English as a Second Language: Train your Brain and Boost Your Job Prospects

We all know that studying English as a second language (ESL) can place you at a distinct global advantage. Not only is it a practical language with 508 million speakers that offers increased employment, education and travel opportunities, it has also been proven to significantly increase mental agility.

Studies have shown that studying a second language can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s while providing overall benefits to memory and problem-solving abilities.

Learning English will make all aspects of your work, rest and play a lot more enjoyable and diverse, helping you widen your aims and achieve your goals.

Mental mover

Learning a second language acts as a great workout for your brain, using both the creative and logical neurones. Recent studies on Indian patients diagnosed with dementia found that on average, patients who spoke more than one language began to develop Alzheimer’s symptoms 4.5 years later than those who spoke only one language. As you learn new vocabulary you are testing your memory and reasoning skills. And once you start speaking another language you begin to perfect the brain’s “executive function”, or the choices and planning you make while switching between a new language and your own.

Stay one step ahead

Studying English means you can stay one step ahead both during and after your studies. Many institutions ensure international students become a fully integrated part of university life and offer Academic English courses so you can take the subjects that you love.  You will also have access to a whole new English-language job pool, aided by the people you meet and the connections you make during your studies.

Learning English needn’t just stop with your studies either. For example, it may even inspire you to take on a different role in the classroom such as following a new career in English teaching. As the global demand for ESL, TOEFL and IELTS teachers continues to grow, you could find yourself living and working overseas full time.

Economics

Economics is often one of the primary reasons students consider learning English. As the dollar has boomed, economies such as Colombia, Mexico and Brazil have been badly hit with soaring prices not only in supermarkets, but also in education. Emerging markets mean international companies are increasingly looking to regions such as Latin America for opportunities and growth. What better way to stand out from the crowd than by learning English as a second language so you can start opening up those doors of opportunity in education and employment?

Travel

For those that have always dreamed of the bright lights of New York, seeing in the New Year in Sydney Harbour, or visiting the birthplace of the great bard William Shakespeare, learning English provides an opportunity to travel. An increasing numbers of institutions are beginning to offer ESL programs for non-native English speakers.  Living and studying in another country offers you the chance to improve your English fluency, make new friends and discover a different culture, all while you complete your studies.

Work and play

Learning English ticks a whole variety of boxes as your employment opportunities will grow along with your personal and professional connections, plus there are endless opportunities in sport and culture – from watching your favourite film without subtitles, or going to a football match – meaning that English is part of play time too.

Crossing borders

Countries such as the United States, Canada and Australia are continuing to make international study options easier and providing more opportunities to pursue dynamic and varied courses. Learning English doesn’t have to limit you to English speaking countries either. The abolishment of visas for Schengen countries means travel across Europe is easier too, meaning you have more opportunities to land a job with an international firm or even at the United Nations.

An excellent level of English requires high quality teaching and classes tailored to meet individual student requirements. High caliber institutions all over the world are offering students world-class English classes, such as the programs offered by The American English Institute (AEI) at the University of Oregon.

The AEI provides high quality English language instruction and English language training. International students receive a warm welcome at AEI, and are an important part of the 20,000 students on the University of Oregon campus. The AEI offers courses that benefit students, regardless of their level of English. The university’s Intensive English Program (IEP) offers core classes, electives and extracurricular learning to meet with students’ requirements. AEI students can also actively obtain support through the Tutoring and Conversation Partner Program that provides students with an opportunity to gain greater cultural awareness and better understand US culture.

You can connect with the American English Institute on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook, or find out more about their English Language courses via the website.