With university majors in international studies and French, it was an obvious choice for Heather to spend some time in Paris. With an eye to making the most of the opportunity to improve her French language skills, Heather chose her program's homestay option, and tried to interact with Parisians as much as possible in their own language. Read about the trip that turned Heather into a travel addict!
Read more in the Stories from Abroad section. Been abroad? Tell us about it!
Having a second or third language greatly increases your appeal to international employers. Not only does it show that you are capable and adaptable, it also shows your commitment to cross-cultural communication. Not convinced? Here are a few more tips to start you on a language-learning path!
Top Tips The working world needs multi-lingual workers: Whether you are applying for a job at home or abroad, your potential employers will be impressed by your language abilities. You may be required to use your second language on the job, or it may simply be a skill that proves your commitment... Read the full article
Having a second or third language greatly increases your appeal to international employers. Not only does it show that you are capable and adaptable, it also shows your commitment to cross-cultural communication. Not convinced? Here are a few more tips to start you on a language-learning path!
Top Tips The working world needs multi-lingual workers: Whether you are applying for a job at home or abroad, your potential employers will be impressed by your language abilities. You may be required to use your second language on the job, or it may simply be a skill that proves your commitment... Read the full article
Katie combined her passions for travel, volunteering and the Spanish language and spent two months working on two volunteer projects in Oaxaca, Mexico. A positive attitude, adaptibility and a love of learning helped Katie overcome minor challenges and have an extraordinary, successful term abroad.
Read more in the Stories from Abroad section. Been abroad? Tell us about it!
Building your capacity in two or more foreign languages adds an important dimension to your international experience. Not only will the process of learning the languages likely put you in direct contact with foreign cultures, but having the language skills will prove to potential employers that you are committed to working in a cross-cultural environment. Check out the Language Learning and International Careers Quick Guide.
Language learning is challenging, but extremely rewarding and a great career booster for any aspiring international professional. One of the most common pieces of advice that we hear from students and young professionals who are returning from abroad is that they wish they'd spent more time learning the languages of their host countries before they left North America. Many also tell us they wish they'd spent more time actually speaking the host language while they were abroad.
If you're preparing to head abroad to study, work or volunteer, we recommend starting your language... Read the full article
Eager to learn a second language but not ready to lay down cold, hard cash for a tutor or official language certification? If you're interested in learning German, French, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, we recommend checking out Duolingo, a completely free language learning tool, with absolutely no hidden fees.
Duolingo's unique business model allows the company to offer free language learning features to tens of thousands of users without charging a penny. How, you ask? Well, as part of the learning process, students translate real-world documents for companies and organizations... Read the full article