20 Weeks Until Move: Learning the Language - Language Training is Key!

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Babylon Babylon is the world's leading provider of quick online and offline dictionary and translation software in over 75 languages in one simple click and is being used by millions of private users and organizations in more than 200 countries. Click Here to Learn More!

Why Learn the Language?

We cannot stress enough the importance of learning the language of our new country. Even if English is widely spoken there, learning the native language will benefit you enormously. It will give you a chance to truly interact with locals, show respect for the local culture and engage in the expat experience. One member of ExpatExchange.com explains, "In order to feel 'at home,' being able to understand and speak some of the language - at least daily conversation, is important. A person can survive in a different country and culture, but to be relaxed and have a true feeling of fitting in and being aware of the feel of the culture and peoples attitudes, local language skills are important. I know many expats who never bothered to learn the local language. They never fit in, never felt at ease, and were never accepted, on a personal level, by the local people - what a pity. Those expats lost a wonderful opportunity for personal and cultural enrichment and enjoyment."

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Ways to Learn the Language

In terms of how to learn the langauge, you need to find the method that you feel will work best for you. Some companies will pay for you and your family to have in-person training before you move or once you've arrived. For this type of training, we recommend Inlingua, which has over 300 locations around the world. There are also a number of great language CDs, DVDs and online courses available. Here are a few recommendations: Rosetta Stone Language Software UK Site or US Site (shipped from Power-Glide for K-12 TELL ME MORE Language Learning Software

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Recommended Links: Language and Cross-Cultural Training Expat Life Survey - Question 40 Getting the Most From Cross-Cultural Training Peter T. Burgi, Ph.D Other LInks The English Language & Communication Style Morten Bonde (Sep 13, 2008) The First Step in Your Expatriation Adventure Doug Bower (Jul 05, 2008) 7 Rules for Successfully Communicating with a non-native English Speaker Terry Kaufman (Apr 19, 2008) Expat Life Survey - Question 37 (Mar 01, 2008) Sustainable English Cultivates Relationships Terry Kaufman (Feb 24, 2008) Italian for Beginners Suzanne Beveridge (Dec 19, 2005) Divided by a Common Language Val Boyko (Jul 30, 2005) Humbled Kathleen Peddicord (Dec 11, 2004) Language and Cross-Cultural Training (Jul 09, 2004) Language & Cross-Cultural Training Betsy Burlingame (Apr 14, 2004) >> See More Articles Related Resources Babylon Babylon is the world's leading provider of quick online and offline dictionary and translation software in over 75 languages in one simple click and is being used by millions of private users and organizations in more than 200 countries. Berlitz International Berlitz, a worldwide leader in global training and development services, offers customized language, cultural training and translations and interpretations services through 400 locations in more than 50 countries. Fluenz Language At Fluenz, we combine an innovative teaching approach with next generation technology to provide the best language learning software available. We are fanatical about customer service, which along with all fulfillment, is handled in-house. Free shipping, worldwide. inlingua Americas inlingua offers practical communication solutions for businesses, individuals, and governments around the globe in the areas of Language training, Intercultural training, Translation and interpretation services. Lonely Planet Language Guides Lonely Planet Language Guides : Don't just point at the menu - order dinner in over 50 languages with our phrasebooks and downloadable mp3s. Sherisen International Founded in 1980, Sherisen International Inc. is a cross-cultural business training company which provides training, consulting and publications for today's global manager and marketplace. In addition to training, destination services can be offered in major cities in India. Soleil Intercultural Soleil Intercultural offers training and consulting to organizations with employees on global assignments. We create smooth transitions for executives and their families relocating internationally by empowering them to communicate and collaborate across cultures. TEFL Course with i-to-i If you're looking for quick course with extra depth and support, then this is the course for you. Online TEFL course includes: the essential TEFL course, a TEFL certificate, an employers reference, access to our job contacts database (8000+) and much more. 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This Issue Written by Kendra Redman

Kendra Redman is a well traveled writer with a B.S. in Journalism and a Master's in Writing. She has lived in six countries and draws on her experience to write about her adventures and misadventures. One of her greatest travel accomplishments was once returning from a trip with two end tables and two lamps as her "carry on luggage." She has been a contributor to websites such as InsideOutmag.com, freshome.com, iVillage.com, Vagablond.com and was a former country host for ExpatExchange.com. Kendra can be reached at: kredman2001@yahoo.com

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Week 35: Career Issues

Week 34: Preparing Your Kids

Week 33: Job Search

Week 32: A Glimpse of Your New Life Abroad

Week 31: School Selection

Week 30: Neighborhood Selection

Week 29: Resume & CV Tips

Week 28: The Accompanying Spouse

Week 27: Moving Logistics

Week 26: Moving Logistics (Part 2)

Week 25: Health Insurance & Services

Week 24: Your Health Abroad

Week 23: The Family Pet

Week 22: Security Matters

Week 21: Preparing Your Teenager

Week 20: Learning the Language

Week 19: Understanding the Culture

Week 18: Passport & Visa

Week 17: Work Permits

Week 16: Financial Matters

Week 15: Tax Matters

Week 14: Real Estate Matters

Week 13: Working Abroad

Week 12: Working Abroad (Part 2)

Week 11: Counseling & Coaching

Week 10: Technology

Week 9: Making Connections

Week 8: Moving Checklist

Week 7: Moving with Kids

Week 6: Recommended Reading

Week 5: Culture Shock

Week 4: Drowning in Details?

Week 3: The Right Mindset

Week 2: The Right Mindset (Part 2)

Week 1: Parenting

Settling In: Your First 18 Weeks Abroad