Companies’ investments in foreign language courses for employees are increasing rapidly, driven by international expansion, hybrid work models and pressure for global performance.

“In 2026, we are seeing a clear paradigm shift: foreign language courses are no longer just an employee benefit, but a strategic business tool. Allocated budgets are increasingly focused on concrete results and performance indicators,” says Aura Icodin, Founder & CEO of A_BEST Foreign Language Center.

Larger budgets for key foreign languages, more sophisticated projects

Currently, companies in Romania allocate between €5,000 and €100,000 annually for language training programs, depending on the size of the organization and the complexity of the intervention. The sectors with the highest investments remain IT & software, telecommunications, banking, insurance, pharma, FMCG, energy, transport and logistics, but a visible increase is also emerging in professional services and BPO.

The cost of a corporate training hour varies depending on:

• the foreign language chosen;
• the level of specialization (general, business, technical);
• the course format (online, onsite, hybrid);
• the level of customization;
• the program intensity (standard or intensive).

English remains the leader, but diversification is gaining ground

English maintains its dominant position in companies’ preferences, continuing to be considered the lingua franca of the global business environment. French and German remain among the top choices, while interest in Spanish, Italian, and Nordic languages is growing, in the context of expanding service centers and entering new markets.

“Companies understand that multilingualism means direct access to opportunities. In a competitive economic environment, the ability to communicate effectively across multiple markets becomes a strategic differentiator,” emphasizes Aura Icodin.

From traditional courses to digital learning ecosystems

Corporate programs increasingly include:

• initial and final language assessments with measurable progress indicators;
• integrated digital platforms and mobile applications;
• microlearning and sessions adapted to hybrid work schedules;
• simulations of real business situations (negotiations, presentations, customer support);
• intercultural training for international teams.

The teaching method used by A_BEST trainers remains communication-focused (CLT – Communicative Language Teaching), emphasizing fluency, practical applicability, and interactivity through debates, case studies, role-plays, and industry-specific scenarios.

Language Management Strategy – an investment in sustainable growth

Beyond the courses themselves, A_BEST provides consulting services for developing a Language Management Strategy—a set of measures designed to reduce linguistic and cultural barriers, optimize budgets, and support international expansion.

“We are no longer talking only about learning a foreign language, but about aligning language skills with business objectives. A well-built strategy reduces communication errors, accelerates team integration, and increases organizational efficiency.”, explains Aura Icodin.

About the A_BEST Foreign Language Center

The A_BEST Foreign Language Center was founded in 2008 and is one of Romania’s leading independent centers for foreign language learning for both Romanians and expatriates.

A_BEST provides comprehensive language services at international standards: foreign language courses (general, business, and specialized language), open and corporate courses, Romanian language courses for expatriates, courses for children, internationally recognized testing, translations, language audits, and events dedicated to training and education.