Tuesday, December 23, 2014

6 Reasons Why You Should Make Learning A New Language Your New Year’s Resolution




2015 is almost here: congratulations because you’ve made it through another year! It’s that time again to reflect on the past 12 months, and come up with some New Year’s resolutions, to make sure that this year is so much better than the last. As clichéd as making resolutions can be, the right (and meaningful) ones can actually be very motivating and might help you to finally achieve what you want. This year, instead of making the usual cheesy resolutions that we all know you will not stick to, (drink less, go to the gym more or stop procrastinating), try to set a goal that you can compete, and will benefit you in the long run.

If you have been considering learning a new language, why not make it your New Year’s resolution? It might not be the easiest goal to achieve, and there might be a million other things fighting for your attention, but being able to speak another language will benefit you in many ways. We have compiled a list of 6 reasons why you should leave your clichéd resolutions in 2014, and instead learn a new language!

1. Improve your employability 

In an increasingly globalised world where companies are dealing with clients from all over the globe, more and more employers are looking for additional languages on CVs. By learning another language you will have the edge over other job seekers without additional language skills in the market, and it could even help you to land that dream job.

2. Enhance travel experiences


Learning a foreign language, even if it is just a few phrases, will make your travel experiences so much better! Travel is not just about staying on your resort and confining yourself to your own little bubble, it is mainly about exploring a country and really getting to know the local culture. If you can’t understand the native language at all then you will struggle to communicate with locals, travel around the area and experience the culture, which could leave you feeling isolated and frustrated, and could even be potentially dangerous. If you can communicate with the people in their language then you are more likely to receive warm smiles and make more friends, which will surely leave you with more fulfilling and enriching travel experiences.

3. Become smarter

It has been proven that learning an additional language will increase your brain power, as it has cognitive benefits and will boost the performance of your mind. By speaking in a foreign language your brain will be challenged to recognise, translate meaning and communicate in different tongues. So not only will you get to show off your fancy new language skills, but you will also get smarter as a result!

4. Study or live overseas


If you are craving a change in your life, then studying or living abroad can be an extremely enriching and worthwhile experience. Why not learn how to speak English whilst living in London, one of the most exciting cities in the world? Or go backpacking across beautiful Asia? Either way, if you learn a new language this will open up so many more fantastic study, employment and travel opportunities for you to take advantage of.

5. Impress people around you

Of course this should not be the only reason you decide to learn a new language, but it will be a nice advantage to benefit from. Whether you are chatting with locals in their native tongue, or are simply ordering a drink from the bar, people will naturally be impressed by your brand new, shiny language skills. The compliments will surely come flooding in, and you will be able to soak up the well-deserved language-related glory.

6. Make new friend


If you can speak another language, this increases the amount of people on the globe who you can communicate with and, thus make friends with. That tricky language barrier that arrives whenever you meet a foreign exchange student or new people whilst abroad, will be long gone with your new language skills. The opportunity to make new friends is a great reason to learn a new language, as you’ll never know who you will meet and what cultures you will get to experience- the possibilities will be endless!

 Will you be learning a new language for your New Year's resolution? Can you think of any other reasons why you should learn another language? Share with us in the comments below!

Written by Alissa Johnson

Monday, December 22, 2014

Twin's Student Christmas Party

Christmas has officially arrived at Twin in London! Last Thursday our Student Services Officer hosted a fantastic Christmas Party for our English students, complete with plenty of mince pies, wine and tinsel.

Take a look at our festive photos from the night, and share yours with us by Tweeting us @TwinEnglish or by Facebooking us at https://www.facebook.com/twinenglishcentres

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Our students and teachers looking festive!
Our English students!
Ready to party!
Looking (ahem) tree-mendous...

Hungry?
Written by Alissa Johnson