1. COGNITIVE BENEFITS
Bilingual education can strengthen the executive function of the brain. Research shows that because bilingual students can use two languages simultaneously, switching them consistently in their brain develops skills for functions such as inhibition, switching attention, and working memory.
As such, bilingual educated individuals often perform better on tasks which require multi-tasking, decision making and problem-solving, even though they have nothing to do with the language.
2. CULTURAL BENEFITS
Education in a bilingual environment enhances the opportunity to learn the culture and tradition linked with the languages. In this borderless world and multicultural communities, bilingual education helps students develop international-mindedness with insights from different cultures and ideas. It also enhances students’ communication skills and adaption to multicultural environments.
Furthermore, the awareness of cultural sensitivities and traditions is the key to making a sound, considered decision.
3. ACADEMIC BENEFITS
Bilingual students mean their options for higher education get broader. Since they are benefited from bilingual education with high cognitive ability, social interaction and communication, they have more choice as to which universities and in which country.
It is also easier for them to start fresh in a foreign country and assimilate faster into the local culture and way of life.
4. FINANCIAL AND CARER-RELATED BENEFITS
With worldwide globalization, the ability to bilingualism, adapt and absorb different cultures are precious to many companies. From the creative industries to the charity world, companies want employees with an innate sensitivity to cultural trends, comfortably interact with a variety of people, and have excellent communication skills. They can also feel secure with their employee, who always support themselves through translation work.
5. LONG-TERM HEALTH BENEFITS
There is growing research into how the cognitive benefits of bilingualism extend to fighting off neurological diseases. Researchers have found that actively using two languages protects against age-related dementia and Parkinson’s disease in later life.
Specifically, in a Canadian Alzheimer’s study, a group of bilingual adults performed on par with monolingual adults regarding cognitive tests and daily functioning. They found evidence of brain atrophy five to seven years later than in the monolingual group.
