Part 9 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : Learning a New Language as an Adult

Moving abroad? Learning the local language isn’t optional—it’s survival.

You know that line from Elf? “I like smiling, smiling’s my favorite!” And his boss says, “Make work your favorite.”

Well, learning a new language as an adult is about to become your new favorite—your hobby—after you move abroad, whether you enjoy it or not.

This is Part 9 of my series: 31 Things Americans Should Consider When Planning a Move Abroad. I’m Darien, an American who moved to the Netherlands at 50, and today we’re talking about language learning as an adult - one of the most challenging, and ultimately most rewarding, parts of moving abroad.

If you’re an adult moving abroad, especially if you're a mid-career professional or older, learning a new language can feel daunting. You’re not just trying to order a coffee or find the restroom on vacation. You need to talk to your neighbors, find work, understand public transportation, speak to your kids’ teachers, and yes, decipher official letters from the government that show up in your mailbox. If you're in the Netherlands like me, you know the feeling of seeing those blue envelopes poking out of your mailbox!

When I moved abroad, I quickly realized I was functionally illiterate in my new country. And that was incredibly humbling. I was used to feeling like a competent, professional adult who knew how to get things done.

Think about how long it took you to reach professional proficiency in English. Years of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Now imagine doing that while parenting, working, and learning the ins and outs of a brand-new culture.

And here’s something else many people don’t realize: language classes often aren’t free. Depending on your immigration status and country of residence, you may or may not be eligible for subsidized courses. Either way, learning a new language takes both time and money, so make sure to factor that into your plans.

Studying for Dutch class takes time.

Language learning can also be a lot of fun. You’ll make mistakes, sure—but you’ll also have moments of triumph. And with each phrase you master, you’ll feel a little more at home in your new country.

In my experience, people really appreciate you putting in the effort to learn their language, even in a country where most people speak English as a second language. Learning the language can be a great way to meet people, too. I've made my closest friends abroad through language learning, whether they were fellow classmates who are also expats, my teachers, or kind neighbors who were willing to let me practice my terrible Dutch with them.

Unfortunately, the only way to learn to speak a language well is to speak it poorly first. You just have to dive in and do it, and that can be tough for an adult. Pride goes out the window when you have to start talking like a toddler.

So whether you’re a language lover or someone who barely scraped through high school Spanish, start preparing now. Use apps, listen to local radio stations, practice with native speakers, and sign up for a class if you can.

Because fluency in the language in the country where you're moving is not just a tool—it’s your ticket to belonging.

Did you find this helpful? Are you planning a move abroad? Work with me to make your move from a place of clarity and organization.