Why learn a new language?

Living and working abroad

Living and working abroad is exciting… and sometimes a little overwhelming. One of the fastest ways to feel at home in a new country is surprisingly simple: learn the language (even just the basics).

Not long ago, many people could “get by” with their native language plus a bit of English. Today, travel is easier, international teams are everywhere, and more jobs happen across borders. English helps a lot — but local language skills are still a massive advantage for your daily life, your confidence, and your career.

If you’re planning to move abroad (or even if you just love traveling), learning the relevant language is one of the best investments you can make.

Latest Job Openings Abroad

Featured
Featured
Featured
Featured

What's the best way to learn a language?

What’s the best way to learn a language?

The best method is the one you can actually stick to. And good news: you don’t need to be perfect.

1) Learn for real life, not for exams

Focus on what you’ll use:

  • Introducing yourself

  • Ordering food

  • Asking for directions

  • Renting a room / dealing with paperwork

  • Talking to colleagues and making friends

2) Use “micro-learning” (15 minutes a day)

Consistency beats intensity. Small daily practice adds up fast:

  • A language app for vocabulary

  • 5–10 common phrases (repeat them out loud)

  • One short video or podcast

  • Writing a few lines about your day

3) Immerse yourself (without pressure)

If you live abroad, you’re already in the best classroom:

  • Speak with baristas, neighbors, coworkers

  • Join a local class or conversation group

  • Find a language exchange partner (you help them, they help you)

4) Learn through entertainment

A fun way to improve naturally:

  • Series with subtitles (first in your language, later in the target language)

  • Music + lyrics

  • Simple books or short articles

“Can’t I just use Google Translate?”

You can — and it’s super useful. But it’s not a complete solution.

Translation apps are great for:

  • Single words

  • Quick phrases

  • Menus and signs

  • Checking meaning fast

Where they can fail:

  • Tone, context, and slang

  • Longer texts (they can sound unnatural)

  • Formal situations (emails, contracts, admin)

A smart approach is: use translation tools as support, not as a replacement.
Try this combo:

  • Translate → then simplify → then learn the key sentence

Not everyone speaks your language (and not everyone speaks English)

In some places, you’ll meet lots of people who speak English confidently. In others, not so much — especially outside big cities.

Even a little local language can change everything:

  • You get better service and smoother interactions

  • You avoid misunderstandings

  • You feel less like a tourist and more like a local

  • You connect faster with people around you

Wonen en werken in het buitenland

Living abroad gives you a “secret skill”

After a few months abroad, something cool happens: you start understanding jokes, signs, small talk, and tiny cultural details that used to feel invisible.

It’s like unlocking a new layer of the world. And yes — sometimes it feels like you’ve gained a “secret language” you can share with friends you met abroad.

Language skills build confidence (and perspective)

Learning a language teaches you more than words:

  • Patience

  • Communication skills

  • Cultural awareness

  • A different way of thinking

It also makes it easier to understand that people don’t just speak differently — they often think differently, and that’s part of the beauty of living abroad.

Living and working abroad boosts your career

Even basic language skills can help you stand out.

Employers love candidates who can:

  • Adapt quickly

  • Work in international teams

  • Communicate across cultures

  • Handle real-life challenges abroad

And if your job is in customer support, hospitality, sales, tourism, or any people-facing role, language skills can directly increase your opportunities (and sometimes your salary).

Ready to live and work abroad?

If you’re dreaming of moving abroad, here’s your reminder:

You don’t need to be fluent to start.
You just need to start.

Pick a language, learn the essentials, and let the country teach you the rest.

And if you’re looking for your next adventure, explore our latest job openings abroad and find a role that matches your language skills, your goals, and your next destination.

Join our Job Alerts

Subscribe to Anywork Anywhere Job Alerts​

Get the latest jobs abroad straight to your inbox