Understanding Global English Proficiency (and How It Affects TEFL Jobs)

English may not be the most spoken first language in the world, but it’s certainly the most widely used second language — in business, education, media, and international travel. Around 1.35 billion people across the globe speak English to some degree, though their skills can vary greatly depending on where they live, how they learned it, and how often they use it.

In one country, nearly everyone under 30 might speak fluent English thanks to school programs and subtitled Netflix. In another, students may only begin learning the language in high school — if they have access to schooling at all. These differences don’t just make for interesting data points; they directly impact the TEFL job market. Understanding where English proficiency is high, low, or growing helps teachers figure out where they’ll be most needed, most effective, and most rewarded.

What Is English Proficiency — and Who Measures It?

English proficiency isn’t just about knowing a few words or understanding a movie without subtitles. It refers to someone’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand English with clarity, accuracy, and ease. In the context of global language education, proficiency also reflects how well individuals can use English to study, work, and interact in real-world settings.

One of the most widely used tools to track this is the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI). Each year, EF compiles test results from hundreds of thousands of adults around the world who take their free online English test. Countries are then ranked based on their average scores, sorted into categories ranging from “very high” to “very low” proficiency.

While the EPI isn’t perfect — it only includes self-selected participants and mostly adult learners — it’s one of the best global snapshots available. For TEFL teachers, recruiters, and even education ministries, it offers a helpful sense of where English is strong, where it’s struggling, and where the demand for teachers might be highest.

The Global Leaders: Where English Is Strongest

Some countries consistently top the global charts for English proficiency, even though English isn’t their native language. The Netherlands, Norway, and Singapore are prime examples — and each has its own reasons for getting it right.

In the Netherlands, English is embedded into daily life. Dutch students begin learning English at a young age, and the country doesn’t dub TV or movies, which means young people grow up absorbing native-level speech without even realizing it. Add in the Netherlands’ strong education system, global outlook, and linguistic similarity between Dutch and English, and it’s no surprise they’ve become the world’s top non-native English speakers.

Norway and its Scandinavian neighbors (Sweden, Denmark) follow closely behind. English proficiency is a priority in education, taught from early childhood and supported by high literacy rates across the board. These countries are deeply connected to global trade, media, and tourism, which reinforces the value of speaking English well. Like Dutch, the Scandinavian languages share Germanic roots with English, making the learning curve less steep than in other regions.

Singapore is a slightly different case. Here, English is one of the official languages and the main language of instruction in schools. Due to its colonial history and global business environment, Singaporeans grow up speaking English in classrooms, offices, and government institutions. The result? Exceptionally high levels of fluency across the population.

For TEFL teachers, these countries can be tempting — they’re safe, well-organized, and international. But the high proficiency levels also mean competition is fierce. Most TEFL jobs in these countries require teaching licenses, advanced degrees, or years of experience. If you’re just starting out, these might not be the easiest places to break in — but if you’re highly qualified, they offer some of the most professional, rewarding environments in the TEFL world.

The Lower End of the Scale: Where English Faces Challenges

Not every country has the luxury of well-funded schools or early language education. At the lower end of global English proficiency rankings are countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Somalia, and Yemen — places where learning English often takes a back seat to more urgent needs.

In many of these regions, conflict, poverty, and limited infrastructure are significant barriers. Millions of school-aged children are out of school entirely, and those who do attend may lack trained teachers, textbooks, or consistent class time. English is rarely a priority when basic education is still a struggle.

Still, that doesn’t mean there’s no room for TEFL teachers. In fact, in some lower-proficiency countries, there’s a strong and growing demand for English education, especially in private schools, NGOs, and international aid programs. But the teaching context can be very different from what you’d find in high-ranking countries. Expect fewer resources, less structure, and sometimes challenging living conditions. That said, for the right kind of teacher — someone motivated by impact rather than income — these destinations can offer powerful, life-changing experiences.

Emerging Trends in Global English Learning

While the top and bottom of the rankings tend to remain stable, the middle is shifting. Some regions are showing rapid improvement, driven by economic development, better access to education, and global connectivity.

In Africa, English is an official language in 24 countries, but actual fluency levels vary wildly. Recently, though, English test scores have been rising steadily in many African nations — a trend linked to growing urbanization, digital learning tools, and foreign investment in education. Countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria are seeing real momentum, especially among younger populations and urban professionals.

Meanwhile, Eastern Europe and the Baltics are quietly becoming strong contenders. Driven by tourism, international business, and access to EU-wide media, countries like Poland, Estonia, and Croatia are climbing the charts. The younger generations in particular are embracing English as a tool for opportunity.

Latin America is also seeing a shift — but in a different way. Companies are taking the lead, investing in business English training for their employees. This demand is creating new job opportunities for TEFL teachers who specialize in adult education or corporate training. If you’ve got experience in business or communications, this could be your niche.

Also worth noting: certain industries — especially telecoms, finance, and tourism — consistently test higher in English. These sectors often require international collaboration, meaning employers are motivated to upskill their workforce. Teachers with background knowledge in these fields may find rewarding roles that go beyond the typical classroom.

Factors That Influence English Proficiency Worldwide

So what explains why some countries soar in English proficiency while others lag behind? There’s no single answer — but several key factors make a big difference:

• Access to Quality Education: Without a solid education system, learning any second language is difficult. Countries with high literacy rates and well-funded public schools tend to perform better in English.

