For us, bilingual education means that learners study typical school subjects – for example, maths or geography – through an additional language (such as English) and some subjects through their first language. Or, they may study the same subject through two languages.
This understanding of bilingual education is linked to other educational concepts such as English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and dual-language education.
Why bilingual education matters
Bilingual education in English is becoming increasingly popular. A recent study showed that English-taught programmes at higher education more than tripled in countries outside of the UK, USA, Canada and Australia between 2014 and 2024.
English continues to be a key language for global mobility in future careers. A Cambridge survey* of 5,300 employers in 38 countries found:
- roughly 85% of international organisations use English as one of their working languages
- over 80% of academic journals are written in English.
The benefits of bilingual education
In addition to offering access to more opportunities in higher education and in the workforce, bilingualism has been generally shown to have many advantages for learners. These include improved cognitive flexibility (the ability to adapt our behaviour and thinking in response to the environment), better problem-solving skills and enhanced creativity.
In the school context, bilingual classrooms reflect the diverse backgrounds of students – it is common for learners to communicate in two, three or even four languages. There are several benefits for teachers and learners:
- Collective knowledge – each student brings unique expertise. Some may have exceptional knowledge about a subject, while others have strong language skills, and by interacting they can add to their learning.
- Broader perspectives – studying subjects in another language deepens understanding. Students gain new insights, enriching their educational experience.
- Preparation for a global future – in an interconnected world, multilingualism is an asset. It prepares students to engage with diverse cultures and promotes global citizenship.
- Long-term language competence – mastering a second language is a gradual process that needs consistent exposure to that language. Teaching subjects in English speeds up this process, improving overall language skills.
Key terms
- Bilingual learner: a student who uses their first language at home or in the community and is learning through a second language, for example English, at school.
- CEFR – The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: an international standard for describing language ability, accepted by over 25 000 institutions worldwide. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.
- CLIL – Content and Language Integrated Learning: a teaching method that works to improve language skills through teaching students a subject in a language that is not their first language.
- EAL – English as an Additional Language: EAL approaches are for learners whose first language is not English. They enable learners to develop practical language skills and build their confidence in communicating in English (also referred to as ‘EFL’ – English as a Foreign Language).
- ELT – English Language Teaching
- EMI – English as a Medium of Instruction: an educational approach in which academic subjects are taught in the English language in countries where the majority of people do not use English as their first language.
- ESL – English as a Second Language: ESL approaches are for learners whose first language is not English, but who study through the English medium. They develop an ability to understand English in a range of academic and work situations. This includes transferable skills to complement other areas of the curriculum.
- ETP – English Taught Programme: this refers to educational programmes that are taught in English. These programmes are offered in various countries and higher education institutions, enabling international students to study abroad while using English as the medium of instruction.
- FLE – First Language English: this is when English is the main language spoken at home.
- L1: this term is used to identify a learner’s first language (the language spoken at home).
- L2: this term is used to identify a learner’s second language.