What is Language Immersion?
Immersion is when the target language is the means of instruction and communication for academic subject areas, rather than just being a subject itself.
Benefits of a Language Immersion Education
Academic
Can lead to stronger academic performance and higher test scores.
Cognitive
Fortify mental focus, self expression, and problem solving.
Cultural
Foster empathy, perceptivity, curiosity, and contextual understanding.
Career
Unlock unique career pathways, many with high earning potential.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Literally, it means “stretchy brain.” We use the term to describe how young children’s brains are very flexible in their ability to learn new languages. But neuroplasticity declines with age, which is why teens and adults find it more difficult (but not impossible!) to learn a new language than small children do.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
Language By The Numbers
Languages spoken in the World
Billions of Native Speakers of Chinese (all dialects)
%
Percentage of the world that does not speak English
Languages spoken in North & South America
World Figures Who Speak the Language
Articles
Bilinguals in the United States: Who Are the Millions of Bilinguals in the U.S.?
Psychology Today, May 20, 2012
The background of many of our nation’s bilingual people and where they tend to live.
“The country’s knowledge of the languages of the world is a natural resource that should not be wasted.”
In Job Market, Bilingual Is a Bonus: Employers and Employees Reap Benefits from Workers’ Foreign-Language Skills
Los Angeles Times, May 16, 1995
In today’s global economy, there are more and more jobs where bilingualism is desired if not required.
“Some employers say that it’s also critical to hire people who are “bicultural,” meaning they understand the customs and traditions of their foreign-born clientele.”
Why Teaching Toddlers Mandarin Chinese Is a Smart Investment
ZDNet, Oct 20, 2010
China now has the second largest economy in the world. As a result, language immersion programs have seen a booming demand for Mandarin instruction.
Parents recognize that working knowledge of this widely spoken language will only help their children in their future careers.
