English Australia’s research partner, BONARD, has released a new research report Trends Shaping the Future of Global English Language Teaching, which examines the trends emerging as a result of the uneven pandemic recovery of the English Language Teaching (ELT) sector across a variety of destinations in 2023.
According to the report, Australia recorded the highest volume of student weeks globally in 2022 and BONARD estimates that the sector will reach 90%–95% of its 2019 global market volume in 2023, despite accommodation and teacher shortages continuing to impact its recovery.
Surprisingly, Malta was the only destination to outperform its 2019 levels in 2022, with the other source countries having a long way to go to reach pre-pandemic student numbers and weeks.
The study also found that English language learners are getting younger, students are becoming proficient in English earlier than ever before, and the quality of in-country English language education is improving in many source countries, which will have a significant impact on the ELT sector before it flows on to affect Higher Education and pathways.
Newly appointed English Australia CEO, Ian Aird said of the report “It is great to see our research partner, Bonard again providing the global perspective and insights with such a comprehensive report.”
“It is also fantastic to see the Australian English language sector leading the global recovery, it’s something I know our members have worked very hard to accomplish,” he said, adding “and, as our data reports show, 2023 was even better with the overall numbers for 2023 above the 2019 volumes.”
One segment of the report that most like to read is what is happening in markets. According to the report:
Latin America showed the greatest rebound, recovering 87% of its 2019 student weeks in 2022. With the exception of Brazil, the largest markets in the region (Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador) recorded impressive growth between 2021 and 2022 and fully recovered their 2019 market volume. Initial data for 2023 points to continued growth from the region, mostly to Australia and Canada.
Japan outperformed China to become the largest market in Asia. China dropped to the 4th spot as a result of travel restrictions, which were only removed in March. A rebound in group travel, in particular, is expected to be seen in summer 2024.
Italy lagged behind other EU markets in returning to the ‘new normal’. The country only reached 57% of its pre-pandemic volume, which was far below the European average of 80%. Italy is the largest source market for junior (under-18) students. Although the market has continued to gradually recover in 2023, it is still trailing other European markets and has not reached its pre-pandemic volumes.
Thailand exceeded its 2019 student weeks (with Australia being the largest beneficiary) and cemented its position as the 6th biggest market in the world.
Turkey posted impressive year on-year growth, which resulted in a 97% market recovery. Strong demand for English abroad continued to translate into bookings throughout the first half of 2023.
BONARD Education is a global research and advisory firm, specializing in providing independent research and recruitment solutions within international education.
The report, Trends Shaping the Future of Global English Language Teaching, can be seen here.
