Where can I learn a language to boost my CV?
If you like the thought of earning some money on your travels, as well as a new skill, make sure you look at opportunities to learn a language when working abroad. This not only ensures you leave a country with an impressive skill to add to your CV, but you will often find you have helped someone with their English in the process.
There are several countries where you can enjoy making money for your travels from a regular job, as well as picking up the native tongue. Below is a guide to some of the best places that should definitely make your shortlist.
Argentina
As you may have guessed, you will be learning Spanish here. In fact, you could be surprised at just how many countries in the world have Spanish as their first language, so it will certainly come in use if you plan to work at a multinational company in the future. While you will attend a Spanish course and volunteer in the Buenos Aires community with underprivileged youths and other residents for a few weeks, it could secure the way for you to obtain employment once your volunteering is over.
Hopefully, the wages from your job will allow you to explore the rest of South America, including Chile and Uruguay.
China
China is a great place to work abroad. Not only can you teach English to children who are eager to learn, but in turn you can also get your tongue around Mandarin. While Mandarin can be tricky to pick up, it is one of the most sought-after languages in the business and financial worlds. Get this skill on your CV and you will find many doors will open for you when you start to look for jobs back home.
Your teaching scheme will likely last around six months, so don't worry, you'll get plenty of opportunity to get to grips with the language, as well as see real results among your class. In addition to teaching English, you'll get experience in lesson planning, attendance keeping, setting homework and administrative tasks. If you plan to become a teacher, or simply want to come away from your travels with a qualification, this is the trip for you.
Japan
While English is widely spoken in Japan, it is always good to know bits of Japanese, especially if you plan to work in the country. Choose paid work in Japan and you will be given an introduction to the dos and don'ts of etiquette, which is very important here. Something you consider to be polite could actual be rude in Japan! While a language course will unlikely be included, you can always use your spare time to head to one of the many schools. Indeed, you might even get yourself a job teaching English there, which is one of the options available.
Tokyo is the perfect place to job hunt. This cosmopolitan city has everything you need - plenty of employment opportunities, a good selection of accommodation and lots of facilities to keep you entertained, including a vast array of shops and leisure complexes.
Add that you have worked in Japan to your CV and you may find employers falling over themselves to hire you, especially technology and manufacturing firms, which are huge in the country. Don't forget to spend your downtime seeing the sights of Japan, and not just learning the language. After all, you've earned the money to do so!
