School teachers
16 May 2025
By María Clement, Head of Spanish in Primary
It's common knowledge that a bilingual education has undeniable benefits on many levels. The academic advantages are well known and more than proven, but I'd like to highlight the emotional benefits it's also credited with.
Of course, being bilingual improves cognitive ability and academic performance since it boosts mental flexibility, making it easier to switch between tasks. What's more, picking up a third language is easier because the brain is used to processing multiple languages, which also has an effect on the ability to express oneself and understand concepts in any language, so communication skills develop noticeably.
But what is truly notable are the benefits it has on soft skills, or non-technical skills, that are becoming more and more necessary in our daily lives, as well as in other significant areas such as job selection processes.
Of these skills, one of the most important is adaptability. Being able to adjust to different situations, contexts, or challenges is something that bilingual students are constantly exposed to and a skill that they develop naturally, making them more resilient. In the same way, by understanding different cultures, pupils gain a greater capacity to empathise with others, which translates into better social skills.
Being able to express your feelings in more than one language is an invaluable tool that allows for a richer emotional landscape and more nuanced communication. This not only strengthens interpersonal relationships but also contributes to emotional wellbeing and self-esteem. Ultimately, a bilingual education not only opens doors academically and professionally but also shapes individuals who are more open-minded, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent, prepared to face the challenges of an increasingly globalised world because, as Charlemagne said: "To have another language is to possess a second soul."
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