Over 74% of Costa Rican University Graduates Master English: Where and How Did They Learn?

A recent report from Conare reveals that a significant majority of Costa Rican university graduates, 74.4%, possess an intermediate command of the English language. However, the data also points to a notable trend: most of these professionals acquired their language skills independently, rather than through their university programs.

The findings underscore the growing demand in the labor market for professionals proficient in English. While universities are graduating a high percentage of English speakers, the primary learning environment for these skills appears to be outside the formal academic setting. This suggests a potential area for improvement in higher education curricula to better meet the needs of the job market.

The report, published by La Nación, highlights that while the outcome of English proficiency is positive, the pathway to achieving it is predominantly self-directed or through external courses, rather than integrated university instruction. This raises questions about how educational institutions can more effectively incorporate and enhance language learning to better prepare graduates for globalized career opportunities.