By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A government initiative to provide free English language training to 500,000 Costa Ricans annually through the online platform Open English has sparked significant public debate. Amidst a wave of criticism, a prominent voice from the business community is urging a shift in focus from outright rejection to constructive oversight, arguing that the nation’s economic future depends on it.
Rodney Salazar, President of the Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (CRECEX), acknowledged the validity of public scrutiny surrounding the program but firmly defended its underlying objective. He insists that mastering the English language is a critical strategic tool for national competitiveness and individual employability, and that initiatives aimed at closing the talent gap should be improved, not discarded.
To analyze the legal and commercial ramifications of English proficiency within the national framework, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In a globalized economy, English proficiency transcends being a mere competitive advantage; it becomes a critical element of legal certainty. For Costa Rican businesses, negotiating international contracts, understanding foreign regulations, and attracting investment fundamentally depend on clear communication. Any ambiguity or misinterpretation due to language barriers can lead to costly disputes and significant financial liabilities. Mastering English is, therefore, an essential component of corporate risk management.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is crucial, shifting the conversation from English as a simple competitive advantage to an indispensable tool for mitigating legal and financial risk. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this vital connection for Costa Rican businesses.
Salazar addressed the concerns directly, stating that any public program must be subject to rigorous examination. He advocates for transparency and robust evaluation mechanisms to ensure the project is implemented effectively and responsibly.
In a democracy, it is always valid for a public program to be subject to scrutiny. Concerns about privacy, course quality, or the use of resources must be addressed with seriousness, transparency, and clear evaluation mechanisms. That said, at CRECEX we believe the fundamental goal is correct: to expand access to English for more Costa Ricans. The discussion should focus on how to ensure a robust implementation, with data protection, technical follow-up, and measurable results, not on disqualifying an initiative that seeks to improve employability from the outset.
Rodney Salazar, President of CRECEX
The push for widespread bilingualism is directly tied to Costa Rica’s economic trajectory. The country has successfully positioned itself as a hub for foreign direct investment in high-value sectors, including advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and specialized technical support. According to data from the Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE), the multinational sector already employs over 195,000 people, with new investments demanding increasingly sophisticated skill sets.
In this competitive global landscape, Salazar argues that English is no longer a simple advantage but a core requirement for economic participation and national progress. The potential economic impact is significant, with studies from the National Training Institute (INA) suggesting that bilingualism can boost an individual’s income by 20% to 38%.
It is fundamental. Today, Costa Rica competes for investment and employment in advanced services, specialized technical support, customer experience, cybersecurity, analytics, sophisticated manufacturing, and high-value-added operations. In this context, English ceases to be an added value and becomes a strategic skill for labor market insertion and for sustaining the country’s competitiveness.
Rodney Salazar, President of CRECEX
Critics have questioned why the government is partnering with a private platform instead of channeling funds to strengthen existing public institutions like the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and the INA. Salazar refutes this as a false choice, framing the Open English program as a necessary supplement to, not a replacement for, traditional education.
At CRECEX, we would not see it as an either/or dilemma. The country needs to strengthen formal English teaching in schools and high schools, and also bolster the technical training provided by the INA. But at the same time, it also needs complementary tools that can reach people who work, live far from a training center, or require flexible schedules. An additional platform should be understood as a supplement, not a substitute, provided there is adequate oversight and impact assessment.
Rodney Salazar, President of CRECEX
Ultimately, the CRECEX president’s message is one of pragmatic urgency. He believes Costa Rica cannot afford to downplay the importance of English proficiency. The key, he asserts, is to ensure that this and other public-private partnerships are executed with complete transparency, strong data privacy protections, and clear performance indicators. If these conditions are met, such tools can become powerful assets in a broader national strategy to enhance human capital.
Costa Rica cannot afford the luxury of relativizing the importance of English. Any initiative that helps close talent gaps and connect more people with higher-quality jobs should be viewed with an open mind. The important thing now is for the program to have transparency, data protection, clear progress indicators, and a real measurement of results. If that is guaranteed, these types of tools can become a useful support within a broader country strategy to strengthen human talent and competitiveness.
Rodney Salazar, President of CRECEX
For further information, visit crecex.com
About The Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (CRECEX):
CRECEX is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating foreign trade for Costa Rican businesses. It provides services, representation, and support to importers and exporters, working to enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global market and advocating for policies that foster international commerce.
For further information, visit cinde.org
About The Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE):
CINDE is a private, non-profit, and apolitical organization responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Costa Rica. For over 40 years, it has worked to bring multinational companies to the country, focusing on strategic sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and corporate services to promote sustainable development and high-quality employment.
For further information, visit openenglish.com
About Open English:
Open English is a leading online English language learning platform in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic market. It offers live, online classes with native English-speaking teachers, available 24/7. The platform is designed to provide a flexible and accessible method for students to achieve fluency in English.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About The Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministry of Public Education is the government institution in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the national education system, from preschool through secondary education. Its mission is to ensure quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all citizens, developing curricula, training teachers, and managing public schools throughout the country.
For further information, visit ina.ac.cr
About The National Training Institute (INA):
The Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) is Costa Rica’s primary institution for technical and vocational training. It offers a wide range of free courses and certification programs designed to equip the workforce with the practical skills demanded by the labor market, contributing to the country’s productivity and economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of the legal profession, operating on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a rich legacy of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently driving innovation in legal practice. At the core of its ethos is a profound dedication to demystifying the law, championing accessible legal education to foster a more capable and empowered society.
