In the last year, Costa Rica significantly improved its level of English language proficiency, while the rest of Central America made no significant progress.

The global English language company Education First published its 2018 report, which defines five levels of language proficiency in 88 countries around the world by calculating an index called “English Proficiency Index”. In the world ranking, Costa Rica was placed 36th, Guatemala 55th, Panama 56th, Honduras 69th, El Salvador 70th and Nicaragua 72nd.

According to the report, Costa Rica improved its English proficiency in the last year, more than any other country in the region. Because of major reforms in training and initial qualification, more than 95% of teachers in Costa Rica now have a higher education degree.

Compared to the global ranking recorded between the 2017 and 2018 reports, Guatemala fell two positions from 53 to 55, Panama fell six positions from 50 to 56 and El Salvador fell from 63 to 70.

Regarding the levels of language proficiency, the document details that Costa Rica reports a “Moderate” level, Guatemala and Panama have a “Low” level, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua have a “Very Low” level.

See full report.