EF Corporate Learning’s Post

The 2023 English Proficiency Index unveils fascinating insights, ranking the top 25 countries based on English skills, excluding native-speaking nations. The Netherlands secures the top spot, with Singapore and Austria closely following suit, boasting very high proficiency levels. Of concern is the data reflecting a troubling decline in English proficiency among younger adults, plummeting from 537 points in 2015 to 448 points in 2023. Nonetheless, proficiency levels among older age groups remain stable. Notably, Kenya and the Philippines stand out as non-European countries with commendable high proficiency rankings. Keeping abreast of such trends is pivotal in understanding the evolving landscape of global language skills. #EnglishSkills2023 #Netherlands #Singapore #Austria #Kenya #Philippines #DeclineInYouth #OlderAdultsStable #GlobalLanguageTrends #EnglishProficiencyMatters #Top25Rankings

🌍 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬: 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 The Netherlands has topped the𝗘𝗙 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘅 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, ranking as the world’s best non-native English-speaking country for the sixth consecutive year. With an impressive score of 636, the Dutch demonstrate exceptional language skills that enhance global communication and business opportunities. Cities like 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺, 𝗨𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗵𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 lead in proficiency. What does this mean for the workforce? ✅ Enhanced collaboration in multinational teams. ✅ Easier integration for international professionals. ✅ A clear edge in the global market. This ranking isn’t just a number—it reflects the ability to connect across borders, making the Netherlands a top choice for businesses and talent worldwide. Source: https://lnkd.in/fSnGmsA #LinkHRM #Netherlands #EnglishProficiency #GlobalTalent #WorkAbroad

Last week I talked about the benefits of outsourcing and staffing from LATAM, and how companies lower costs and access top talent. Today, I want to focus on another critical aspect of outsourcing to LATAM: the region's high level of English proficiency. High English proficiency ensures smoother interactions, minimizing the risks of miscommunication and facilitating more efficient collaboration. Countries like Colombia, Argentina and Brazil in South America in the last years have invested lots of resources in their English education to improve quality and standards. Honduras has the largest number of bilingual schools in Central America, boasting an impressive number of over 10,000 bilingual students graduating annually. The Inter-American Development Bank has noted a growing trend of English language learning in LATAM, driven by both public and private sector investments aimed at improving workforce competitiveness on a global scale. What has been your experience using LATAM based resources ? Would love to hearing your thoughts in the comments below. #Outsourcing #LATAM #EnglishProficiency #GlobalBusiness #InternationalExpansion #TalentAcquisition #BusinessGrowth

Is multilingualism a superpower and the key to thriving global mobility? In today’s increasingly globalised world, Global Mobility professionals play a pivotal role in facilitating seamless transitions for individuals and families relocating, and having a language barrier remain one of the most significant challenges to successful integration into a new country. Promoting the value of multilingualism can be key in ensuring that clients not only adjust more effectively but also thrive in their new environments, enhancing both their personal and professional lives. Zack Ekert, Head of Multilingualism at ISL London explores why multilingualism is the key factor in promoting success global mobility and empowers individuals and families to flourish in new cultural contexts. https://lnkd.in/etU5mw-T #globalmobility #relocation #internationaleducation #multilingual #bilingual

With so much happening in Australia’s #intled sector, it’s a great time to be hosting the first Griffith University agent workshop for 2024 with recruitment partners joining us in Vietnam from across #SEAsia. No shortage of issues to discuss, whether it be changing English language proficiency requirements and visa processing or the world-leading research going on across our Griffith campuses to respond to global challenges. Griffith International #internationalstudentrecruitment #diversification #partnerships

Understanding the Employment Challenges Faced by Immigrants in Finland and the Nordic region The growing unemployment rate among immigrants in Finland, while at the same time the Nordic region is suffering from severe talent and workforce shortage are disturbing. In a recent HS article (shared in the comments), the issue of unemployment among immigrants in Finland due to language barriers was highlighted. With most Finnish companies requiring proficiency in the Finnish language, opportunities for immigrants, especially in expert-level positions, are limited. Key points from the article: 1️⃣ Language skills are crucial: Insufficient Finnish proficiency hinders immigrants' integration into the Finnish job market. 2️⃣ Educational initiatives: Efforts to integrate Finnish language studies into higher education programs for international students are acknowledged, but inconsistencies exist across institutions. 3️⃣ Recruitment practices: Concerns arise regarding potential discrimination in hiring practices based on language requirements. 4️⃣ Shifting mindset: Employers are urged to reconsider their recruitment criteria and view immigrants as valuable contributors to the workforce. How to approach this problem: ➡️ Employers: Consider diversifying recruitment criteria to include language support and cultural integration programs. ➡️ Educational institutions: Continue efforts to integrate Finnish language courses into international student curriculum. ➡️ Policy-makers: Evaluate immigration policies to ensure they support both the integration of immigrants into the job market and the retention of international talent. Let's work together to create a more inclusive and diverse job market in Finland! Please contact me for solution options Barona can offer! 🤝 #Immigration #Integration #Employment #Diversityandinclusion #Finland #Languagetraining #Culturaltraining 🌟

🇳🇱 The Netherlands tops the global English Proficiency Index (EPI) for the 6th year running, ranking #1 in the EF EPI 2024. 🌟 This annual ranking, the most extensive English proficiency study globally, compares 116 countries, drawing data from a vast pool of 2.1 million test-takers representing various towns, cities, and regions. 🌏 The Netherlands scored 636 in this year’s EF EPI, granting the country a ‘very high proficiency’ ranking. Norway took this year’s second place, followed by Singapore, Sweden, and Croatia, to complete the top five. 👉 Learn more about the English proficiency ranking here 📕 https://lnkd.in/eGVzfXqw

Developing intercultural competence is increasingly important in our interconnected world, where individuals and organisations regularly interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds in various contexts such as education, business, healthcare, and international relations. 🌏 Some key components of intercultural competence include: 👉 Cultural knowledge & awareness 👉 Communication skills 👉 Empathy and respect 👉 Adaptability 👉 Conflict resolution 👉 Cultural humility 🧐 Are you or your team looking to improve your intercultural competence? We can help! Get in touch at: 📧 contactus@valuelearning.com.au #interculturalcompetence #diversity #internationaleducation #globalcompetence #valuelearning

This is a snippet from the 2023 english proficiency ranking done by EF Education First (https://lnkd.in/ebVEGH_j). If I look at the high ranking of Germany I find it somewhat surprising that German companies are often asking for German speaking team members when it comes to partnering with IT service providers that are located in other countries. Looks like they are underestimating their English communication abilities. AND as a Swiss (in Armenia's IT sector) I am a bit surprised by the relatively low ranking of the Swiss ... #digitalisation #softwaredevelopment #outsourcing #innovation #englishlanguage #armenia

Do your employees lack Eureopean citizenship?   Although many Danish companies have chosen to communicate in English, international employees still need Danish, especially if they do not have European citizenship. To apply for permanent residency in Denmark, it is necessary to learn sufficient Danish, and without residency, they cannot perform their work in the country. Therefore, Danish companies should actively support their international employees by allocating time and resources for Danish language training. This is an important investment, both for the company's success and for the employees' future opportunities in Denmark. www.danishforyou.dk info@danishforyou.dk #Danishforyou  #Citizenship #expatlife