Choosing where to study is really exciting.. Here is a question that most students do not ask early enough. Which language should you learn before you go to study abroad? The answer to this question matters more than you think. The language you choose will shape where you can study, if you can get a scholarship what kind of job you can get after you graduate. How well you can connect with the people in the country where you are studying.

Let us break down the popular languages for studying abroad and help you figure out which one is right for you.

Why Your Language Choice Matters

Why the language you choose matters is because learning the language before you go to study abroad is not just about getting around. It affects if you can get into a university if you can get a government-funded scholarship and if you can build relationships with people in the country where you are studying. Many top universities in Europe and Asia offer low-cost programs. But only if you meet a basic language requirement.

So picking the language is really picking the right future for yourself.

French — One of the Most Versatile Study Abroad Languages

French is spoken in countries around the world. For students this means you have options. You can study in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Senegal and more. France has some of the universities in the world and many programs are free or low-cost for international students. If you want to be able to study in different countries and have good options for immigration after you graduate French is a great choice.

German — The Smart Choice for STEM Students

German is a choice for students who want to study science, technology, engineering and math. Germany is a popular place to study abroad and for good reason. Universities in Germany do not charge tuition even for international students. To get into programs you need to know German at a level of at least B2, which you can prove with exams like TestDaF or DSH. Learning German is an investment because it will pay off quickly. Austria and Switzerland also offer advantages for people who speak German.

Spanish — Wide Reach, Warm Culture

Spanish is a language to learn if you want to study in a place with a rich culture. Spanish is the most spoken native language in the world. You can study in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia or Chile. Have access to great universities and a low cost of living. The DELE exam and the SIELE certification are important for getting into university in Spanish-speaking countries. Knowing Spanish will also help you get a job in Latin America in business, healthcare and international development.

Japanese — Competitive but Rewarding

Japanese is a rewarding language to learn. Japan is a place to study abroad especially if you are interested in technology, design or business. The Japanese government offers a generous scholarship but it is hard to get. To get into universities in Japan you need to know Japanese at a certain level, which you can prove with the JLPT exam. Many universities in Japan now offer programs taught in English. Knowing Japanese will give you an edge when you are applying for scholarships and internships.

Chinese (Mandarin) — The Rising Option

Chinese, also called Mandarin is a language that is becoming more and more popular to learn. China has international students and offers many government scholarships. Mandarin is the spoken language in the world and knowing it is very valuable in business. The HSK exam is the official test for Mandarin and even a mid-level score will help you get a scholarship and get into an university.

Korean — Growing Fast Among International Students

Korean is a language that is growing in popularity among students. South Korea is a place to study especially if you are interested in technology, design or business. Korean universities offer scholarships and the TOPIK exam is used to measure your level of Korean. Even a basic level of Korean will show that you are committed to studying in Korea.

Italian and Portuguese — Underrated Gems

Italian and Portuguese are also languages to learn. Italy offers a high-quality education at a cost especially in fields like architecture, fashion and history. Portugal and Brazil are also places to study and knowing Portuguese will give you a unique perspective on Europe and South America.

So, Which Language Should You Choose?

So which language should you choose to learn? There is no one language for studying abroad. It depends on what you want to do with your career, where you want to study how money you have and how much time you have to learn a language. But here is a way to think about it: French and Spanish will give you the most options for where to study. German and Japanese are great for students who want to study science, technology, engineering and math. Mandarin is a choice if you want to work in business.

Whatever language you choose it is an idea to start learning early and get certified. This will help you get into an university get a scholarship and have more opportunities after you graduate.

Q1. Which language gives me the study abroad options?

French is a language to learn because it will give you many options for where to study. You can study in France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland and parts of Africa. French is widely accepted for university admissions, scholarships and immigration after you graduate.

Q2. Is it possible to study without knowing the local language?

Yes it is possible to study without knowing the local language. Many universities in Germany, Japan, South Korea and the Netherlands offer programs taught in English. But learning the language will make your life easier help you get a scholarship and give you an edge when you are looking for a job after you graduate.

Q3. Which language is best for getting a scholarship to study abroad?

It depends on the country where you want to study. German is important for studying in Germany Japanese is important for studying in Japan French is important for studying in Canada and France and Mandarin is important for studying in China. Having a score, on a language test will help you get a scholarship.