It is estimated that over 1.5 billion people are currently learning English, making it the most studied language in the world. English education has seen an unprecedented global expansion over the past decade. Today, in Europe, nearly 87% of secondary school students learn English as their first foreign language, and in primary education, that percentage exceeds 80%. This phenomenon is not limited to Europe: from Asia to Latin America, English is gaining ground in classrooms, universities, and digital platforms alike. But what is driving this global surge? And what are its implications for the future of education? Let’s take a closer look!

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Growth of English as a foreign language courses

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English is by far the most widely taught foreign language in formal education systems across Europe. In countries like Spain and Malta, nearly all primary school students receive English instruction. This trend is not confined to Europe: China, for instance, has launched a national strategy to enhance English proficiency at both school and university levels. In Latin America, the demand for English courses has skyrocketed, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. In some countries, enrollments in private English programs have increased by more than 200% in a single year.

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Moreover, many companies are actively investing in English training for their employees, particularly in sectors like technology, tourism, and financial services. In some Latin American countries, over 90% of corporate training programs are aimed at improving workers' English skills. Proficiency in English is seen as a key competitive advantage for accessing better jobs and international markets.

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Expansion of University programs taught in English

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In recent years, universities around the world have increasingly adopted English as the language of instruction for certain undergraduate and graduate programs, especially in Europe. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy have significantly expanded their English-taught academic offerings, aiming both to attract international students and to boost their global standing. Today, Europe accounts for over 50% of all English-taught programs outside traditionally English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

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Between 2021 and 2024, the global number of in-person English-taught programs grew by more than 20%. Countries like Turkey, Portugal, and the Nordic nations now lead in terms of percentage growth. This trend reflects the need to internationalize higher education institutions, facilitate the exchange of scientific knowledge, and prepare students for a labor market where English has become a necessity and the dominant language.

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Growth of online courses offered in English (MOOCs)

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The rise of online education has also driven the use of English as a universal language for learning. Platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy have reached record numbers of users, with Coursera alone surpassing 140 million learners. The majority of these courses are offered in English, regardless of the instructors’ or students’ nationalities.

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This model allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to access advanced training in fields such as artificial intelligence, marketing, business, or healthcare, without needing to attend a university in person.

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Reasons behind English dominance in education and professional training

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The dominance of English in higher education and technical training is the result of several factors. In academia, English has become the language of science: more than 75% of scientific papers are published in English, which means researchers and graduate students must master it to access specialized literature and participate in international conferences.

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In the professional world, English is regarded as the common language of business and technology. Multinational companies require advanced English skills for many roles, and more professionals are choosing to study the language to improve their job prospects. For many students, learning English opens not only academic doors but also access to global cultural, technological, and educational content.

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For all these reasons, English has become a key tool—not only in professional contexts but also in basic, university, and digital education. The expansion of English courses (whether to learn the language or to study other subjects in it) reflects a world that is increasingly interconnected. This trend seems unstoppable, with clear benefits in terms of access to knowledge and job opportunities. However, it also poses challenges, such as the risk of sidelining other languages and cultures in the process. The key will be to find a balance between internationalization and linguistic diversity.