Top Countries Investing in English Language

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, with over 1.5 billion people using it for business, travel, and everyday communication.

Whether you’re aiming for better job prospects, planning to explore new destinations, or simply looking to connect with a global audience, mastering English can be a game-changer.

Some countries have recognized this and are investing heavily in English language education. But which ones are leading the way?

Recent research from Preply highlights some standout nations. Germany, for instance, boasts 1,316 English language schools, while Berlin alone lists over 1,160 job opportunities requiring English proficiency. Spain is another major player ranked #2 on the list, with 1,471 English schools working to enhance people’s language skills.

Poland is also making strides, with Warsaw alone featuring over 1,113 job postings where English is a must. And it pays off—experienced English tutors can make up to $25 per hour, depending on their location and expertise.

As a platform specializing in online English courses, Preply has a unique perspective on these trends. With thousands of students and tutors worldwide, it connects learners with expert guidance to help them succeed. If you’re looking to sharpen your English skills, Preply offers access to native-speaking tutors for personalized lessons.

The Top 10 Countries Investing in English Language Education

Based on the latest analysis, here are the top 10 countries making the biggest effort to boost English language education:

1. Germany
2. Spain
3. Netherlands
4. Italy
5. Denmark
6. Sweden
7. Poland
8. Norway
9. France
10. Iceland

Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes these countries stand out when it comes to English education.

Germany: Setting the Standard in English Education

Germany tops the list with a strong commitment to English language learning. Here’s why:

• Mandatory English Education: English is a required subject in German schools, ensuring all students develop at least a basic level of fluency.
• A Thriving Language School Industry: With 1,316 English language schools, Germany provides plenty of opportunities for learners to improve beyond the standard curriculum.
• Demand in the Job Market: Over 4,500 job postings in Germany explicitly require English proficiency, proving that mastering the language opens career doors.
• High Public Interest: With an average of 3,480 searches per month related to learning English, it’s clear that Germans value improving their language skills.

Spain: Strong Efforts, But Room for Improvement

Spain ranks second, with several factors driving its strong focus on English education:

• Compulsory English in Schools: Like Germany, Spain mandates English instruction from an early age.
• International School Boom: Spain leads with 274 international schools, offering immersive learning experiences.
• Extensive Language School Network: Over 1,400 English language schools provide additional opportunities for improvement.
• High Public Demand: Spain sees around 14,990 monthly searches for English learning resources, highlighting a keen interest.
• Challenges in Proficiency: Despite this investment, Spain’s English proficiency score (540) remains on the lower end, showing there’s still work to be done.

The Netherlands: Leading in English Proficiency

The Netherlands lands in third place but boasts the highest English proficiency score (663) among all analyzed countries. Here’s what makes Dutch learners so successful:

• Very High English Proficiency: Dutch speakers can comfortably negotiate contracts and engage in complex conversations in English.
• Strong Public Interest: Around 5,090 people search for English learning resources each month.
• A Good Number of International Schools: With 48 international schools, the Netherlands provides plenty of opportunities for immersive learning.

What Drives Investment in English Education?

Several factors influence how much a country invests in English learning:

• Government Policies: Countries with mandatory English education often rank higher.
• Educational Infrastructure: The more English language schools and international institutions available, the stronger the investment.
• Public Interest: High search volumes for English learning resources suggest a strong desire to improve.
• Job Market Demands: More job listings requiring English skills mean a greater push for language learning.
• Current Proficiency Levels: Some countries with lower proficiency scores invest more to catch up, while highly proficient nations maintain their lead through continued education.

The 10 Countries Investing the Least in English Education

Not all countries prioritize English learning equally. According to the research, these nations invest the least in English language education:

1. Slovenia
2. Lithuania
3. Cyprus
4. Bulgaria
5. Slovakia
6. Estonia
7. Czech Republic
8. Croatia
9. Romania
10. Liechtenstein

Let’s take a closer look at some of the lower-ranked nations.

Slovenia: The Lowest-Ranking Country

• Optional English Education: English isn’t mandatory in schools, leaving learning up to individual choice.
• Limited Infrastructure: Only 63 English language schools and 5 international schools are available.
• Low Public Interest: Just 210 monthly searches indicate a lack of enthusiasm for learning English.

Lithuania: Some Signs of Growth

• More International Schools: Lithuania has 9 international schools, better than Slovenia.
• Growing Public Interest: Monthly searches for English learning stand at 340, showing some demand.

Cyprus: A Unique Case

• English Isn’t Mandatory: Like Slovenia, English isn’t a required school subject.
• Limited Public Demand: Only 190 searches per month suggest low interest.
• Tourism Influence: The heavy tourism industry may provide more informal opportunities for English learning.

Where Are the Most English-Speaking Jobs?

Some cities offer more job opportunities requiring English than others. Here are the top five capital cities where English proficiency is a valuable asset:

1. Berlin, Germany – 1,160 job openings requiring English.
2. Warsaw, Poland – 1,113 English-language job listings.
3. Bucharest, Romania – 920 jobs for English speakers.
4. Amsterdam, Netherlands – 875 job openings.
5. Paris, France – 810 job vacancies requiring English skills.

How to Improve Your English Skills??

Looking to boost your English proficiency? Here are some effective strategies:

• Immerse Yourself: Watch English movies, read books, and listen to podcasts.
• Practice Speaking: Join language exchange programs or find a conversation partner.
• Take Online Courses: Platforms like Preply connect you with expert tutors.
• Hire a Tutor: One-on-one sessions provide personalized learning.
• Travel or Study Abroad: If possible, immerse yourself in an English-speaking environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why do countries invest in English language education?

A: Countries invest in English education because it’s the global language of business, science, and international relations. Proficiency correlates with economic opportunities, access to information, and global competitiveness, making it a strategic investment for national development.

Q: How does English education investment differ globally?

A: Developed nations typically focus on quality improvement and specialized programs, while developing nations may face resource constraints despite proportionally higher investment. Nordic countries and the Netherlands lead in proficiency, with Asian countries like Singapore achieving success through bilingual policies, while others face cultural and methodological challenges.

Q: What benefits do countries see from English education programs?

A: Countries experience increased tourism revenue, greater foreign direct investment, improved international business opportunities, and better employment prospects for citizens. Nations with higher English proficiency tend to show stronger economic indicators, though this relationship involves multiple factors.

Final Thoughts

Countries that invest in English language education see real benefits in job opportunities, global competitiveness, and economic growth. Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands are leading the charge, while others still have room to improve.
Whether you’re a policymaker, an employer, or an individual learner, one thing is clear: English is a powerful tool that opens doors.