• Government Policy: Whether English is introduced early, taught by qualified teachers, and supported by strong curricula depends heavily on national priorities. Some governments make English a core part of education reform, while others don’t invest much at all.

• Media and Internet Exposure: Countries where people regularly watch English-language TV, listen to music, play video games, or use the internet in English tend to pick it up more naturally. Subtitles, streaming, and global pop culture are major language boosters.

• Tourism and Trade: Places that rely on English-speaking tourists or do a lot of international business are more motivated to teach the language well. It’s both an economic and practical necessity.

• Cultural Attitudes: In some countries, English is embraced as a gateway to opportunity. In others, there’s more resistance, either due to nationalism, past colonialism, or a strong local language tradition. France, for example, has excellent schools but a long-standing ambivalence toward English.

• Historical Context: The legacy of colonialism is still visible in global English use. Former British colonies — from Singapore to South Africa — often have higher proficiency, especially where English remains an official language. Trade routes, alliances, and international institutions also play a role.

Together, these elements shape the landscape TEFL teachers navigate. Whether you’re looking for a polished international classroom or a grassroots role with big impact, understanding these factors helps you choose the right path — and prepare for it.

Why English Proficiency Matters for TEFL Teachers

Where you choose to teach — and what kind of role you’ll have — often depends on a country’s level of English proficiency. This single metric can shape your job options, salary range, classroom experience, and competition level.

In high-proficiency countries like the Netherlands, Norway, or Singapore, most people already have a solid command of English. That means jobs are often geared toward exam preparation (like IELTS or TOEFL), business English, or fine-tuning advanced communication skills. These roles usually require more qualifications, experience, or specialization, and competition is strong — not just from other expats, but also from local teachers who are fluent in English themselves.

On the flip side, lower-proficiency countries — whether due to economic development, limited schooling, or language policy — tend to offer more opportunities for entry-level teachers. In these regions, you’re often teaching basic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to students of all ages. These jobs may not always come with the highest pay or plushest perks, but the impact you make can be huge, especially if you’re working in underserved communities or building programs from the ground up.

Proficiency levels also affect your day-to-day classroom dynamics. In high-EPI countries, students might ask complex grammar questions or challenge your explanations. In lower-EPI areas, you’ll spend more time on pronunciation drills, confidence-building, and basic conversation skills. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the kind of teaching that aligns with your personality, patience, and goals.

Interpreting the EPI with a Critical Eye

While the EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) offers a useful overview, it’s not a perfect lens. If you’re planning your TEFL journey based solely on these rankings, it’s important to dig a little deeper.

For one, urban vs. rural differences can be dramatic. A country might score high overall, but that number could be driven by English-speaking professionals in the capital, while remote areas remain underserved. Likewise, younger generations often outperform older ones, especially in countries investing heavily in education reform or digital learning. What you experience in a classroom might be wildly different from what the statistics suggest.

Take Japan, for example. Its EPI score is lower than you might expect for a country with such global influence. Yet Japan has one of the most robust TEFL job markets in Asia, with thousands of schools hiring foreign teachers through programs like JET and private language institutes. The demand is there — and so are the salaries — even if national test scores don’t reflect it.

The EPI also tends to favor countries with strong testing infrastructure and data collection systems. That means countries with limited testing access (or inconsistent reporting) may appear to have lower proficiency than they actually do.

The takeaway? Use the data as a starting point, not a rulebook. Then dig into local context, job boards, expat forums, and real teacher experiences to fill in the gaps.

Using English Proficiency Data to Plan Your TEFL Path

If you’re strategic about your TEFL journey, English proficiency data can help you choose destinations that align with your skills, interests, and goals.

Want to make a big difference from the ground up? Lower-proficiency countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, or Central America may offer the kind of challenge and purpose that fuels your passion — especially in rural schools, NGOs, or development-focused roles. These environments often need patient, creative teachers willing to adapt and connect.

Prefer to work in places with established systems and highly motivated learners? Countries in Northern Europe or parts of East Asia might be your best bet. These locations reward experienced teachers with opportunities in exam prep, academic writing, or corporate training — and often pay well for that expertise.

Even if you’re teaching online, this data can guide you. For example, high demand is emerging in Latin American business circles, while Eastern European teenagers are eager for conversational fluency. Whether you’re freelancing or working through a platform, knowing where English is growing helps you market yourself effectively.

It’s not just about chasing jobs — it’s about finding the right fit for your lifestyle, values, and teaching style. Let the data inform your journey, not dictate it.

Conclusion

Understanding global English proficiency isn’t just interesting — it’s incredibly useful. It tells you where the need for English teachers is greatest, where competition is tight, and what kind of work is most valued in different regions.

For TEFL teachers, this means smarter choices: choosing countries where you can grow, make an impact, and thrive personally and professionally. Whether you’re chasing a purpose-driven job in a developing region or aiming to sharpen your skills in a high-demand corporate role, proficiency trends can point you in the right direction.

Because every student learning English — whether in a bustling European city or a remote classroom — is part of a larger story: the story of a world becoming more connected through language. As a teacher, you don’t just follow that story — you shape it.