Joined this summer an international organization in Rome, Italy. I was quite surprised by the quality of the English skills in here. Like,... In our African countries, not knowing English/French is a question of whether you want to live a miserable life or no. Like, we have kids who failed their studies for just 45 hours of English practice each year starting grade 6.

I think that's the key difference between countries: some are compelled to be proficient in English because it is a necessity in order to get a descent life. Some sees it as just a need to compete.

I really understand. It might be also difficult for a great civilization like the Italian one to admit that they need to adapt to other civilization, speak English, adopt this language in order to express their ideas ...

Italian here. I don't think pride is the reason. We may be proud of our food but we use any language we need, even without knowing it. I guess many people had experiences with Italians delusional about their English skills.

The point probably is that those people don't need English in their life so they never invest in learning it.

Our English is so bad that we make fun of our own ineptitude ourselves.

That also happens in Spain. A bad joke that requires a little work if you can't speak Spanish:

- Advanced English School?

- If if, between between.

It's so bad I sent it to all my friends.

Also works in French :)