Panama Introduces New English Curriculum to Help Students Get Global Jobs

Panama has officially launched a new national English language curriculum aimed at improving English proficiency among school students and opening pathways to global employment. The initiative, introduced on February 21, is designed to align with international standards and is expected to benefit thousands of students across the country.

Read More: Malaysia to Impose 6% Tax on Private Education for International Students from July 2025

The updated curriculum follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a globally recognized standard for measuring language ability. By aligning English education with CEFR levels, Panama aims to equip students with the skills needed to compete in international job markets and attract foreign investment.

As The PIE News reports, Sara Davila, an English language specialist working with the U.S. State Department, noted that Panama currently ranks 16th out of 21 Latin American countries in English proficiency. “Even with the Panama Canal and Panama being central to the global economy, international companies are not establishing themselves in Panama because of the lack of local language ability,” Davila said.

Read Also: US Steps Up Global Education and Language Programs with New 2025 Resolutions

The new curriculum rollout includes training for over 200 teacher trainers who will support 2,000 to 3,000 English teachers across all 14 states. A major focus of the program is to ensure inclusivity, with particular emphasis on reaching remote and indigenous communities, including those in the Darién Gap—an area known for its geographic and social challenges.

As part of the development process, input was gathered from 20% of the country’s teachers to tailor the curriculum to Panama’s specific needs. The framework is also aligned with UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a balance between local context and global education priorities.

One of the most transformative aspects of the program is its potential economic impact. According to Davila, Panamanian students who graduate high school with a B1 level in English could increase their future annual income by as much as $25,000. “Having that language skill immediately creates economic opportunities that did not exist before,” she added.

The project has been strongly supported by the Panamanian government and is fully government-funded, making it resilient to any external political or financial changes, such as the current U.S. funding freeze on international education grants. Although the curriculum design initially received support from the U.S. Embassy, its continued implementation will remain independent and locally driven.

Moreover, the initiative ensures that Panama’s indigenous communities are not left behind. The curriculum is designed to be integrated into regions where Spanish and English are taught as second and third languages, reflecting the diverse linguistic landscape of the country.

By prioritizing English education, Panama is sending a clear message: it aims to become a more competitive, inclusive, and globally connected nation.