Honduras Ranks #2 in Latin America for English Proficiency — So Why Do Companies Still Choose Low-English Nearshore Markets, and How Could This Change the Perspective?

Latin America continues to be one of the most attractive nearshoring regions in the world.

Many companies still choose destinations where English proficiency is relatively low, and yet these markets remain central to nearshoring strategies across the region.

So the question naturally arises:

If English is so critical for global operations, why do companies continue to choose low-English-proficiency countries in Latin America as primary nearshore destinations?

For years, the answer has been clear: cost efficiency, large labor pools, and the ability to scale quickly.

Language, while important, was often treated as a challenge that could be solved later — through training, extra supervision, layered management, or more recently, technology.

But the market is evolving.

According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2025, Honduras ranked #2 in Latin America for English proficiency, placing the country in the High Proficiency category.

This ranking introduces a new perspective for nearshoring in 2026:

What happens when a country offers competitive costs and strong English proficiency at the same time?

That is where Honduras — and Altia Smart City — begin to stand out.

Why Low-English Nearshore Markets Have Dominated for So Long

Countries like Mexico and Colombia have played a major role in shaping nearshoring in Latin America.

They continue to attract companies for very valid reasons:

• Large labor pools

• Established outsourcing ecosystems

• Geographic proximity to the U.S.

• Competitive operating costs

These strengths have made them reliable choices for companies focused on speed and scale.

However, English proficiency in these markets remains relatively low compared to other countries in the region. This does not make them poor nearshore destinations — but it does create a trade-off that many companies have learned to manage rather than eliminate.

The Hidden Trade-Off: Cost Efficiency vs. Communication Quality

When English proficiency is low, companies usually respond in one of two ways.

1. More Training and More Oversight

This often includes:

• Longer onboarding periods

• Ongoing language training

• Additional supervisors and QA layers

• Slower ramp-up times

While these costs may not appear immediately, they increase operational complexity over time.

2. More Technology to Fill the Gap

Many companies now rely on:

• AI translation tools

• Real-time transcription software

• Automated quality monitoring

• AI-assisted customer interactions

These tools can help — but they are not free.

They add:

• Licensing and integration costs

• Technology dependency

• Risk in customer-facing conversations

In practice, companies in low-English environments often end up spending more to protect quality, either through people, technology, or both.

AI Is an Accelerator — Not a Replacement for Language

AI is transforming global operations, but it works best when teams already have a strong language foundation.

When English proficiency is weak, AI becomes a compensating mechanism rather than a productivity tool.

This increases:

• Cost

• Complexity

• Operational risk

When English proficiency is strong, AI becomes what it was meant to be:an enhancer, not a necessity.

Honduras Changes the Equation

Honduras offers a different model.

With a strong English-speaking workforce and one of the most cost-effective nearshore cost structures in the region, Honduras removes the traditional trade-off between cost and quality.

Companies operating in Honduras:

• Do not need to rely heavily on AI just to communicate

• Do not need excessive management layers to correct misunderstandings

• Can use AI strategically, not defensively

English is already there.

Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality

Most nearshore markets offer one of two advantages:

• Low cost

• Or strong English proficiency

Honduras offers both.

This allows companies to:

• Control operating costs

• Maintain communication quality

• Scale faster with less friction

• Reduce rework, errors, and turnover

This balance is especially valuable for:

• BPO and customer experience operations

• Shared services

• IT and technical support

• Finance and accounting

• Sales and inside operations

  
  

The Talent Behind the Ranking

This ranking represents real people.

In Honduras, companies find:

• Young, bilingual professionals

• Strong work ethic and commitment

• High adaptability to global teams

• Cultural alignment with U.S. business practices

These qualities translate directly into better performance at scale.

At GK Global and Altia Smart City, this is visible every day.

Nearshoring in 2026: Fewer Trade-Offs, Better Decisions

Nearshoring is no longer just about finding the lowest cost.

Companies are now asking:

• Where can we scale without losing quality?

• Where can we reduce friction instead of managing it?

• Where can technology enhance performance instead of filling gaps?

Honduras answers these questions with a balanced value proposition:

• Competitive costs

• Strong English proficiency

• A growing and capable talent pool

  
  

Altia Smart City: Where the Advantage Becomes Scalable

Talent and language matter — but environment matters too.

Altia Smart City was designed to support:

• Nearshoring operations

• Business continuity

• Long-term investment

• Sustainable growth

Companies operating inside Altia benefit from:

• Access to bilingual talent

• Purpose-built infrastructure

• Operational stability

• A professional ecosystem designed for scale

This reduces risk and accelerates performance from day one.

Final Thought: A New Nearshoring Perspective Honduras Ranks #2 in Latin America for English Proficiency

Traditional nearshore destinations will continue to play an important role in Latin America.

But the market no longer needs to choose between:

• Low cost or good English

• Scale or quality

  
  

Honduras proves that both can exist in the same place.

With its #2 ranking in English proficiency in Latin America, strong cost efficiency, and smart ecosystems like Altia Smart City, Honduras is not replacing traditional markets — it is raising the standard.

In 2026, nearshoring is no longer about managing trade-offs.

It is about choosing balance.

And Honduras is ready. 🇭🇳💙