Moving abroad is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. It offers new opportunities, career development, cultural enrichment, and personal growth. But before packing your bags, one of the most important steps you can take is to learn the language of your host country.
Whether you’re relocating for work, love, or adventure, learning the local language will help you live abroad with confidence and ease. Our guide provides actionable strategies, tools, and expert tips to help expats learn a foreign language effectively, before moving abroad.
Why language learning is essential for expats
Many expats underestimate how crucial language learning is. Even in countries where English is widely spoken, relying on it alone can limit your experience. Here’s what learning a foreign language can unlock:
| Benefit | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Independence | Helps navigate transport, housing, shopping, and public services |
| Social Connection | Makes it easier to meet locals and form meaningful friendships |
| Career Growth | Many jobs require or prefer language proficiency |
| Cultural Understanding | Opens the door to understanding local habits, humor, and values |
| Emergency Preparedness | Enables communication in urgent health or legal situations |
Learning the host country’s language will help you integrate faster and feel at home abroad.
How to define your language goals
Before choosing a method or tool, set clear expectations. Ask:
- What language skills do I need? (e.g., speaking, reading, writing)
- Do I need conversational or professional fluency?
- Will I be dealing with medical, legal, or insurance terms?
Example of goal matrix
| Goal | CEFR Level | Example of situations |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Survival | A1 | Ordering food, asking for directions |
| Social Integration | B1 | Holding casual conversations, using public services |
| Work Communication | B2 | Participating in meetings, writing reports |
| Professional Fluency | C1 | Giving presentations, negotiating contracts |
Setting a specific level (e.g., B1 in Spanish) helps you choose the best language learning strategy.
The best ways to learn a foreign language before expatriation
1. Language learning apps
These apps are ideal for beginners or anyone on the go. They help with vocabulary, grammar, and basic sentence structures.
| App | Best for | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Beginners | Free, gamified lessons |
| Babbel | Structured courses | Focus on conversation |
| Memrise | Everyday language | Uses real native speakers |
| Busuu | Grammar and writing | Personalized feedback from tutors |
2. Online language courses with teachers
For structured progress, online courses and private tutors are excellent.
- iTalki connects you with professional tutors or language exchange partners
- Lingoda offers intensive courses with real-time teachers
- Coursera provides university-level language training with certificates
Benefits include learning with a native speaker, personalised lessons, and exposure to all language components like speaking and listening.
3. Practice with native speakers
Language exchange is one of the best ways to learn language naturally.
| Platform | Method | Languages offered |
|---|---|---|
| Tandem | Chat + Video Calls | 160+ |
| HelloTalk | Text + Audio Messages | 150+ |
| Speaky | Real-time chats | 100+ |
Look for local exchange meetups or virtual sessions with expats and native speakers.
4. Watch, read & listen in your target language
Immerse yourself in the language of your host country:
- Watch local films with subtitles
- Listen to podcasts like “Coffee Break [Language]” or “News in Slow [Language]”
- Read blogs, news websites, or social media in the target language
Recommended media by language:
| Language | TV/Streaming | Podcast | Online news |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Netflix España | Notes in Spanish | El País |
| French | TV5MONDE | FrenchPod101 | Le Monde |
| German | ARD Mediathek | Slow German | Die Zeit |
| Italian | RaiPlay | Coffee Break Italian | Corriere della Sera |
5. Learn by simulation (role-playing)
Prepare for common real-life interactions you’ll face living abroad:
| Scenario | Useful vocabulary |
|---|---|
| Grocery Shopping | weights, prices, food items |
| Doctor Visit | symptoms, body parts, insurance |
| Public Transport | directions, schedules, tickets |
| Renting a Home | lease, contract, utilities |
Use flashcards or simulate dialogues with a tutor.
6. Combine language with cultural learning
Language learning becomes more effective when combined with cultural knowledge:
- Learn greetings and politeness norms
- Understand cultural references, idioms, humor
- Discover holidays, traditions, and customs
Example: In Japan, the way you speak changes depending on social hierarchy. Understanding this helps in both professional and casual contexts.
7. Join communities that encourage language use
Even before moving abroad, engage in expat forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit threads.
| Platform | Community Example |
|---|---|
| r/IWantToLearn [Language], r/expats | |
| “Expats in [City]” groups | |
| InterNations | Expat meetups by interest and language |
These group often organize language exchanges or have learning resources tailored for expats.
Special focus: languages with high value for expats
If you haven’t yet chosen a language, consider these high-impact choices:
| Language | Where it helps | Why it’s helpful |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Spain, Latin America, USA | Widely spoken across 20+ countries |
| French | Europe, Canada, Africa | Official in 29 countries |
| German | Germany, Austria, Switzerland | Central for business in the EU |
| Mandarin | China, Taiwan, Singapore | Economic powerhouse language |
| Arabic | Middle East, North Africa | Useful in 20+ nations |
For instance, to live in the USA, it is crucial to speak English fluently to manage daily life, access public services, and feel at ease both professionally and socially.
Bonus tip: involve your family
If you’re relocating with a spouse or children, learning together helps everyone adapt. Look for language games for kids, family-friendly apps, and expat-focused schools offering language courses.
Foyer Global Health also supports families with international health insurance, helping you manage relocation with peace of mind.
Handling language anxiety
It’s normal to feel insecure when learning a new language. Here’s how to overcome fear:
- Don’t aim for perfection, aim for communication
- Practice in low-pressure settings (with friends or online tutors)
- Use positive reinforcement and track progress
Fun challenge: Try speaking only in your foreign language one full day each week!
Language training for expat employees
If you’re relocating for work, ask your employer about sponsored language training, cultural adaptation workshops, or relocation support that includes health insurance.
Professional fluency can open doors and make your transition smoother. Companies who invest in expat employees’ language skills often see higher retention and performance.
Timeline: when to start learning
| Months Before Move | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6+ months | Choose a language, start daily app usage |
| 3–5 months | Enroll in structured courses, begin tutoring |
| 2 months | Practice real-life scenarios, start watching media |
| 1 month | Join local groups, prepare documents in host language |
| Arrival | Continue immersive learning, use language daily |
Conclusion: Master the language, master the experience
Learning the language of your host country is one of the best things expats can do before moving abroad. It allows you to not just survive but thrive in your new environment. It builds confidence, independence, and a true connection with the local culture.
At Foyer Global Health, we know that successful expatriation is about more than just logistics, it’s about feeling at home. That’s why we offer reliable international health insurance, expert support, and resources to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re still deciding where to move, our expat guides can help you explore language needs and expat experiences across multiple countries.
Quick recap: Top 10 tips to learn a language before expatriation
- Set clear goals based on your expat needs
- Use daily language learning apps
- Enroll in structured language courses with tutors
- Practice with native speakers regularly
- Immerse yourself in media from your target country
- Simulate daily life scenarios and vocab
- Join expat communities and language exchanges
- Learn about local culture alongside the language
- Involve your family in the learning process
- Keep learning after the move for continued success
