Most useful foreign language to learn?

[Treesparrow]

Hi there.

 

I'm starting my two year course in Arb and Forestry, and like the idea of working overseas once I get my tickets. In the meantime, I fancy learning another language.

 

I'm interested in France, Germany, or one of the Scandinavian countries. Maybe even Japan.

 

Which of the above has the best job prospects? 

 

Emma

Edited August 25, 2018 by Treesparrow

[Big J]

I would say that if you are intending to use it for work, then learn German. It's a country that places great value on quality tree work, with stunning forests and well maintained urban trees. You can also work in Austria and parts of Switzerland with German too. 

[petercb]

Concentrate on the arb and forestry first and get some practical experience as well. Brexit may well affect where you can work anyway. If you learn a language now it will probably be the wrong one for you in two or three years time. Pick up the basics easily enough but the technical terms are the hard part. 

Japan is a fascinating country to visit but I found the people very polite but totally ignored any requests for information etc. Also English not widely spoken or understood. Plus still a male dominated society!

 

Good luck with it all and I hope you live your dreams. 

[josharb87]

Know your Latin tree names.

 

NPTCs, first aid, and ISA or ETW will satisfy most companies in Europe 

 

If a company’s hiring or looking to hire foreign workers chances are the common language will be English. 

 

Imo when you’re out and about in a country, try and learn some basic phrases to be a little courteous.

Badly making an effort goes a long long way compared to arrogantly speaking English IME 

[Mark Bolam]

Tack Josh!

[josharb87]

19 hours ago, Mark Bolam said:

Tack Josh!

Good effort but you’re still not getting that blowy 

[Treesparrow]

Thanks for your replies, everyone.

 

I'll put my work experience with a local company first, but I think I'll sign up for German language classes. Even if Brexit doesn't work out for us, at least I can use it for travel. Plus, my classmates will be nearly ten years younger than me... It would be nice to socialise with adults when I relocate for my course! 

 

Thanks again.

Edited August 27, 2018 by Treesparrow