Building The Right Language Model For Your Founding School.

Today international schools are increasingly offering children the opportunity to learn in a language other than their first. The July 14, 2021, news article from ISC research stated that bilingual international schools have experienced a 7.9% compound annual growth rate since 2011 with 34% of all international schools now offering bilingual or multilingual learning.

Why is choosing the right language model for your school important?

Selecting a language model that harmonizes with the schools's mission, objectives, and the linguistic diversity of both the campus and the surrounding community is paramount. In our contemporary global landscape, the ability to converse in multiple languages, such as being bilingual or trilingual, can profoundly enrich a student's educational journey and future prospects. As the demand for multilingual proficiency continues to rise in the professional realm, the importance of choosing the most fitting language model program for your institution cannot be emphasized enough.

Is monolingual or dual language the best choice?

Below are the most popular Language models being implemented in International schools.

Language Model Program	Goal	Best Fit for Grade Levels
Dual-Language Immersion (Two-Way Immersion model) is language learning and academic instruction for native speakers of English and native speakers of another language.	The goals of dual-language immersion programs are language proficiency and academic achievement in students’ first and second languages, and cross-cultural understanding.	Typically found in kindergarten through grade eight but may be offered through grade twelve.
Transitional Bilingual ( Monolingual model) provides instruction for English learners utilizing English and students’ native language for literacy and academic instruction.	The goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in English. Students typically transition to “English only” instruction by third grade.	Typically found in kindergarten through grade three but may be offered at higher grade levels.
Structured English Immersion (One-Way Immersion)provides instruction in English and another language for non-speakers of the other language.	The goals of language proficiency and academic achievement in English and the other language, and cross-cultural understanding.	Typically found in kindergarten through grade eight.
Heritage Language or Indigenous Language provides instruction in English and another language for non-English speakers or students with limited literacy skills in their first language.	Indigenous language programs support endangered minority languages in which students may have limited receptive and no productive skills. Both programs often serve countries with disappearing heritage languages.	Typically found in kindergarten through grade twelve.

What is the “gold standard” for supporting Dual Language in international schools?

International schools implementing the dual language and bilingual education models employ both students' native languages and English as the mediums of instruction, with the explicit aim of nurturing bilingualism. The ultimate objective is for students to graduate with proficiencies in being bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. These invaluable and enriching attributes have the potential to yield a positive influence on students at a global scale.

Researchers continuously state that dual language education has positive effects on children’s home language and English language skills, as well as other learning domains. It takes a great level of commitment for an international school to adopt a dual language model, including administrator/program commitment, qualified bilingual staff, intensive training, materials, and resources.

Michigan State University globalEDGE stated that people with global awareness: who know other languages often familiarize themselves with those cultures as well. They appreciate cultural differences and are more open to new approaches and traditions. This diverse mindset reduces biases and encourages more traveling in the future.

When embarking on the journey of establishing your institution of learning, it's imperative to consider the enduring impact and legacy it will leave on both the institution itself and the students who will be part of its globalized community. As the demand for advanced education grows, it necessitates the emergence of more innovative and comprehensive methods for language acquisition.

I have had the privilege of establishing robust bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural educational institutions by leveraging the language models mentioned previously. If you are interested in fortifying your university's dual-language program, please don't hesitate to reach out for guidance and insights.