The Importance of English Education in Today’s World

Given that English is the most widely spoken and the number one international language in the world, the importance of English-medium schools is recognised all over the world. English is the language of international trade and commerce, education, and diplomacy. Knowing the language puts one at a tremendous advantage vis-à-vis those who are not conversant with it. The importance of English education is, therefore, undoubtedly immense. This is something that is well recognised in the Southeast Asian region, with the English schools in Cambodia, particularly the international schools in Phnom Penh, being fine examples of that.

Let us look at why an English language education is so important for securing a great future for one’s child in some detail:

Makes Children Ready for a Globalised World

We live in a truly globalised world where people  communicate, trade, and routinely work across the world. In a scenario like this, having mastery of the most international of languages, which is globally understood, is a real advantage to possess. English is the de facto language of the world and sees global use in business, science, information technology, commerce, politics, banking, and even entertainment. It is no wonder then that most aspirational parents would like their children to receive an English-medium education.

Improves Communication Skills

In an interconnected world, a good grasp and understanding of the English language makes one communicate quite well with people across the globe. That puts one’s children at a huge advantage over other children receiving their education exclusively in their native tongue once they complete their schooling and seek to receive higher education or take up a well-paying job. 

Global Language of Commerce and Business

English is a world language that facilitates global trade and commerce in every corner of the world. Being familiar with the language puts one in a position of advantage with regard to conducting business or engaging in trade in most countries of the world. Any school-going child who is looking at becoming a businessman or trader after completing their education would be better placed to do that armed with a good command of the English language.

Improves Employability

Knowing English immensely improves one’s employability. Not only can one find jobs in transnational companies in one’s home country, but one can also seek employment in many countries across the world. That is a very important reason to opt for an English language education in school from a very early age—something that is being taken up very seriously by countries across the continents.

FacilitatesTravel

Nothing broadens one’s horizons more than travel, and nothing facilitates travel more than a great command of the English language, as it is understood practically everywhere in the world. Is it any surprise then that nations across the world are promoting the use of English as the medium of instruction in their schools?

Language of Science

English is undoubtedly the language of science, with quite a lot of the research and scientific papers around the world happening in that language. So it makes eminent sense for English to be the medium of instruction in schools.

Language of Media

English is the global language of media, and given that industry’s importance both as a means of bearing influence and from a career point of view, it makes eminent sense to make school students familiar with it. That explains the growing popularity of English in many parts of the world, eager to build up a base of English-speaking population that can communicate effectively with the world.

Online Presence

English is the language to use when it comes to establishing an online presence, with most websites carrying content in the English language. Given that the whole world has gone digital in a major way, it is important that schoolchildren are made conversant with the English language, allowing them to establish a prominent online presence.

Conclusion

English has long been the dominant global language of the world, and this is something that continues in the digital era. Learning and knowing the language confers tremendous advantages to school children from the point of view of securing their future, as the above article shows.

Countries like India, which have a historical advantage owing to their long association with the British, have been able to make a name for themselves globally with their people holding prominent positions in global companies around the world, thanks to their knowledge of English. This is something that countries like Cambodia seek to replicate by promoting the use of English as a medium of instruction in their schools.

Going forward, one can expect a rise in the number of English-medium schools in Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, as evidenced by the presence of many premium schools like Harrods International Academy. Clearly, English remains the language to learn if one is to make a mark for oneself in the best possible manner. The importance of English education is surely immense.