Instituto De Idiomas Competent

What Instituto De Idiomas Competent does

Instituto De Idiomas Competent is a privately held Chilean language institute, founded in 1997 and operated under the legal entity International Language Limitada, headquartered in Santiago's Providencia district. It specializes in live, one-on-one online English instruction delivered via Google Meet, targeting professionals and corporate teams who need English proficiency for international business contexts. The core product portfolio is structured around three tracks: Inglés para Profesionales (Business English in 8, 24, and 40-hour tiers), Inglés Comunicativo (general communicative English from A1 to C2), and Inglés Corporativo (custom B2B programs). Each course is governed by a proprietary 7-element "Follow-Up" methodology covering Diagnosis, Proposal, Planning, Follow-up, Satisfaction, Feedback, and Reports, and is supported by Pearson's digital exercise platform for supplementary practice.

The company operates a hybrid B2B/B2C business model. Direct-to-consumer course sales flow through a Shopify-based e-commerce storefront with WhatsApp consultation and Google Calendar booking for diagnostic sessions. The B2B motion is enterprise field sales targeting HR and People departments at multinational corporates, with custom proposals, ongoing progress reporting, and minimum-purchase corporate evaluation packages (starting at 5 units of the Versant AI-powered assessment). Named clients span mining, utilities, industrial automation, manufacturing, logistics, professional services, and telecom, including Voith, ISP, Garces Fruit, Bakelite, Bertling, Boart, Aguas Andina, Crowe, Emerson, Endress, and FX Networks. Two revenue streams are notable for diversification: Dupla (paired learner) courses and The Competent Circle, an in-person networking event series held in Las Condes.

Course pricing ranges from $19,000 CLP for a 40-minute diagnostic class to $1,980,000 CLP for 60-hour advanced exam preparation. The team comprises 11 people: founder/director Erika Saba, an admin lead, and 9 English teachers. The company is bootstrapped, founder-owned, with no disclosed external capital, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity. It markets primarily through a content blog, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and an active Google Business Profile (4.9 stars across 74 reviews). The physical footprint is two Santiago offices, with a stated but not yet realized ambition to serve the broader Latin American market.

Name

Instituto De Idiomas Competent

Legal name

International Language Limitada

Website

https://www.institutocompetent.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Instituto De Idiomas Competent is a Chilean English language institute founded in 1997 that delivers live one-on-one online business English courses to professionals and multinational corporate clients in Santiago, combining a proprietary 7-step methodology with Pearson-supported assessment tools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language Education Services

NAICS

Language Schools (61163), Educational Support Services (61171), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

ESL for Work & Workplace English (ESP) (EDAAACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business English & Professional Communication (EDAAACAE), Language Proficiency Exam Prep (CEFR, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE) (EDANACAD), General Language Schools & Institutes (EDAMAFAA)

Keywords

• Online English instruction
• Business English training
• Corporate language programs
• English proficiency assessment
• Live language classes

Headquarters

HQ city

Santiago

HQ country

Chile

HQ region

Latin America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual English Courses: One-on-one live online English courses for professionals, including diagnostic classes, business English programs, communicative English courses, and exam preparation. Sold as course packages ranging from 4 to 60 hours.
2. Corporate English Training: Custom B2B English training programs for enterprise teams with diagnostic assessment, personalized curriculum, progress reporting, and evaluation services for multiple employees.
3. Dupla Courses: Paired learning courses for two colleagues or friends at the same English level, with shared scheduling and pricing per participant.
4. The Competent Circle: In-person networking events for English practice, sold as individual session admissions at $25,000 CLP per participation.
5. English Assessments: Pearson Versant-based English proficiency evaluations for individuals and companies. Individual assessments at $75,000 CLP; corporate evaluations sold in packages starting at 5 units for $425,000 CLP.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Instituto De Idiomas Competent provides personalized, live one-on-one online English instruction delivered via Google Meet by expert teachers, primarily targeting professionals and corporate teams that need English for international business contexts. The portfolio spans business English (Inglés para Profesionales), general communicative English (Inglés Comunicativo), specialized modules (English for Meetings, Presentations, Networking), exam preparation (TOEFL/IELTS), paired "Dupla" courses, Pearson Versant-based proficiency assessments, and B2B corporate English training programs with custom proposals and HR reporting.

