Teenagers are in the perfect place to start learning a second language.

Between all the socializing and schooling, it may seem like they’re too busy to add any more extra-curricular items to their daily to-do list, but, in truth, there’s no better time to start studying Arabic.

Not only does it provide a lot of mental and cultural benefits, a teenager’s mind just might be more suited than ever before to really come to grips with the more subtle and critical elements of a foreign language.

Benefits of Learning a Language as a Teen

There have been a number of research projects over the years that continue to point at the benefits of learning a second language while still young.

We’ve seen how language learning can have a positive impact on a developing mind, helping them improve and enhance their cognitive abilities.

To be more specific, the more a teen is able to put into learning a second language, the more they can boost their listening skills, improve their memory, develop the ability to multitask, and strengthen their concentration.

It’s even been suggested that young students who gain a second language may improve their mental flexibility and general creativity.

All of this, of course, can then lead to high academic achievements and open new doors to them in the future.

Is it Easier to Learn While Still a Teen?

According to some studies, the ability to pick up the subtleties of grammar in a second language lasts well into our teens.

It’s an unfortunate fact that the older we get, it harder it is to catch all the little details of a new language. There could be a number of reasons for this – everything from becoming too accustomed to our primary language to the rate of brain development to too many demands on our daily lives reducing the chance to learn a new language.

Of course, there are plenty of great ways to learn Arabic as an adult. However, there is no better time to get started than when you’re still young.

Arab Academy Courses for Teens

At Arab Academy, we have special courses designed for young students. We start with the fundamentals and then progress through three levels, helping each student learn at their own pace and become comfortable with the language and dialect. Here’s what students can expect:

  • Arabic Level 1 – This is the course for students with no prior knowledge of Arabic and starts with the fundamentals of the writing system before moving into the elements of the language that people use on an everyday basis. Students will learn to discuss topics like school and social life, personal and family life, and things happening in the community.
  • Arabic Level 2 – This course is designed for students who have the equivalent of a year of Arabic at high school. We’ll dive into topics like leisure time, home life, and travelling. By the time the class is over, students will be able to comprehend simple written texts, compose simple paragraphs, and talk about themselves and their hobbies.
  • Arabic Level 3 – Students who have the equivalent of two years of high school Arabic can get started here. The goals here are to be able to read and understand simplified texts that cover a wide range of topics, expand their vocabulary, and start to comprehend some songs and audio/video content about familiar topics.

Broadening Horizons by Learning Abroad

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again:

Language is learned through the speaking of it.

And this is true at any age.

Since teens still maintain their ability to pick up a language at a faster rate, they’re in the perfect position to really bring their lessons to life by experiencing the language first-hand through an immersion program abroad.

Travelling to an Arabic-speaking country is an unforgettable experience. From the language you’ll speak to the culture you’ll discover, this is an opportunity and an adventure that can have a huge impact on a teen’s life.

Whether you get involved in an immersion program or take advantage of our online Arabic lessons, your teenage years are the perfect time to pick up a second language. Take a look at our available courses and get started today.