Remote work and salaries in dollars have become an ideal formula for Latin American countries, where proficiency in English is crucial for global communication and access to information necessary for efficient job performance. The dependence on the US dollar has created the necessity to learn English to work abroad. Argentina used to lead the EF English Proficiency Index in Latin America, but in the latest edition, Suriname surpassed it by one point.
The report highlighted the differences in English proficiency in the region, showcasing Suriname and Argentina at the top, while Brazil and Mexico still face challenges in improving their level. The regional average remained stable this year, with Brazil, El Salvador, and Cuba decreasing by over 10 points, Mexico showing a slight improvement, and Uruguay and Colombia continuing their steady advancement. Suriname ranked 27th globally, relegating Argentina to the 28th position, followed by other countries like Honduras, Uruguay, and Costa Rica.
English has become a key tool for accessing new job opportunities, especially in international and technological sectors where companies seek bilingual profiles. Events like Bilingual Job Fairs provide CEOs of multinational companies the opportunity to connect with employees in countries like Argentina. These types of activities include training, networking, job interviews in English, and conferences with special guests.
The region still faces inequalities in access to quality linguistic education, influenced by the gap between social classes. Although countries like Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay show a positive trend in English use, nations like Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua remain behind in proficiency levels. The gender gap in English proficiency has slightly reduced, with greater disparity among younger cohorts.
The analysis of the EF English Proficiency Index 2024 was based on the results of 2.1 million adults who took the EF SET English tests in 2023. Globally, English proficiency has increased in recent decades, but significant disparities still exist that impact educational and job opportunities. In the Middle East, constant progress in English proficiency is observed, especially in Saudi Arabia. Young adults have shown the most progress, indicating a positive trend in the region.
