Do I need to learn the language while working abroad?

If you start working abroad, the language can be a challenge. You can decide to not learn the language while working abroad and use your English skills in daily life, but we think it’s important to learn the language of your new destination. And it’s not only the practical reasons that make speaking the local language worth it. Our Dutch recruiter Amber can tell you everything about that. She decided to learn Spanish while living and working abroad. Of course we wanted to know everything about it. 

But before we let Amber tell you why you should learn the language while working abroad, we also want to tell you about other benefits from doing this. Research has shown that learning a new language actually physically changes your brain. It has a positive impact on your cognitive abilities and your memory. But that’s not the only thing. You also train your attention and concentration if you focus on learning a new language. There are so many mental benefits to doing this, but it’s also a great way to enjoy life abroad to its full potential. And that’s something Amber can tell you everything about. 

Why did you start learning Spanish?

“I have always had the feeling that I was born in the wrong country. After I went to the Dominican Republic with my family and fell in love with the music, culture and language, I knew that I wanted to live abroad. When my long-term relationship ended, I decided to move to Puerto Rico, but before I went there I started learning a little bit of Spanish for half a year. After all, you go to a city where everything is new, but once I arrived it felt like I was at home for the first time in my life.”

Eventually Amber ended up in Valencia, where she developed her Spanish skills by taking Spanish lessons and going to different language events. “Because I started speaking Spanish, from the start it felt like I was part of the city and the environment. This makes me feel at home in Valencia as well.”

Why would you recommend learning the local language while working abroad?

“It makes daily life so much easier, but also a lot more fun! A random small talk with a passenger, in the supermarket or while sitting on the terrace. Those small moments make you feel at home.” It’s these little moments that make living in another country worth it. Speaking the local language stops the feeling of being a guest in your new city. It helps you feel like you belong there.

Amber remembers her first real conversation in Spanish like it happened yesterday. “An old lady asked me the way. I don’t think she really expected me to speak Spanish and she hoped I just explained it to her with arm gestures. After all, I didn’t really look like a local. But when I explained the route in Spanish she was really impressed and didn’t stop giving me compliments about it. We kept talking for over half an hour. That’s the great thing about Spanish people: you just met and they make you feel like you’ve been friends for a long time.“

It helped her to feel more at home. If you speak the language you will become part of the local community. When you don’t adjust to the culture and language you will never feel at home in another country.

What would you say to someone who thinks: Everyone speaks English?

“I would say that is a misconception, and you also sell yourself short. Of course you can always stay in the international bubble in your new destination. But that’s not what living abroad is all about. You moved abroad for a reason and there’s nothing as beautiful as integrating in your new home. Sure, in big cities people speak English very well. But when the city is smaller, you should be glad if someone understands it when you order a beer in English.” 

English is very common in destinations all over the world, but you will always feel like a foreigner. And as Amber told us, living and working abroad is about understanding the local culture. Adapting yourself to your new surroundings. And what better way to do that than learning the local language. 

FAQ