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Tips · 9 min read · November 25, 2025 · Fact-checked October 7, 2026

Learning a New Language Abroad: Easiest Countries for English Speakers

Moving abroad is easier when everyday life does not depend on a language you have not learned yet. For English speakers, two things help: a country where English is widely used, and a local language that is relatively close to English. This article looks at four destinations that score well on both counts and offers practical tips for learning the local language.

How We Measure “English-Friendly”

  • English use: We refer to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), a private index published annually by the education company EF. Its 2025 edition ranks countries where English is not a native language, based on test results from people who took EF’s online test, so it is an indicator rather than an official statistic.
  • Learning difficulty: The US Foreign Service Institute (FSI) groups languages by how long its English-speaking students usually need to reach professional working proficiency. Category I languages, the closest to English, take around 24 to 30 weeks (552 to 690 class hours); Category IV languages take around 88 weeks (2,200 class hours).

Netherlands

The Netherlands ranks first in the 2025 EF EPI. Dutch is an FSI Category I language, with an expected training time of about 24 weeks for English speakers.

Tip: Even where English is common in daily life, learning Dutch can broaden your social circle and help with official paperwork.

Sweden

Sweden ranks eighth in the 2025 EF EPI and sits in the index’s highest proficiency band. Swedish is also an FSI Category I language (about 24 weeks).

Tip: Start with a few everyday Swedish phrases; the effort is usually appreciated and makes it easier to build local friendships.

Denmark

Denmark ranks seventh in the 2025 EF EPI. Danish is an FSI Category I language (about 24 weeks).

Tip: Picking up a few Danish phrases early on is a simple way to show goodwill and start conversations.

Singapore

Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Under its bilingual policy, English serves as the common working language, used in government, business and education, while each student also learns a mother tongue language. Singapore does not appear in the 2025 EF EPI rankings.

Tip: Learning some Malay or Mandarin can deepen your connection with local communities. Keep in mind that the FSI places Malay in Category II (about 36 weeks) and Mandarin in Category IV (about 88 weeks).

Navigating Language Barriers

Even in English-friendly countries, learning the local language can greatly improve your experience. A few practical approaches:

  • Take a structured course: Look for classes aimed at newcomers or adult learners in your new city.
  • Use apps for the basics: Language apps can help you build vocabulary before and after you move.
  • Practise with locals: Everyday conversations, however short, build confidence quickly.
  • Join language exchanges: Meetups let you practise with people who want to learn English in return.
  • Immerse yourself: Local television, music, podcasts and books all add useful exposure.

Conclusion

The Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Singapore all make day-to-day life in English relatively straightforward, and the first three have languages that the FSI rates among the quickest for English speakers to learn. Language is only one factor, though: visa rules differ widely, so always confirm current visa and residence requirements with the official immigration authority or the country’s embassy or consulate before you plan a move.

Ready to find the country that suits you? Take the Switch Horizon questionnaire and discover destinations that match your priorities.

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