In an increasingly globalized world, English proficiency is an essential skill for accessing better job, academic and social opportunities. However, Colombian education faces great challenges in this field, as Colombia ranks at the bottom of the English proficiency ranking in Latin America, according to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) management 2024.
This list is based on the results of hundreds of thousands of tests worldwide.
The current state of Colombian education in the English language
In global parameters, Colombia ranks 74th out of 116 countries, in the low competition category. In Latin America, it ranks 17th out of 21 countries from which this data was taken. The first in the region are Suriname and Argentina.
In addition, the country’s average score on this index has shown little progress in recent years. In 2022 and 2023 it ranked 75th.
These data underscore the urgent need to strengthen Colombian education, particularly in English, to improve its position in the English proficiency index and increase its competitiveness in the region.
National indicators
The report details that at the national level, the regions of Quindío and Bogotá D.C. have the highest level of bilingual Colombians, a medium standard, while Caquetá and Chocó have a level considered very low.
In terms of cities, Armenia and Bogotá have the highest number of Colombians who speak English, while Valledupar and Tuluá have a very low level.
In terms of age, people between 26 and 30 years old are the population with more people who understand this language, while young people between 18 and 20 years old are the ones who know the language the least. In terms of gender, more men in Colombia speak English.
Consequences of low English proficiency in Colombia
Impact on the work environment
English proficiency in Colombia is an increasingly demanded skill in the labor market. According to a report given by the Colombian media La República regarding a study by the University of Cambridge, 78% of employees in Latin America require English to advance in management positions and 82% of workers in Colombia need to learn this language to meet this same objective.
In addition, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2023 report, Colombia is one of the most attractive countries for foreign direct investment in Latin America. 70% of these companies need to hire personnel fluent in English, especially for roles related to technology, customer service and shared services, as reported by the portal Semana.
The limitation of not knowing English reduces the chances of accessing better-paying jobs. Moreover, those with bilingual skills can earn up to 35% more than their monolingual colleagues, according to an analysis by Polish economist Jacek Liwiński.
Restricted access to academic opportunities
The level of English in Colombia also affects the possibility of participating in international programs. Scholarships and educational opportunities offered by entities such as Fulbright or Erasmus require certificates such as TOEFL or IELTS, but most Colombian students do not meet the required standards. In addition, other countries such as Sweden and New Zealand also offer scholarships, but one of the mandatory requirements is to speak English.
This restricts their access to academic experiences abroad and to prestigious universities that offer programs entirely in English.
Efforts to improve English proficiency in Colombia
1. Government programs
The Colombian government has implemented initiatives such as the National Bilingualism Plan Bilingualism Plan and Colombia Bilingüe, which seek to raise the level of English in Colombian education. By 2021, 330,000 students will have benefited and 1,500 teachers.
There is also AvanzaTec, a program of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies that offers 200 scholarships to improve the level of English.
2. Alliances with international institutions
Colombia has established agreements with international organizations such as the British Council and the U.S. Embassy to train teachers and provide teaching materials. These alliances have allowed for exchanges and intensive training programs that benefit both teachers and students.
3. Leveraging technology
Technology offers unprecedented opportunities to improve language education in Colombia. Tools such as Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone allow students to practice and develop their skills autonomously. In addition, platforms such as Coursera and Khan Academy offer free courses in English that combine academic content with language learning.
A study by the University of Granada reveals that the use of these tools is very favorable for learning English and generates motivation in students.
Comparison with other Latin American countries
In the English ranking in Latin America, countries such as Argentina, Honduras and Uruguay lead with much higher levels of proficiency. These nations have implemented successful strategies, such as the inclusion of English in extracurricular activities and cultural exchange programs. In contrast, Colombia continues to lag behind, occupying one of the last positions along with countries such as Brazil and Ecuador.
Recommendations for advancing English proficiency in Colombian education
- Strengthen teacher training: Increase international certifications for English teachers and their access to training programs abroad.
- Promote linguistic immersion: Establish agreements with companies and cultural entities to promote the use of English in everyday contexts.
- Reduce inequalities in education: Provide resources and quality programs in public schools, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas.
- Integrate technology into the curriculum: Incorporate online learning platforms in schools and promote their use among students and teachers.
English proficiency in Colombia is an urgent challenge that requires a comprehensive and sustained strategy. Improving the level of English proficiency in Colombia is crucial not only to increase its position in the English proficiency index, but also to ensure that future generations have access to better job and educational opportunities. With a collective commitment between government, educational institutions and society, it is possible to close the gap that separates Colombia from other countries with higher English proficiency in Latin America.
Only through investments in education, technology and inclusive practices will it be possible to overcome this barrier and position Colombia as a strong competitor in a globalized world.
