The Global Scale of English: A decade of innovation in language education

In international education, admissions are just the beginning. While securing a place at a university is a massive milestone for a student, measuring success continues for them from the moment they arrive on campus. Institutions know that academic performance, engagement and retention are shaped long before the first lecture begins, and one of those critical factors is English language proficiency. 

Students who begin their studies with the right level of English are better equipped to participate fully in academic life. They understand course material, contribute to discussions and complete assignments with confidence. This foundation does not support individual achievement; it also strengthens the entire learning environment. 

That is why reliable proficiency testing is more than an admissions tool. It is a strategic investment in student success. 

The link between proficiency and performance 

Universities have long understood the connection between language readiness and academic outcomes. When students are placed correctly, they are more likely to thrive. Misplacement, on the other hand, can lead to frustration, disengagement and even dropout. 

Reliable testing helps institutions avoid such pitfalls. It ensures that students are matched to the right level of study, reducing the need for remedial support and improving retention rates. For universities, this translates into stronger performance metrics and a cohesive student experience overall. 

Pearson English Express Test: A foundation for success

The Pearson English Express Test is designed to support this journey before day one. With fast, secure and trusted results, it gives both students and institutions the clarity they need to move forward with confidence. 

It delivers certified scores within 48 hours, allowing universities to make timely decisions and students to begin their academic journey without delay. It is AI-powered scoring and alignment with CEFR and GSE frameworks ensures accuracy, while remote proctoring and identity verfication protect the integrity of the results. 

This combination of speed, precision and security makes the Pearson English Express Test more than just a test but a strategic tool for long-term success 

Institutional value that goes beyond admissions 

For universities, adopting the Pearson English Express Test is not just about streamlining admissions; it is about strengthening the entire student lifecycle. By ensuring that potential students are linguistically prepared, institutions can reduce academic risk, improve retention and enhance their reputation for supporting international learners. 

The Pearson English Express Test helps universities to demonstrate a commitment to quality and care. It shows that they are not just admitting students, they are setting them up for success. 

A smarter start for international students

In a competitive global education market, institutions need solutions that go beyond the basics. The Pearson English Express Test offers a smarter, more strategically driven approach to language assessment. One that not only supports them getting into university, but also from application to graduation. 

By choosing the Pearson English Express Test, universities are investing in outcomes that matter: academic success, student satisfaction and long-term institutional positive impact. 

Across classrooms, holidays show up as stories, songs, recipes, colors and customs. For English educators, they also offer language tasks that build communication, intercultural understanding and community. The key is to celebrate in a way that’s inclusive, academically rich, and respectful of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. Here are some activities you can do this festive season with minimal fluff and maximum impact, each tied to clear language objectives.

Principles for inclusive festive learning

• Student choice: Invite learners to showcase their traditions, for example, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid, Hanukkah, Christmas, Día de los Muertos, Nowruz or a seasonal theme without a religious focus.
• Language-first design: Anchor activities in explicit objectives – for example, “Can describe customs and traditions,” “Can compare events,” “Can write instructions” – to ensure measurable progress.
• Do-no-harm approach: Provide opt-in alternatives, avoid stereotyping and create space for students who do not celebrate holidays.
• Representation: Use materials that reflect multiple regions and voices. Encourage translanguaging to deepen understanding and honor identity.
• Accessibility: Scaffold with visuals, sentence frames and leveled texts so every learner can contribute meaningfully.

Learning a new language opens doors to unique ways of thinking and feeling, deeply rooted in culture. As teachers, we have the privilege of guiding learners to these insights, helping them broaden their worldview.

When I first moved to Japan, I was struck by concepts like wa (和, social harmony), enryo (遠, restraint out of respect) and gaman (我慢, patient endurance). Discovering these ideas was energizing and made learning Japanese feel like more than just mastering a new language – it was about embracing a vibrant culture.

I soon found that many expats shared similar experiences. In my first year teaching in Japan, over 40 years ago, I met Marc Helgesen at one of the first JALT meetings. We connected over our shared interest in developing a revolutionary approach to language teaching in Japan – a kind of kakushin (革新), or innovation, that challenged the status quo.

Our collaboration led to many teaching experiments and, eventually, the publication of English Firsthand as a single-level course in 1985.