Do I Need to Learn a Language to Live Overseas?
- Karla Fraser
- Mar 13, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 18, 2020
Essential Words and Phases can build Understanding
You have been thinking of moving abroad, but your less-than-positive language experiences have you thinking twice. No need to be overwhelmed, learning the local language or dialect is not always a necessity for a move to all countries. Yes, not knowing the language can you get frustrated, whether you’re at the grocery store or completing paperwork. But let’s face it; you have some of those same nuances at home now. So wouldn’t you rather be living abroad and gain experience, and learn a new language or at least the pleasantries? When people talk about learning a language, they often forget to mention that it is hard work. Not everyone is a natural linguist. So, you may experience challenges in learning, and no one will mention this until after you start experiencing them. Let me advise right now.
What did you Say?
As expats, we do not always move to a location for which we speak the language, be it the official or any of the local dialects. So, with more than roughly 6,500 languages spoken all over the world today, it is likely you might have some challenges. Even if you are fortunate to move from one Spanish-speaking nation to another, word context, pronunciation, or meaning can be different in the same language. Look at English, the official language of the majority in the USA, UK, and Australia. It also has content and pronunciation variations. At the opposite end of the spectrum, you could be moving from Angolan Portuguese to Mandarin-speaking Shanghai. I say all this to say; there will be misunderstandings, miscommunications, and misinterpretations.
Many conscientious expats make it a goal to learn the official language or even a dialect. Yes, you want to integrate and communicate well in your host country. However, the expectations are more challenging than the reality as some languages may not be easy to learn even with language apps and/or a native tutor. In many cases, you are balancing your earnest desire to learn the local language with a job, and in some cases, family. Thus it is not uncommon that the study of language tends to fall off the radar. This was my case of attempting to learn Arabic while in a demanding job in the UAE.
So, you do not have to give up entirely on this goal of bridging the miscommunication gap. Taking small steps can help. Try a few of these:
Learn common words before you move to a new country.
Take an intensive language class upon arriving in the first 30-60 days. If not, learn some quick conversational basics.
Have colleagues or local friends teach common phases that are easily understandable.
Learn once a week over lunch or after work with a tutor.
Watch TV, movies, or videos in the language you are learning. At first with subtitle, then not.
If all else fails, turn to the latest advances in translation apps and a mini pocket dictionary.
In summing it all up…
Learning a new language for some is a formidable task. To be open, I have not learned any of the languages of the countries I have lived beyond the daily pleasantries. Granted, learning a language also requires intention, and I just could not make it a priority. I have also been fortunate to be in places that English was widely open or attempted, especially with expats. As we know, speaking with travelers or expats is a great way for nationals to practice their English.
When learning a language, you have to stay active in speaking it, or it becomes dormant in your brain. You can fall behind in speaking and understanding. I was once close to being fluent in Spanish but now I am back to being a beginner.
Learning the language of your location can be an asset in your settling-in process. Knowing the local language or dialect increases your transformative experience of living and working overseas.
But do not let your lack of knowledge or inability to grasp it quickly deter you from your journey abroad.
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—Karla A. Fraser, Do I Need to Learn a Language to Live Overseas?, Roseapple Global, LLC
At Roseapple Global, we provide specialized services in expat career coaching and guidance for individuals or groups. We also offer to consult for the administrative and operational areas of campus/student life and student services units at higher education institutions internationally. Contact Us
This is a thoughtful and relatable perspective on language learning while living overseas, especially for students and expats who may already be balancing academics, work, and daily life adjustments. We often see international students face similar concerns, and settling into the right environment can make a big difference. At Gradding Homes, we support students moving abroad by helping them choose suitable courses and universities, and by providing comfortable, well-located student accommodation in Exeter, so they can focus on adapting, learning, and enjoying their overseas experience—language barriers included—without added stress.
Living overseas doesn’t always require learning a new language, but it definitely makes life smoother and more enriching. Many people communicate in English at work or study abroad, yet daily tasks like shopping, socializing, or handling emergencies become easier when you know the local language. From an exam perspective, this topic is also common in an IELTS speaking cue card, where you may be asked to discuss language challenges abroad. Learning basic phrases shows cultural respect, builds confidence, and helps you integrate faster. Even minimal language skills can open doors to friendships, better job opportunities, and a deeper understanding of local traditions.
Living or studying overseas often raises an important question: do you need to learn a new language to succeed abroad? The simple answer—especially for students planning to study abroad—is not necessarily. While learning the local language can enrich your experience, it should never deter you from pursuing international education.
For many international students, English-speaking destinations such as the United Kingdom offer an accessible transition. Universities are highly international, lectures are delivered in English, and daily life is generally manageable even if you only know basic phrases. Just like the article highlights, language learning is a journey—one that can begin gradually through everyday interactions rather than formal fluency from day one.
Studying abroad is about much more than language. It’s about global exposure,…
Learning a new language can make living overseas much easier, from daily communication to academic success and cultural integration. However, many top universities offer programs in English, reducing language barriers for international students. When planning your education abroad, understanding costs is equally important, and Durham University fees are structured to reflect the quality of education, global reputation, and student support offered—making it a strong option for students preparing for an international study experience.
When asking “Do I need to learn a language to live overseas?”, it depends on the destination and study environment. At institutions like the University of Bridgeport, English proficiency is essential, while cultural awareness and basic local language skills help students adapt smoothly.