Product overview

Instituto De Idiomas Competent is an online English language school offering a comprehensive portfolio of courses and assessment services for professionals and corporations. The offering is structured around three main programs: Inglés para Profesionales (Business English courses in 8, 24, and 40-hour tiers), Inglés Corporativo (corporate training with custom programs), and Inglés Comunicativo (communicative English from foundational to advanced levels). Specialized modules include English for Meetings, English for Presentations, and English for Networking. The school also offers AI-powered English proficiency assessments through Versant by Pearson technology, paired courses for two learners, and The Competent Circle networking events. All programs follow the proprietary 'Follow-Up' methodology consisting of 7 elements: Diagnosis, Proposal, Planning, Monitoring, Satisfaction, Feedback, and Reporting. Classes are delivered live one-on-one via Google Meet by expert teachers, supported by a Pearson digital platform for exercises and reinforcement. The company has 28 years of experience and operates as International Language Limitada in Santiago, Chile.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Competent Circle: Professional English Networking Series - A face-to-face networking event series for professionals to practice English in real contexts, including conversations, networking, and connection with similar profiles.

Products and services

• Clase de Diagnóstico (Diagnostic Class) A 40-minute live oral diagnostic session with an expert teacher to determine English level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Includes an oral interview, detailed report with results, and a customized course program recommendation. Priced at $19,000 CLP per session.
• Inglés para Profesionales (Business English Courses) Business English course package for professionals who need to communicate in international settings, covering meetings, presentations, business writing, pronunciation, and strategic conversations. Available in tiered hour durations (Foundation 8 hours at $278,000 CLP, Growth 24 hours at $710,000 CLP, Achievement 40 hours at $1,160,000 CLP). Includes diagnostic class, personalized study plan, and access to the business English learning platform.
• Inglés Comunicativo (Communicative English Courses) General communicative English course for beginners and intermediate learners covering all four language skills. Available in tiered hour durations (Kick Off 8 hours at $278,000 CLP, Training 20 hours at $710,000 CLP, Challenge 40 hours at $1,160,000 CLP). Includes diagnostic evaluation, personalized study plan, online platform access, and renewal option.
• English for Meetings Practical English course for professionals who need to participate in international meetings with confidence. Covers initiating, conducting, and closing effective meetings, presenting progress, making decisions, and communicating results. 20 hours of live classes priced at $700,000 CLP.
• English for Networking Intensive course for professionals seeking career advancement through English networking skills. Focuses on confident self-introduction, professional experience communication, interview preparation, and building a professional network in English. Price not publicly listed.
• English for Presentations Practical English course for professionals presenting in international corporate environments. Covers structuring presentations, connecting with audiences, explaining data precisely, and closing with impact. Includes guided production and continuous feedback. Price not publicly listed.
• Curso en Dupla (Paired Learning Courses) English course designed for two students at the same level learning together, available in 24-hour and 40-hour formats. Includes individual diagnostic, customized study plan, 2 weekly one-hour live sessions via Google Meet, 12-month platform access, progress tracking, and personalized feedback. 40-hour version priced at $750,000 CLP per student; 24-hour version at $490,000 CLP per participant.
• Evaluación para Profesionales (Individual English Assessment) AI-powered English proficiency assessment measuring all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) using Versant by Pearson technology. 50-minute online evaluation with detailed GSE-based report and international validity. Priced at $75,000 CLP (25% discount from regular $100,000), results can be attached to a CV for bilingual positions.
• Evaluación para Empresas (Corporate English Assessment) Corporate English assessment service measuring language competency of job candidates or current employees using Versant by Pearson AI technology with remote proctoring. 30-minute evaluation covering all four skills with GSE-standardized reporting. Minimum purchase of 5 evaluations at $425,000 CLP total (tax-exempt invoice).
• Inglés Exámenes (Exam Preparation Courses) Exam preparation course for students with B1 level or higher preparing for TOEFL or IELTS international certifications. Available as Build (30 hours at $1,050,000 CLP) and Expand (60 hours at $1,980,000 CLP) packages, covering exam format familiarization, practice test strategies, and deep skill development.
• Programa Pro-Focus Individual English course for beginners or those concerned about committing to long courses. Includes diagnostic class, 4 one-hour live sessions via Google Meet, customized course content, and 12-month access to the international exercise platform. Priced at $132,000 CLP (26% discount from regular $179,000).
• The Competent Circle Professional English networking series providing in-person practice in real contexts. Features guided conversations in small groups, networking with professionals, English interaction in a safe environment, and teacher facilitation. Participation fee: $25,000 CLP per session (limited spots). Held at Av. Apoquindo 6410, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.
• Corporate English Training (Custom B2B Programs) Custom B2B English training programs for enterprise teams with diagnostic assessment, personalized curriculum, progress reporting, and evaluation services for multiple employees. Sold directly to enterprises with custom proposals; clients include Voith, ISP, Garces Fruit, Bakelite, Bertling, Boart, Aguas Andina, Crowe, Emerson, Endress, and FX Networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• 35% faster advancement possible with one-on-one personalized classes vs traditional group learning

