What do you do if your language skills aren't helping you advance your career abroad?

A hack I usually use when assessing my language level is to immerse myself in various forms of media in the target language, like movies, podcasts, and books, and then gauge how much I understand without subtitles or translations. After exposing myself to different accents and dialects, I revisit the CEFR self-assessment grid and honestly rate my skills across different areas. This method not only helps me identify my comprehension levels in real-world scenarios but also makes the learning process more enjoyable and less formal.

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Language Immersion: Immerse yourself in the language by surrounding yourself with native speakers, whether through living in the country where the language is spoken, joining language exchange groups, or participating in cultural events and activities. Practice Regularly: Dedicate time every day to practice the language, whether it's through reading, writing, speaking, or listening. Consistent practice is key to improving language skills. Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from native speakers or language instructors to identify areas for improvement and to track your progress over time.

A melhor maneira de se avançar na carreira em comércio exterior, além das capacitações básicas, é claro, é buscando a fluência em línguas estrangeiras, a começar pelo Inglês. Não há forma de crescimento se você não dominar o idioma Inglês e de quebra pelo menos algum outro. Recomendo algum tempo de imersão, isso é fundamental para ganhar a fluência.

An insight often overlooked in the search for a language tutor or coach is the importance of finding someone who not only possesses the linguistic expertise but also aligns with your learning style and personality. The rapport you develop with your tutor can significantly impact your motivation and the effectiveness of your learning. Personalized guidance is most beneficial when there's a strong, positive relationship underpinning it. Therefore, when selecting a tutor, consider conducting a trial session or an initial meeting to discuss your goals and see if there's a mutual fit.

In my experience, having scheduled sessions with a tutor can keep you motivated and focused on your goals. It can also help by providing focused training in pronunciation and fluency, helping you sound more natural.

From a practical and psychological standpoint, language immersion is not just about frequent exposure but about creating a conducive environment for learning and thinking in the target language. My recommendation for deepening language immersion is to integrate the language into your daily routines and habits as seamlessly as possible. For example, changing your phone and computer’s operating system to the target language forces you to interact with it daily.

Go beyond textbooks! Immerse yourself by surrounding yourself with the language daily. Listen to music, watch shows with subtitles, and read articles you enjoy. Talk to native speakers online and even try thinking in your target language!

A good place to start is joining a local cultural or language exchange group. It can be found in expat associations, meetups, or even social media groups. Not only will you learn basic language skills but also some cultural nuances that can help in the long-term. It make take time to find the right group or venue so make sure to try out different events and groups as some group members may be not open-minded than others.

Don't just study textbooks! Immerse yourself by surrounding yourself with the language daily: listen to music, watch shows with subtitles in the target language, and read articles you enjoy. Talk to native speakers online and even try thinking in your target language! To improve further, find a tutor or language partner for feedback and join a supportive learning group.

Mastering a language goes beyond textbooks! Immerse yourself daily: switch tech settings, listen to music, watch subtitled shows, and read the articles you enjoy. Engage with native speakers online or find a language partner. Embrace mistakes, seek feedback from tutors or groups, and join a supportive community. It's a journey, so have fun and celebrate your progress! By actively using the language, seeking feedback, and surrounding yourself with a supportive network, you'll unlock a world of communication possibilities. Remember, language learning is a journey, so embrace the fun and celebrate every milestone!

Tailor your approach: For beginners, focus on pronunciation with apps or beginner-friendly materials. Boost speaking: Try shadowing native speakers or narrating your day in your target language. Sharpen writing: Keep a language journal or find a pen pal for practice and feedback.

Some employers will not care whether you become professionally proficient in the local language or not. This is partly because of instances where they automatically divide the workforce into two-tiers: the expat (foreign) workforce that can get by with speaking English and the local staff that is expected to both know English and the local language. Anyone that doesn't easily fit either category will be replaced as they are not seen as a good fit in that kind of company. This would not sit well in the US or Canada due to anti-discrimination laws and DEI best practices but employers and some managers will play fast and loose in foreign work cultures where this is allowed.