Six languages you should consider learning abroad

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There’s no doubt that language immersion is the best and most efficient way to learn. It is becoming increasingly necessary in this globalized world to have a second language and learning a language by living abroad can open doors to careers and opportunities that learning a language at home could never do. Language travel is an incredible way to see a country and make great use of your time away… but the hardest part is deciding where to go and what language to learn? So, here are six exciting options for you:

Learn Spanish in Spain

Practice your Spanish while sipping sangria on a warm beach! Why learn Spanish? Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world and is used in Spain, as well as most of Latin America. Spain is the perfect landing point for living abroad with its stunning architecture, colourful locals, and delicious foods. Spanish as a second language will serve you well in many future jobs, including, healthcare, banking, and tourism! Spanish is also a gateway language to learning other romantic languages like Portuguese, French and Italian.

Learn Mandarin in China

Take on the rewarding challenge of learning to speak Mandarin! China has become the world’s second largest economy, so it makes perfect sense to learn Mandarin if you’re considering a career in international business or trade. In China, two languages are spoken; Mandarin and Cantonese. However, Mandarin is more widely spoke and most often used in business. Having Mandarin as a second language will boost your career prospects and set you apart from other applicants when applying for jobs. While in China, don’t forget to take in the Great Wall, the bustling street markets, and monumental architecture.

Learn German in Germany

With its stunning hillsides, ancient castles, and delicious sauerkraut, Germany has so much to offer! Germany is Europe’s largest economy and is the fourth largest economy in the world. Studying German while living in Germany gives you an opportunity to travel and see the rest of Europe. Speaking German as a second language will open doors to top business jobs, jobs in the sciences, and jobs in the tech industries. While German is the most widely spoken language in Europe, it is also one of the most challenging to learn – So be prepared for a challenge!

Learn French in France

Relax on a beach in Nice, tour the wine districts, or get lost in the winding streets of Paris… there is no shortage of rich history or diverse culture in France, and being able to communicate with the locals is an added bonus! Learning French in France will open many doors for travel opportunities, education and future employment. French is one of the official languages of the UN, NATO, and Olympic Committee, and, of course, gives you an advantage when applying for many positions back home in Canada. French is an extremely widespread language and is spoken in over 40 countries worldwide. Due to its similarities to English, French is considered a relatively easy language to learn.

Learn Arabic in Morocco

Due to the world’s ever-changing political climate, there is an increasing demand for job applicants with Arabic as a second language, so learning this language could be a huge boost to your resume. Living in Morocco while learning to speak Arabic, you can fully immerse yourself in this rich, vibrant culture, and take in all the incredible sights. In your spare time you can visit a spice market, wander around a local bazaar, or swim in the Mediterranean.

Learn Portuguese in Brazil

Portuguese is another widely spoken language that bears similarities to French and Spanish. Portuguese is the main language of Portugal, Lisbon and Brazil. Brazil is as rich in culture as it is in geography, and it’s a great launching pad for travel to the rest of South America. Brazil is currently the 8th largest economy in the world, which means this second language will serve you well if you are considering a career working with the South American market.

Don’t forget, if you don’t use it, you will lose it. So when you return home from your time away, keep up the practice and use the language you’ve learned every day!

Discussion10 Comments

  1. Hi, I am a 53 year old retired female, looking to immersed myself in a French environment. I have studied French in the past, but not for many years. I would like to go to France, not necessarily Paris.
    I would like to find something for this fall.

    Thank you

  2. It’s not very true that China only speaks Mandarin and Cantonese. There are hundreds of language in China while the most commonly spoken and widely known languages in the world are Mandarin and Cantonese.

    In China, everyone has to speak Mandarin plus they born to know local languages. Every province, every city, even villages speak different tones. Languages in the north are easier to understand while in the south are more complicated and hard to understand (Cantonese is one of them).

  3. You write: Portuguese is the main language of Portugal, Lisbon and Brazil.
    Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, so not sure why it is mentioned here. You may want to add Angola instead.

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  5. Very good. I am planning to learn Chinese but am confused because there are so many different languages ​​in this country. Now I know what I need to learn. special thanks

  6. I didn’t have any expectations concerning that title, but the more I was astonished. The author did a great job. I spent a few minutes reading and checking the facts. Everything is very clear and understandable. I like posts that fill in your knowledge gaps. This one is of the sort.

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