Vietnam ranks 7th in Asia in English proficiency index

EF representative informs about survey results

At the announcement, EF representative said that to create the EPI 2023 edition (Global English Proficiency Index 2023), the unit analyzed the results of 2.2 million adults who took the EF SET English test in 2023, with a special focus on changing trends in English proficiency globally since the first EF EPI edition was published in 2011.

“English proficiency among younger generations is declining in some places. The youngest age groups (18-20 years old) are experiencing a decline in English proficiency, particularly in Asia and Latin America. This is likely due to the disruption toeducation systems during the pandemic. It is unclear whether the knowledge deficit caused by Covid-19 will correct itself in the future, but we can expect a rapid recovery for the next generation of students,” said an EF representative.

Notably, English proficiency among the workforce is rising. Working adults have been improving their English since 2015, the first year EF began publishing EPI scores by age group. The workforce is developing their English skills in the workplace through available training programs or through their own personal development. This is consistent with the significant increase in demand for professional English courses over the past decade, as companies and employees seek to bridge the gap between the demands of the global workplace and the English skills they have acquired through formal education.

On a gender perspective, over the past decade, globally, men’s English proficiency has improved, while women’s has declined slightly. This may seem surprising given the progress countries have made in ensuring equal access to education, greater participation of women in higher education, and overall learning outcomes for girls. Countries with high levels of skill imbalances between men and women will need to conduct further research on this issue.

Europe still tops the English proficiency rankings. However, some of Europe's major economies (France, Spain, Italy) have yet to reach the same level of proficiency in the language as their neighbours.

South Asia and Southeast Asia saw a slight decline in average English proficiency, but many countries in the region remained stable or increased slightly. Average scores in the region were affected by India’s declining English proficiency over the past few years. In addition, Thailand’s score was significantly affected by the pandemic. In Central Asia, English proficiency was low and stable, with a higher-than-average gender gap, with a trend of more males than females in most of these countries.

Mr. Mark Do, Country Director of EF Education First Vietnam, said: Vietnam's English proficiency index in 2023 reached 505/800 points, ranking 58th out of 113 countries and territories, and is in the group with average proficiency level.

Two years ago, Vietnam scored only 486 points and was in the group of countries with low proficiency levels. In this year's report, the English proficiency level of Vietnamese people increased by 9 points, ranking 7th in Asia, higher than the scores of India, Indonesia, China, and Japan. In Southeast Asia, Vietnam is ranked 4th, just behind Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

T. TRANG

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