My second-hand experience of developing countries is that almost everyone there at least wants to know English. I think Americans are actually the least likely to want to learn a second language, though non-Anglo developed countries probably have higher rates of successful bilingualism.
My experience concurs. I live in China, where nearly every student (starting in first grade!) studies English. A great take private English lessons as well.
I’m not sure how well this extends to rural areas. In the few villages I have visited, I saw several private English schools; however, those villages were not far from larger population centers.
That said, most of the people to whom I have spoken are not close to fluent. Even by high school, they cannot carry on a basic conversation.
My second-hand experience of developing countries is that almost everyone there at least wants to know English. I think Americans are actually the least likely to want to learn a second language, though non-Anglo developed countries probably have higher rates of successful bilingualism.
My experience concurs. I live in China, where nearly every student (starting in first grade!) studies English. A great take private English lessons as well.
I’m not sure how well this extends to rural areas. In the few villages I have visited, I saw several private English schools; however, those villages were not far from larger population centers.
That said, most of the people to whom I have spoken are not close to fluent. Even by high school, they cannot carry on a basic conversation.