Dealing with the language barrier when moving abroad

After searching, applying, and a few rounds of stressful interviews, your new job abroad awaits, and you are eager to go. There is only one thing dampening your excitement, and that is your grasp of the local language. Let’s face it: it’s never fun trying to navigate strange surroundings while hardly understanding anything beyond the equivalents of yes, no, and hello.

But everyone speaks English nowadays!

A 2024 Eurobarometer survey showed that half of the European population speaks English as a second language. As tourists, we can get by with English in most places around the world.

However, if you are moving long-term to another country, speaking the local language is a prerequisite for smoothly assimilating in the new environment. Ordinary tasks such as grocery shopping, ordering food, or requesting a service become less stressful. Conversing with people in social situations or at work become easier. Even if you are working for a multinational corporation where English is the working language, many of your coworkers are bound to be locals. Having a grasp of the language shows respect for the local culture and makes life a lot easier in many ways.

So, what can you do to survive those first months until you’re more fluent?

Before you arrive…

Start with the basics. If you have enough time before your move, seek out an organised course that corresponds to your current level of knowledge. A EURES Adviser or the local embassy or consulate can help you find one that fits your needs.
Choose some of the many online resources and language apps. Italki, Duolingo and Babbel are only a few of the countless options out there, providing learning at the pace that is most convenient for you.

Once at your destination…

Commit a few hours per week to systematic learning. You will find suitable courses for your level and needs in most EU countries. In Sweden, for example, the ‘Free Tuition for Immigrants’ scheme offers courses for foreigners in general Swedish and also specialised courses tailored to your work needs. SI Studiare Italiano offers a variety of courses across multiple locations in Italy. For further guidance, reach out to a EURES Adviser.
Mingle with the locals. Join a club, attend events in the local language, and take every opportunity to practice your verbal skills. Initiate conversations, ask questions, and speak up. Don’t worry about making mistakes; locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language and will be more than willing to help you.
Immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit the theatre, watch a TV show or a film in the local language, read the news online.
Enlist the help of an instant voice translation app such as Notta, iTranslate, or Microsoft Translator. It will help you out in awkward moments when you might be stuck.
Finally, be patient. Mastering a new language takes effort and can be a source of exasperation at times. Keep going, and your confidence and skills will increase day by day.