them out below.

 

  • Avenues New York, has a Bilingual Programme teaching either Mandarin or Spanish.

  • BVIS Hanoi, Vietnam, teaches in Vietnamese & English 

  

Set Your Child Up for Global Success

If you're looking for a school that prepares your child to be a confident communicator, global citizen, and multilingual leader, choose a school where language learning is more than just a subject — it’s a lived experience.

 

At Nord Anglia Education, we don’t just teach languages. We unlock futures.