One of the biggest challenges facing people moving overseas is not being able to speak the local language, according to a new study.
The language company Rosetta Stone, in partnership with the Forum for Expatriate Management, which supports professional expats all around the world, reported that 61 per cent of managers are of the opinion that lacking proficiency in a foreign language hampers success.
Being able to converse in the local tongue is seen as being essential in not only helping expats integrate into society, but in allowing them to conduct business in an efficient, focused and productive manner.
However, as the Telegraph noted, despite recognising that there is a shortfall in employees being au fait with a foreign language, only 37 per cent of senior managers who took part in the study offered their workers the opportunity to develop in this area.
Where companies and individuals are embarking on language training programmes, Rosetta Stone noted that it has seen particular interest in Mandarin, French and Portuguese, which are spoken in emerging economies.
Earlier this year, Gerry Rockingham, director of Re:locate, stated that “native-level fluency” of a language is important for professionals looking to head abroad for work.
Cadogan Tate is an overseas removals company that delivers secure storage solutions for professionals who are looking to keep some of their belongings in a safe environment.