OUR STORY

Sometimes you become aware that you have something to give, something to offer, that you never knew was of benefit to others. That’s how The English Advantage began.

Early in 2024, while working in Mexico, we became aware that the ability (or inability) to speak English has a far-reaching impact in all areas of life. Not only does the inability to speak English serve as a class separator, but it also often functions as a ceiling that prevents the vast majority of people from accessing employment opportunities, advancement opportunities, and increased earning potential.  

But it’s not just Mexico.  

A Global Reality 

In our globalized world, the ability to speak English is considered an asset. According to the Harvard Business Review, English is “the fastest-spreading language in human history, … spoken at a useful level by some 1.75 billion people worldwide—that’s one in every four of us.”(1)

Its prevalence and significance in the international business scene cannot be overstated. A recent survey by Pearson reported the following: 

  • “Across all countries, 80 percent of respondents believe English proficiency skills are directly linked to earning potential, viewing strong English language skills as leading to as much as an 80% salary increase.”

  • “Those with the highest English proficiency are more satisfied with their existing income and jobs. According to the research, three quarters (75%) of advanced English speakers are satisfied with their income, compared with less than half (47%) of beginner English speakers.

  • “More than half (51%) of English learners think knowing the language will open up a wider range of job roles, while two fifths (40%) say English will help them climb the ladder to more senior positions in their field.”

  • While 85% of people feel that English is critical for work and more than 60% use English on a weekly basis, only a quarter feel confident across all four skills of reading, listening, writing and speaking English in the workplace. Nearly three quarters (72%) went as far as to say their jobs would be easier if they knew better English, and only a quarter (27%) of respondents felt they could fully express themselves when using the language to do their jobs.

  • “While English learning is widespread (8 in 10 learn[ed] English in school, and two thirds had an English qualification), 54% felt their formal education failed to equip them with a good enough level of English to communicate properly. Over half (56%) said this was because their learning was focused on grammar and vocabulary, rather than using English in real-world situations. Half also say they hadn’t had enough opportunity to use English outside of the classroom.”

MEXICO

So what about Mexico?

The same realities are in play, but the need is greater. According to El Universal, “less than 5% of the population speaks English, and in the case of skilled workers and others, the figure is estimated to be less than 3%”

Yet, in its survey, the British Council found that “33% of Mexican companies surveyed “use English as the main language of internal business communication, while 47% use English as the main language of external business communication.” In addition, 69% of Mexican employers surveyed said that “they felt English was an essential skill when hiring new staff.” Furthermore, studies have shown English-speaking employees increase their earning potential by as much as 50%.

Clearly, English proficiency results in both employment and economic advantage; however, in many locations, it also affords increased security and safety for women and youth by eliminating (or greatly reducing) their travel via public transportation, as they are given preference in hiring or advancement in local, professional opportunities.

The advantage is clear, but the need is real. Despite the fact that English instruction is a focus of public education, English proficiency in Mexico remains very low to moderate, according to Education First. Additional resources are needed, but accessibility remains the leading barrier to further growth in English proficiency, as half of the respondents to the British Council survey reported that the cost of English instruction is their greatest obstacle to advancement.”

WHAT CAN BE DONE

Something can be done with what so many of us have! To address this need, we’ve employed a 7-part strategy to provide the highest quality classes at the most accessible price.