A question that once had limited answers now holds endless possibilities: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”Today, the question is no longer just what you want to be, but also where you want to become it. The world has opened in irreversible ways. New careers emerge every day.College admissions processes no longer depend solely on national entrance exams such as the vestibular or ENEM. National universities are no longer the only destination for students after high school. Fluency in a second language is no longer simply an advantage. As Renato Russo once said, “The future isn’t what it used to be.” Today, many young people choose to pursue undergraduate studies abroad, something that has become increasingly accessible.As a result, providing children with natural language learning from an early age has driven the growth of bilingual schools in Brazil.Research shows that the benefits of bilingualism extend beyond language knowledge. They also contribute to faster cognitive development. The need to communicate and make oneself understood strengthens learning competencies and skills.The earlier a child begins studying at a bilingual school, the fewer difficulties they will face. For older students, it is important that the school provides proper academic support to address any gaps in language or content.Bilingual students tend to perform strongly in English on college entrance exams and ENEM. Some Brazilian universities now use admissions processes similar to those of international institutions, including personal statements, recommendation letters, motivation letters, résumé evaluations, SAT scores, and GPA calculations. GPA indicates academic performance based on high school grades and is used to determine whether students meet university standards and expectations.At Brazilian International School in São Paulo, High School students take Career Planning and Global Perspectives to support their future academic and career choices. These courses align with Brazil’s new High School framework introduced in 2022. They aim to address the needs of students completing basic education and preparing for the next stage of life. Students develop higher-order thinking skills such as initiative, independent and collaborative work, critical reasoning, and holistic understanding. The school promotes self-awareness and autonomy while presenting multiple pathways for this new generation. Students also have the opportunity to graduate with dual certification: Brazilian High School diploma and American High School diploma, enabling applications to universities abroad.The excellence in English acquired at a bilingual school removes global boundaries. In addition, these students have a clear advantage in English sections of national exams due to their natural command of the language. Bilingualism also enhances concentration, organization, and cognitive capacity. Students become more open to new experiences, increasing their chances of academic and professional success.Social-emotional preparation is also highly emphasized in bilingual schools, which is essential for college admissions and other selection processes. Supporting children during this important phase without being overwhelmed by anxiety can be challenging. It is a time to strengthen relationships, trust the foundation built throughout their education, and remain open to supporting them in every necessary way.
