A review of the status and role of English use and instruction in Austria, where English has the status of first foreign language, is presented. The following topics are reported on: (1) general usage; (2) English in the educational system, including a description of programs at all levels with some emphasis on vocational education; (3) the qualifications, supply, training, and recruitment of English teachers; (4) the availability of instructional and audiovisual materials; (5) educational administration in relation to English instruction; (6) development and planning for English instruction; (7) English instruction outside the educational system; (8) British, American, and other external support for English instruction; (9) commercial and creative publishing opportunities; (10) current research; and (11) other information sources. It is concluded that recent developments in educational administration may be beneficial to an already strong English language instruction situation in public and teacher education, despite traditional rigidity and scepticism about educational change. (MSE)