Learning the Languages - Danish study points to its importance

Regrets...

It's something internationals reflect on during and after their stay.

At times, it feels like we blew it.

We should have done this or that to live up to our expectations.

And it is nearly impossible to live up to those expectations.

Still, it is extremely valuable to understand our regrets and their impact.

When 1.954 expats in Denmark were surveyed, the regret ranking number one was: 'I wish I had learned Danish.'

And not only that, but 51% of the 1.954 expats said they would have stayed longer if they had better Danish skills.

Learning the local language is the single most vital factor in helping internationals thrive, even if they don't need to do their job.

I hear this from internationals every day.

Internationals also experience that there is a tight correlation between language skills and building their social network in their new home.

And 45% replied that a better social network would also have made them stay longer.

The challenge with language learning is that you must stay disciplined and spend 1000 hours on it to see real results.

It is a long-term reward that very well may define your entire life as an international.

As an international, you have to prioritize because it isn't humanly possible to do social network, language, bureaucracy and work simultaneously.

But the thing about regrets. It is never too late to fix.

So, when you are ready to take action, do it!

Plan how you want to reach your goal.

And get started!

It will be worth it.

Nichlas Walsted

Swap Language