The power of English in a globalised world

As the global economy expands and cultures merge, proficiency in English opens doors to opportunities in education, business, and international communication. The significance of English as a language and skill in this interconnected world today cannot be over-emphasised: it is no longer a luxury but a necessity. While knowledge in one's mother tongue gives a key to academic, professional, and personal fulfilment, mastery of the language, for a student, means much more than passing through an examination. Outside of the classroom, proficient language skills enable individuals to navigate diverse cultural landscapes, fostering both personal growth and professional opportunities. In today's globalised society, it becomes a skill of great durability aimed at helping improve one's learning abilities, enhance communication, and connect meaningfully with the whole world outside.?

In India, the demand for studying abroad is higher than ever. According to statistics from India’s Ministry of External Affairs , 1.33 million Indian learners are pursuing higher education abroad in 2024, up from 1.31 million the previous year. For these learners, English language proficiency is a key factor in gaining admission to study programmes at leading global institutions. These skills often determine eligibility for enrolment and access to scholarships. Learning English allows learners to navigate everyday life more comfortably in English-speaking countries, enabling them to focus on their studies and build professional networks. As a result, educational institutions are offering tailored English language courses to help students improve their proficiency before they embark on their international journeys. This will not only enhance their academic readiness but also boost their confidence in communication, ultimately contributing to a smoother transition into their new environments.?

Creating pathways to global opportunities?

English proficiency has become an entry point to international opportunities in nearly every area of economic activity.? The modern workplace demands English proficiency as a fundamental skill, linking it to enhanced career prospects, increased salaries, and accelerated professional growth. Nations with advanced English skills reap benefits like heightened global competitiveness, increased foreign investment, and innovative breakthroughs. In sectors like IT/ITES and GCC, English proficiency is non-negotiable, facilitating precise technical documentation and effortless communication. Today, most companies look for employees who can communicate effectively in English. By acquiring English skills early on, learners unlock a world of career possibilities, gaining a competitive edge in the global job market and positioning themselves for success in various industries. By mastering English, learners gain a competitive edge, navigate complex global interactions, and propel their careers forward.?

What schools can do to impart English as a skill??

Schools play a vital role in fostering learners' language skills by creating an immersive, language-rich environment where English is seamlessly integrated into daily life. From classroom instruction to extracurricular activities, cultivating fluency, confidence, and a lifelong command of the language is the key.? To achieve this, schools can implement strategies such as developing language-rich curricula, encouraging cross-curricular language use, and providing opportunities for student interaction.??

To ensure a lifelong command of language, schools should create a culture of reading, use technology to their benefit, and offer targeted support services. Teachers should model effective language use, and assessment should be ongoing and holistic, combining informal evaluations with structured assessments to identify learners' strengths and areas for growth. This integrated approach empowers learners to develop fluency, confidence, and essential soft skills, preparing them for global opportunities and success.?

Cambridge offers a suite of internationally recognised English exams and courses, accepted by over 25,000 universities worldwide. For school-age learners, Cambridge English Qualifications provide a clear, structured pathway to language proficiency. Additionally, Cambridge's Linguaskill offers a convenient online test assessing listening, speaking, reading, and writing (LSRW) skills, while IELTS serves as the globally accepted standard for proof of English proficiency, required by institutions, employers, and immigration agencies for study and work opportunities. The vision is to create a transformative learning and assessment methodology that nurtures a learner, integrating technical proficiency with language fluency, to empower them for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.?

When resources such as Cambridge assessments are made an integral part of a learner’s academic development from the early stages, the schools in the future will prepare learners who can stand tall in a plethora of skills aimed at surviving in the globalised environment. For such young learners able to use language skills, it is not just an opportunity to study or earn a living but also an opportunity to help build the globe in times to come. So, we must harness the power of the language now so that we can prepare our learners to be the leaders of tomorrow.?

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