The #1 Challenge in Finding a Job Abroad (and how to overcome it)

Helery Homutov
Jun 8
6 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

In my recent survey "Between Two Worlds", 76 expats from 19 countries revealed that the biggest challenge in finding a job abroad is the language barrier.

This same problem also came up in my interview with the owners of Arcade Bar in Seville, who had received over 3000 applications for a single waiter position. It turned out that the low proficiency in the local language is a common issue that prevents foreigners from getting the job.

Since I’ve gone through the process of learning a new language abroad, preparing for a certification exam, and eventually finding a job, I wanted to share my story.

Here’s how to make smarter decisions with your time and money when choosing a language school or a private teacher while living abroad.

My Background With Languages

I come from Estonia 🇪🇪 and my mother tongue Estonian has some unique features:

No articles
No gender
No future tense
No "he" or "she"
14 noun cases.

It's only closely related to Finnish and distantly to Hungarian - so not exactly helpful for learning global languages.

During school, I studied English, Russian, German and Finnish. Later, while living abroad I learned Spanish, and now I'm studying Italian.

Without a doubt, gendered words remain my biggest headache 🤯.

What to Know Before Choosing a Language School Abroad

When I moved to Spain in 2017, my goal was clear: learn to speak Spanish and find a job.

My first step was an intensive Spanish course for beginners - 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday, at a local language school in Seville.

Most language schools in European tourist cities work on a weekly enrollment system. You can start any Monday (absolute beginners might have different dates) and stay as long as you like.

Group of people smiling and looking at laptop.

They usually include cultural activities, and some offer visa support or host family options. There are different groups for every level, and paying upfront for a longer period typically lowers the price.

👉 TIP 1 - Try a free class before committing long-term. Visit different schools, see the classroom, get a feel for the overall vibe and teaching style.

👉 TIP 2 - When reading the reviews, check what the lowest ones are saying — sometimes the truth is hidden there.

Are Intensive Language Courses Worth it?

It's a bit of a lottery - depending on the school and teacher.

Smiling woman holding euro banknotes on city street.

As I had no previous experience with intensive language courses, my expectations were old-school.

I imagined we'd follow a structured curriculum, start with lesson number 1, have a proper textbook, and everyone would take studying seriously….

But it wasn’t exactly like that.

What stood out most was the lack of classmates with the same motivation that I had. For many, it was just a temporary thing — a couple of weeks studying Spanish while on Erasmus or vacation. They were more interested in the cultural experience than in committing to serious study, and most didn’t bother with homework.

Although we were all placed in the same beginner group, it quickly became obvious that some nationalities like Italians, French, and Romanians progressed much faster. As a first-time Latin language learner, I was often left with unresolved doubts.

Sure, the school was a good opportunity to socialize, but at the same time, my classmates' priorities and the daily rhythm were completely different from mine.

I wasn’t a tourist, I lived there full-time.

Why I Quit Language School

Eventually, I started questioning the ROI (return on investment) of my money and time. Back in 2017, my intensive course cost 80€/week (now it’s 175€/week at the same school).

Despite the hours, I didn't feel like I was building a strong foundation. For me, the course lacked structure, and I wanted a more serious approach. I figured out that I could spend less time but advance faster if I would have a private teacher.

So, after two months I left.

Although the school offered private classes, I had my doubts. Especially after one teacher casually mentioned that most of them didn’t have teaching background or long experience.

Looking back, I think these weekly-enrollment schools mainly target tourists and Erasmus students. They have great reviews, but if you dig into them, many only stayed for a week. I think the whole idea is to create a fun experience. But at the same time it doesn't come at a cheap cost.

Alternatives for "Touristic" Language Schools

👉 TIP 3 - For more structured courses, check out local universities, cultural organizations or ask your embassy or expats group on Facebook.

Schools with a structured curriculum often follow semester systems, so research early to not miss enrollment.

You might even get a certificate - though whether it helps with job hunting depends on the school.

How I Found a Free Language Course in Italy

When I moved to Italy, I got lucky. My neighbour introduced me to a teacher who volunteered at a local NGO, offering free Italian courses for migrant women.

👉 TIP 4 - Check local youth centers or churches. They might offer free classes, and it’s a great way to meet people from different backgrounds.

Finding the Right Private Teacher

After I quit my school in Seville, I wanted an experienced teacher who was a philologist. That person appeared to me via a yellow paper ad, pinned to a wall near my home.

Her name was Laura.

Our first trial class didn’t go as planned. One of her cats 🐈‍⬛ had escaped just as I arrived, so we had to reschedule. But I remember how she had prepared the study room - with books and a sheet of white paper with my name written on it. I felt welcomed.

📚Before Covid, private classes often took place at the teacher’s home.

Laura was friendly and patient. She emphasized on writing, saying it was the best way to get the grammar to stick. I liked it, because writing is something I’ve always enjoyed.

We studied in a room facing an old church. Until today I remember that view because, when we started, I struggled to make eye contact while speaking. It was easier to form my thoughts while looking out the window.

Historic stone church with rose window and tall bell tower.

We met three times a week for 1,5 hours sessions. I paid 100€/week in 2018, which might still be a relevant price today for an experienced Spanish teacher living in Spain.

Sadly, after four months Laura moved away, just as I was reaching intermediate level.

👉TIP 5 - If you change teachers, ask your previous one to write down all what you’ve studied. It’ll help the next teacher pick up where you left.

Using Platforms to Find a Private Teacher

To find my next teacher, I used a Spanish platform tusclasesparticulares.com.

I actually returned to it recently to find an Italian teacher. Some things have changed and now there is a fee to contact teachers. But compared to italki or Preply, it doesn't tie me to any paid subscriptions or credit packages.

You find a teacher, exchange contacts, schedule the trial lesson and pay the teacher directly.

On tusclasesparticulares.com, experienced Spanish and Italian teachers usually start at 20€/h, but some offer lessons for as little as 6€/h.

But I have a story to tell, related to low price...

For that let's go back to 2018.

A Lesson Learned From the 10€/h Offer

While searching for a new teacher, I contacted about 5 of them. Although I knew what I was looking for, I was still tempted to see what I’d get for a cheaper price. So, I booked a free trial with a woman who charged only 10€/hour.

Madre mia! I still remember that..

I rang the doorbell and a man answered. I thought I was at the wrong place or even worse, that it was a scam😁. He turned out to be the teacher’s boyfriend.

If my previous experience had been peaceful and private at Laura’s, this was the complete opposite. I was sitting in an open kitchen living room, where the boyfriend was cooking at the same time while we had class.

The teacher seemed younger than me and started explaining her teaching methods on a small blackboard. I remember she eagerly recommended that I'd watch “La Casa de Papel” on Netflix.

Person in red hood and Salvador Dalí mask.

It wasn’t the experience I was looking for. I messaged her the next day saying I wasn’t interested. She replied with a bunch of surprised emojis 😮😮 and lots of question marks: “Y eso???????????” ("how come?")

Amongst the 5 teachers I had contacted, there was one called Ana, who replied to my message differently than anyone else. She first complimented my Spanish, explained the dynamics of her class and invited me to a free trial lesson.

👉TIP 6 Always try a free trial class and ask about teaching methods, study material, how & when the homework will be corrected.

My Teacher Shares Her Best Tips on Language Learning

My experience with Ana was something different - I not only studied Spanish but also learned so much about women in history. Today, she runs the only language school in Spain that teaches Spanish through feminism.