Michelle Kawamura is a professor at the School of Economics at Ritsumeikan University, Japan. She holds a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on materials development. Her research interests include cross-cultural relationships and the use of technology to facilitate language and cultural learning. She has conducted several collaborative research projects with universities abroad, using technology as a means of communication to study changes in students’ motivation to use a foreign language when given the opportunity, as well as their language proficiency after the research period. Currently, she teaches socio-economic issues and cultures in English to university students, with the aim of exposing them to different social and cultural issues internationally, broadening their perspectives, and fostering critical thinking skills. She believes that critical thinking is an essential skill for all individuals.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves rapidly, the necessity for nations to collaborate on economic, political, social, and environmental fronts has never been more critical. In this context, the role of English as a second language has transcended its initial purpose of facilitating globalization. Today, early education in English is essential for accessing the latest information and discerning its accuracy in an era where data is ubiquitous.

This keynote will delve into the importance of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) score as a standard measure in English education. The research presented aims to identify the factors contributing to the success and failure of English education, with a focus on educational methods, government assistance, teacher compensation, and teacher training.

The study encompasses countries where English education is mandated by national policies, ensuring it is a compulsory subject. This selection criterion highlights the significance of government support in fostering effective English education systems. By examining these factors, the research seeks to provide insights into best practices and areas for improvement in English language education.