Learn A Language The Remote Work Way

I have a confession to make: I have started and stopped more Spanish language courses, than I have had hot paella.

It’s ridiculous really, because after all these years, I should be fluent - and in many situations, I can most definitely get by. School Spanish, Centro Salud Spanish, getting-a-meal-with-no-meat-in-it Spanish - sorted. But unfamiliar contexts, subjects, and I am totally exposed - the terror of an unexpected phone call is even worse when you have no script, and throw in a strong accent or a few words of Valenciano, and I might as well be straight off the plane.

It has never held me back professionally, as none of my clients are in Spain, and honestly, it hasn’t held me back practically either - not with two bilingual daughters, and years of practice in getting things done. I know where to go and what to do and whom to ask and which apps to fire up, to get by. And this degree of coping is the very thing which keeps me stuck on an intermediate plateau of scant adequacy, making no significant progress in years.

I can kid myself that I even enjoy some aspects of insulation in the happy second language bubble, unaffected by everything from local politics to marketing drivel. But then when I bump into something I care about, or a person I’d like to have a better conversation with, or an advocacy issue I’d like to explore on behalf of Remote Work Spain, well then - I am frustrated.

So, I am glad I discovered Lingoda, and I recently restarted my class subscription with them (if you do the same using our links here, you’ll get a discount of €50, while also Remote Work Europe, for which we will be muy gracias.)

Because as remote work continues to gain momentum across Europe, the ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages is becoming increasingly valuable. Not only does language learning enhance professional opportunities, but it also opens doors to all the cultural and social experiences. While gamified apps can make the process fun and engaging, nothing compares to the real-world benefits of conversing and connecting in a foreign language. So while I am maintaining my streak with that damn buho, I want to get back to SPEAKING Spanish regularly.

And that, mis amigos, is one big down wide of remote working, especially working from home: You simply do not get the immersive experience and opportunities, that you get in real life encounters and conversations.

I don’t imagine I would have become functionally bilingual in around 6 months like my two amazing daughters, with a less plastic if not fully fossilised adult brain. But I am sure I’d be a lot further forward. And I’d be able to get more things done, in my personal and professional life, with ease and joy.

Let’s consider all the professional advantages of being a linguist for starters:

More Job Opportunities: Proficiency in a second or third language significantly broadens job prospects. Companies operating internationally seek employees who can communicate with diverse clients and partners. This skill is particularly crucial in fields like customer service, sales, marketing, and IT, where clear communication is key to success.

Higher Earnings Potential: Employees who speak multiple languages often command higher salaries. They bring added value to their employers, enabling the company to reach new markets and audiences more effectively. Bilingual or multilingual employees can negotiate better terms and handle cross-border projects with ease.

Enhanced Networking: Being able to converse in different languages allows remote workers to network more effectively at international conferences, virtual meetings, and industry events. This can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and new career opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

And then there’s the cultural and Social Enrichment

Deeper Cultural Understanding: Learning a language is more than just memorizing vocabulary and grammar; it's about understanding a new way of thinking and seeing the world. This cultural insight fosters empathy and broadens perspectives, making remote workers more adaptable and culturally sensitive in their interactions

Building Global Connections: Language skills facilitate meaningful connections with people from different backgrounds. This enhances personal relationships and enriches all social life. Remote workers can join local communities, participate in cultural events, and make friends from around the world.

Travel and Exploration: For those who enjoy travel, knowing the local language can transform the experience. It allows for deeper immersion in the culture, better navigation of the area, and more authentic interactions with locals. This can make travels more rewarding and enjoyable.

Why Lingoda for remote workers?

While gamified language apps offer a fun and interactive way to learn, they cannot replace the experience of speaking a language in real-time. But, I have found going to language classes really challenging, due to the all-over-the-place way I live and work. I have often joined a class with great intentions in September or January, and usually found myself with a dedicated group of learners, comprising mostly those who really need Spanish professionally and committed to learning fast (and are often multilingual already, adding Spanish to a melange of English, Ukrainian, etc.), or they’re likely semi retired /have a predictable life with free time for study,

So what happens is they turn up every week on time with their homework done, and then I am dashing in late, or off on a trip or a conference by month two, and missing out big chunks - ‘oh, we did the subjunctive while you were away.’ - and pretty soon I drop out, disillusioned and concerned about disrupting a group making progress together.

Lingoda lessons work the way I work - online, flexibly (as in, what have I got on today, and can I squeeze in a class- let’s see what’s available!), and they do it via Zoom calls! Yes, those things that every remote worker loves to hate, but that we are used to, and already set up for.

Engaging in live conversations helps to improve fluency and pronunciation, and real-time interactions help me practice speaking and listening skills, which are crucial for achieving fluency. I get immediate feedback, and the chance to work with other learners from around the world, (all at my level, because you get free comprehensive CEFR level testing to pick your course.) I can choose whether I want to focus on grammar or reading or speaking or listening, and also from a range of real-world subjects and themes I might want to take classes in.

And if you enjoy the gamification aspects of certain apps, well then there are sprints (where you actually get a chunk of money back if you complete enough classes in a fixed time), as well as the opportunity to work with a fixed cohort of companions for a specific period and make progress together. That’s new and I haven’t done it, preferring to dip in and out, but I like the idea of the additional accountability working in a team could inpsire.

It’s not just Spanish, they’re actually a German-based company, offering classes in a range of languages for learners worldwide. And yes, they also hire tutors, (who must be both qualified and experienced.)

Check out Lingoda, and see if it works for you. And maybe I’ll see you in a Spanish class there sometime!