Does where a student comes from relate to how well they'll perform in an English language program? The results of a recent longitudinal study say, yes (Colon, 2018).

However country of origin only accounts for 1% of the variance in completion rates. Meaning there is a variable (or variables) out there that are a stronger indicator of success.

None-the-less the descriptive information is notable. From 2004-2014, U.S. English language program completion rates for the leading ten countries of origin for enrollment varied:

• South Korea 35%

• Japan 56%

• Saudi Arabia 16%!

• China 22%

• Taiwan 51%

• Brazil 65%

• Thailand 23%

• Turkey 39%

• Colombia 57%

• Mexico 69%

Although not a leading country of origin for enrollment, Switzerland had a notable average completion rate of 92% Consider these rates in the context of the overall English language program completion rate of 40%.