Learn the native language when studying abroad in a non-English speaking country

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

More and more schools in Japan, Korea, Germany, France or China have English teaching programs. But outside of the classroom, from going to the market, checking in to applying for a part-time job, you will need the local language. Learning the local language when studying abroad is therefore not a "nice to have" but a factor that determines the quality of life and career opportunities. The article suggests routes, popular certificates and effective learning methods.

Why is the native language still needed when studying an English program?

• Daily activities: rental contracts, notices from local authorities, hospital instructions are often in the local language.
• Part-time jobs: Most part-time jobs in Japan, Korea, and Germany require local language communication. See more articles work part-time while studying abroad.
• Integrate and make friends: Speaking the local language helps reduce culture shock, as suggested in the article Culture shock when studying abroad and how to overcome it.
• Post-graduation employment: local employers often select candidates who can use their native language at work.

Popular native language certificate

Having a certificate helps you set clear goals and beautify your job and scholarship application.

Actual requirement thresholds vary by school and program; always check the official admissions page. If you plan to go to Korea according to the language system, refer to the article Study abroad in Korean language system and TOPIK; For Japan, see article Study abroad in Japan while studying and working.

Prepare before flying: how much studying is enough?

Even if the program does not require it, you should have a minimum background before going:

1. Alphabet and pronunciation: Hiragana, Katakana (Japanese), Hangul (Korean), Pinyin (Chinese).
2. About 300–500 common words about greetings, numbers, shopping, travel, housing, and health.
3. Sample survival sentences: ask for directions, order food, call in sick, ask for help.
4. A level equivalent to A1–A2 is the level many people recommend achieving before flying to feel confident in the first month.

Short courses, incl Short-term language scholarships, is a good way to get acquainted first.

Method to learn the native language right in the host country

1. Take advantage of the school's courses

Many universities offer free or for-credit language classes for international students. Register right from the first semester, because classes are often full.

2. Language exchange / tandem

You teach Vietnamese or English, native friends teach their language. This is also an effective way to make friends, see more articles Make friends and build a network of relationships.

3. "Soak" yourself in language

• Change phone language to native language.
• Watch news, movies, listen to local podcasts with subtitles.
• Read supermarket labels, signs, menus.
• Go through the procedure yourself instead of asking a friend to translate, accept mistakes and correct them.

4. Small habits every day

15–30 minutes a day with flashcards and listening practice is more effective than studying on the weekends. Set goals according to certification, for example take JLPT N3 after one year.

5. Part-time work and community activities

Regular part-time jobs, volunteering, and sports clubs are the most natural communication "classes".

The language learning journey begins the day you arrive in a new country. When placed air tickets to study abroad đi Nhật, Hàn, Đức, Pháp hay Trung Quốc tại Vé Du Học, đội ngũ 30+ Booker sẽ săn giá đa hãng, kiểm tra visa quá cảnh nếu bay nối chuyến, tối ưu hành lý ký gửi 40kg hoặc 2 kiện 23kg và gửi thông tin chuyến bay cho phụ huynh qua Zalo.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need German to study an English program in Germany?

Not required for admission, but highly recommended. German helps you complete procedures, find part-time jobs and increase job opportunities after graduation.

How long does it take to communicate in the native language?

Depending on language, platform and practice time. If you study regularly every day and actively communicate, many of you can handle basic living situations after a few months.

Do JLPT and TOPIK certificates have an expiration date?

TOPIK results are valid for 2 years. The JLPT does not date the certification, but some schools and employers may require recent results.

Should I learn the language in Vietnam or come to study first?

You should have a basic foundation in Vietnam to be confident in the first weeks, then take advantage of the local environment to speed up.

Language is the key to unlocking the full experience of studying abroad. Start today, a little bit every day. If you are preparing to leave, contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

📚 Articles on the same topic

Study abroad scholarshipScholarships to study in Korea: GKS (KGSP) and school scholarships15/02/24 · 7 phút đọcStudy abroad scholarshipStudy abroad in Korea: costs, TOPIK scholarships and part-time work04/07/22 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeTraveling while studying abroad: student transportation card and buying a car09/10/18 · 7 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeCulture shock when studying abroad and how to overcome it19/09/22 · 6 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeEconomical cooking for international students: menus and shopping tips15/01/20 · 7 phút đọcStudy abroad lifeMake friends and build a network of relationships while studying abroad18/08/18 · 6 phút đọc