Part 10 of 31 Things Americans Should Think About Before Moving Abroad : Multilingual Kids and Language Learning Abroad

Part 10: Language Lessons for the Little Ones

Raising Multilingual Kids

If you’re an American thinking about moving abroad with kids, do your children know the local language in the country where you're headed?

This is Day 10 of 31 Things Americans in the Sandwich Years Should Consider Before Moving Abroad, and today’s topic is multilingual kids.

Why Being Multilingual is a Gift

Personally, I think learning another language is one of the greatest perks of moving abroad as a child.

Knowing more than one language—and realizing that you can learn more than one language—is a lifelong gift. And the younger kids are when they move abroad, the easier it is for them to learn the local language and become multilingual.

Our Story: Full Integration, Full Fluency

As you plan your move, research what options will be available for your children.

In our case, my child did a full year in an immersive Dutch language school. This was a free, public school; sometimes these are referred to as newcomer classes. Some people assumed we’d choose an English-only international school, but we wanted full integration into local life.

My child started learning at age 10 and was fluent within a few years—so much so that native speakers often say my child has no accent. That’s a life-changing opportunity, and I’m deeply grateful to the Netherlands for making it possible.

How will Your Kids Learn the Language in Your New Country?

Does your target country offer something similar?

Or are you planning to enroll your child in an international school?

Things to consider if they don’t learn the local language:

• How will they make friends at the park?

• How will they understand their sports coach?

• And if they get lost, how will they explain to strangers what their parents look like?

These aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re the realities of raising kids abroad.

Moving to a new country is a big transition, especially for families. But helping your child learn a new language is one of the most empowering gifts you can give them.

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.