Named customers11 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• PearsoncoreTechnology or IntegrationPearson Versant English assessment technology integrated into evaluation services. AI-powered language proficiency testing measuring speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills with results aligned to Global Scale of English (GSE). Used for both individual professional evaluations and corporate employee assessments. 176 years of Pearson experience backing the technology.
• GooglecoreTechnology or IntegrationGoogle Meet used for all live online classes. Google Calendar appointment system for booking diagnostic sessions. Core infrastructure for delivering live instruction.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• EF Education First: Global English-language training company with strong presence in Chile serving both individual learners and corporate clients. Directly competes with Competent in B2B corporate English programs and shares the same live-instructor plus hybrid model.
• Open English: Latin America-focused online English school headquartered in the region, offering live group and private classes with native-speaking teachers. Closest direct competitor by geography, target customer (working professionals), and live online delivery model.
• Wall Street English: Global chain of English schools for adults with established corporate training programs. Competes with Competent in the Chilean/LATAM B2B corporate English market and offers a similar blended online + in-person experience.
• Berlitz: Global language school operator with strong corporate training and immersion methodology legacy. Targets the same executive and corporate English segments that Competent serves in Chile.
• inlingua International: Worldwide language school franchise with local partners in Chile offering corporate and individual language training. Directly comparable in business model, customer targeting, and methodology.
• International House: Network of language schools with CELTA-trained teachers offering adult English and corporate training programs. Comparable in teacher-led live instruction and B2B corporate focus.

Broad incumbents

• British Council: UK-government-backed English teaching institution operating in Chile with both individual and corporate offerings. A larger, broader institution that competes for the same English-training wallet share but with a wider mandate beyond just language.

Emerging players

• Cambly: Online marketplace for on-demand 1-on-1 English tutoring with native speakers. Competes with Competent on convenience and price for individual learners, particularly younger professionals seeking flexible scheduling.
• Preply: Global online tutoring marketplace spanning many languages including English. Targets similar professional learner segments with a wider teacher pool and self-serve booking, putting pressure on Competent's individual learner funnel.
• Elsa Speak: AI-powered English pronunciation and speaking app. Represents the AI-native disruption risk to Competent's live teaching model, particularly for self-directed learners who use Elsa as a low-cost complement or substitute.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC5LaIoBvYDfihKfjwBDxuTA/videos
• Facebookweb.facebook.com/InstitutoDeIdiomasCompetent
• Instagraminstagram.com/institutocompetent

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Instituto De Idiomas Competent