Expand your opportunities by mastering the English language

29 Mar 2018

“Language is wine upon the lips.” – Virginia Woolf

Twenty percent of the world’s total population communicate in English. It is, by far, the most studied language on the planet, confirmed as the language of business and earning its name as the global lingua franca.

With the Harvard Business Review citing English as the fastest-spreading tongue, the influence of this communication form shows no sign of slowing down. Experts predict that while Chinese-Mandarin is well established as the world’s most widespread language when it comes to native speakers, the status of English is likely to match this by the year 2050. In tomorrow’s hyperconnected world, the reality is that you’re unlikely to progress without a firm grasp of this universal tongue.

“There are many, many reasons why learning a new language is a good idea,” notes the Eurocentre’s blog. “It allows you to communicate with new people. It helps you see things from a different perspective, or get a deeper understanding of another culture,” it adds. “It helps you to become a better listener. It even has health opportunities, as studies have shown that people who speak two or more languages have more active minds later in life!”

Language learning may once have been considered a valuable hobby, but globalisation has seen the field evolve into an obligation. This sense of worldwide integration means that those who are fluent in more than one tongue are generally positioned among the most employable. As made clear by Inside Higher Ed, proficiency in any modern language gives graduates a competitive edge as the demand for bilingual workers in the US and elsewhere continues on a steady rise.

Interestingly enough, the British Council has pointed out that speakers of English as a second language (ESL) far outweigh its indigenous representatives. Its power has grown so strong that daily business transactions take place in this form, with many multinational corporations adopting English as their corporate dialect.

Evidence of this can be seen through organisations such as Rakuten – the most successful digital marketplace in regional Japan. Now it’s set to launch its very own crypto-token, the significance of this platform is preparing for even more rapid growth. But this giant of e-commerce fosters English as its mother tongue, despite a majority of its workforce deriving from Japan. And when you think that the situation will be similar pretty much anywhere you go, it makes sense that English is now classed as a language with no borders.

Check out these 4 US schools that will expand your opportunities as you master the English language…

INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IEP), MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

Enriched with comprehensive ESL classes, TEOFL preparation, focused language training, and much more, the Marywood University IEP is the perfect foundation for those hoping to pursue their education in the U.S.

Designed to prepare non-native students for the demands of higher study in the United States, this course develops proficiency for communication in education, business, culture, and careers. Here, students spend 20 hours a week in classroom-based sessions, perfecting their English language expertise as they adjust to student life in the U.S.

Upcoming semesters for the IEP include:

June 2018 through August 2018
August 2018 through December 2018
January 2019 through May 2019

Marywood’s IEP community is known as one that truly cares, ensuring learners are happy and comfortable through every stage of study. You will leave as both a confident and qualified English speaker, equipped with the tools you need to navigate a complex global world.

WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (CELCIS)

At CELCIS, you can learn English and much more.

Since 1975, CELCIS has become an international leader in preparing students for academic and professional success through its English as a second language (ESL) program.

CELCIS offers a successful path to language learning. Its dedicated, innovative teachers provide students with high quality instruction in many new ways. On top of this, students who complete the CELCIS program can enter WMU directly without having to earn a TOEFL or IELTS score.

WMU strongly supports the success of international students. There are many housing and recreational opportunities on offer, helping international students meet native speakers and make new friends. Students can also live in the Global and Languages Community, speak in the conversation circle program, join one of the 400 WMU student organizations, or participate in an organized cultural trip or activity.

As Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery says, “At CELCIS, you can expect a rigorous curriculum, but you will be in an environment where you will engage with friends from the United States and around the world, with faculty who are invested in your education and with a community that is excited to welcome you.”

ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE (ELI), NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (NYIT)

This specialised institute provides a clear and effective curriculum, giving students the chance to tailor the program to their specific needs. Encompassing targeted support services that cover everything from orientation to detailed visa advice, rest assured that NYIT has got you covered from the moment you arrive.

Here, the IEP is ideal for those looking to hone their proficiency for professional or academic use, with 15-week courses of study offered in both the Spring and Fall semesters. Students can select one of four intensive skill-based levels, choosing to perfect their listening, speaking, reading or writing expertise.

“If English is not your native language,” the institution notes, “you may need specialized English coursework in order to achieve your academic and professional goals. NYIT’s English Language Institute (ELI) can help. We offer every level of English instruction and will prepare you for your future.”

THE LANGUAGE COMPANY

With campuses in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Missouri and Florida, just to name a few, The Language Company presents a breadth and depth of options for anyone keen to study ESL in the US.

Programs include Business English, Foundations of English, General and Intensive English, helping you perfect your skill in line with long-term goals.

“You will study under teachers highly skilled in teaching English to international students,” the Company website states. “You will have academic counsellors to guide you every step of the way. Our cooperating college network will make it easier for you to enter the American University of your choice.”

The Company has offered specialised language courses since 1983, boasting a history of excellence that draws students from all over the globe. Here, you’ll make lasting memories and meet lifelong friends, so sign up now for a learning journey that you won’t forget.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International