Countries That Speak Your Language(s)

Knowing a foreign language can greatly expand the number of countries where you can work.

KEEP THESE TIPS IN MIND:

• Translating and interpreting positions demand the strongest language skills.
• Language requirements vary by country and position. In general, the stronger your second language skills, the better opportunities you will have for employment.
• Continue taking language courses to improve your skills.
• It can be helpful to learn special terminology related to your desired field of employment. For example, if you're going into advertising, do you know the words for "layout" or "paste-up" or "marketing" in your second language?
• You can purchase language books which focus on business vocabulary.
• Make sure you at least acquire a "getting around" vocabulary, and are able to communicate with waiters, taxi drivers, etc.

The following languages are primary and/or secondary in many countries. Click on the language(s) you know to see where you might want to consider working and living:

COUNTRIES WHERE ARABIC IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where Arabic Is The Secondary Language:

COUNTRIES WHERE CHINESE IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where Chinese Is The Secondary Language:

COUNTRIES WHERE ENGLISH IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

More than 40 countries around the world consider English their primary language so if you would prefer to speak English exclusively you might want to look for opportunities in those locations. Keep in mind, though, that you can obtain jobs in foreign countries where you don't know the language. For instance, to teach English as a second language you generally do not need to know the native language of the country in which you are teaching.

Countries Where English Is The Secondary Language:

COUNTRIES WHERE FRENCH IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where French Is The Secondary Language:

COUNTRIES WHERE GERMAN IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where German Is The Secondary Language:

COUNTRIES WHERE PORTUGUESE IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where Portuguese Is The Secondary Language:

Angola

COUNTRIES WHERE SPANISH IS THE PRIMARY LANGUAGE:

Countries Where Spanish Is The Secondary Language:

ADDITIONAL PRIMARY LANGUAGES AND COUNTRY (ALPHABETICAL)

Language - Country