Increased demand for bilingual education in Latin America

Bilingual education is one of the cornerstones that could ensure a better future, both for students and for Latin American companies.

According to a study by an education company Kumondemand for English language acquisition in Latin America grew 150% at the height of the covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.

It is estimated that only 2% of Latin American he is able to hold a conversation in English.

Education sector Latin America It was severely affected by the pandemic and the resulting school closures, and underfunded education departments were slow to respond and switch classes to distance learning.

In a survey of 17 countries in the Latin American region, since Tulane University in Louisianait is estimated that the learning loss of affected students could be around 10% for those whose parents have completed high school, and up to 60% for those whose parents have a lower level of education.

The high school graduation rate for this second group could reduce by 20%, which would affect educational and social mobility, in addition to having an impact on the future of Latin American society, the study reveals.

And while many governments have set targets for increase investments in bilingual education and make up for hours lost due to the pandemic, Maple Bear Latin American Bilingual Education leaders say more needs to be done as it sets up their vision for a Latin American bilingual boom.

“The pandemic has rekindled the debate about bilingual education and in English in Latin America,” comments Natalia Tieso, Director of LATAM for Maple Bear.

“Demand is skyrocketing, how about bilingual education as well as Latin American workers who speak English fluently, but the public education system cannot cover the gaps that existed before the pandemic, let alone after it,” he adds.

Fact

“35% of jobs in Latin America already require knowledge of the English language, while a recent study by Randstad showed that around 75% of offers for senior management positions require English as a basic requirement,” explains Tieso.

“Therefore, knowledge of English is almost a requirement for future generations Latin Americans,” he warns.