As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, students from all corners of the globe are coming together in classrooms. While this diversity brings fresh perspectives and rich cultural exchange, it also presents a challenge for students who are not native speakers of the language of instruction. This article examines the language gap in education and explores how AI tools, such as HeyGen.com, can assist students in overcoming it.

What Are the Impacts of the Language Gap?

Many higher education institutions teach primarily in one language, and native language speakers often take for granted the ease with which they absorb information and participate in class discussions. But, for international or non-native speakers, navigating academic life in a second or even third language can be difficult and demoralizing.

Reading becomes laborious, comprehension takes time, and expressing thoughts accurately can feel like a struggle. This is especially true in disciplines that rely heavily on jargon, complex terminology, and nuanced arguments. When students face language barriers, their academic performance often suffers, regardless of their intellectual abilities or effort.

As a result, these students may fall behind academically. The emotional toll can be heavy: imagine sitting through hours of lectures where you grasp only fragments of meaning, or receiving a lower grade not because you didn’t understand the content but because you couldn’t express yourself adequately. Such experiences can erode a student’s confidence and motivation.

Students who are less confident may hesitate to speak up in discussions or ask questions. While this impacts the learning of the students themselves, it also deprives the entire class of diverse viewpoints and intellectual debate. It can also reinforce stereotypes that portray non-native students as “shy and quiet,” further alienating them from their peers.

Feeling like an outsider can also impact a student’s life beyond academia. Students may encounter challenges in assessing campus resources, forming friendships, and becoming active members of the student community. Tasks such as filling out housing forms, ordering food, visiting a doctor, or opening a bank account can become unnecessarily complicated due to the communication barrier.

How Can AI Translation Tools Help?

Thanks to advances in natural language processing and machine learning, AI translation tools have come a long way from their clunky beginnings and amusing mistranslations. Modern AI translation tools are now sophisticated enough to handle not only basic word-for-word translations but also nuanced idioms, context-specific terminology, and even different speaking styles.

One of the most commonly used applications for this technology is real-time translation. These tools can instantly translate spoken words into text, which is very useful for attending lectures or watching video tutorials. A student using a mobile device or laptop can then follow along with a lecture and translate key terms or entire segments on the fly if needed.

Some universities are beginning to experiment with real-time transcription and translation tools during lectures, providing multilingual subtitles to ensure that every student, regardless of their language background, can understand the material as it is being delivered. This seamless integration enables students to focus on content rather than struggling with language.

AI-powered translation tools are also useful for educators who wish to prepare instructional materials in multiple languages. Where it would have taken countless hours to manually translate a textbook or a set of lecture notes, AI can now handle the bulk of the translation work within a fraction of the time, allowing educators to adapt their curriculum at their convenience.

AI translation is also increasingly embedded into the tools that students already use. Many platforms, such as Canvas or Moodle, allow for the integration of multilingual plug-ins. Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and even some email platforms also offer in-line translation suggestions and auto-translation features. Having seamless access to AI support makes it easier for students to perform their everyday tasks.

Beyond academics, AI translation tools can support students in daily life. Institutions can generate multilingual versions of important documents and resources, such as campus maps or health center brochures, reducing friction for international students. They can also produce videos with diverse AI avatars to share crucial information and make students feel more at home.

How Much Do AI Translation Tools Cost?

The cost of AI translation tools can vary but are generally becoming more accessible to students and educational institutions. Many popular tools, such as Google Translate and Microsoft Translator, are free for basic use and can be accessed through web browsers or mobile apps. These tools offer instant translations, voice input, and image-based translation at no charge.

For students or educators seeking more comprehensive solutions, paid plans for AI translation tools typically range from $5 to $50 per month. These premium plans offer features such as higher translation volumes, unlimited video generation, and access to over a hundred languages. Despite the initial investment, the cost of AI translation tools is often negligible compared to the numerous benefits they provide.

Conclusion

As educational institutions become more globally diverse, embracing AI translation tools is the logical next step. These tools give students the chance to participate fully in their education, connect with peers, and express their ideas with clarity and confidence. They also allow educators and institutions to create learning materials and provide support in multiple languages. By bridging the language gap, we can create a more inclusive academic environment that is ready for the future.