Foreign language skills can give you an edge as you’re applying for international development jobs or consulting gigs, and they may even affect your pay. But, which languages are in high demand – apart from English, which most aid groups require applicants to speak fluently?
Is it worth learning one of the major languages like French and Spanish, which are suitable for many countries but won’t make you “stand out” as much as a local? Or is it more beneficial to become proficient in a lesser-known language?
Being proficient in certain languages can help candidates get hired, international development recruiters and other experts interviewed for this article agree. Which languages are most attractive to an organization depends largely on where it is headquartered and where it operates – but it also depends on the position within an organization you’re seeking to fill.
About the author
Ingrid Ahlgren
Ingrid is an independent writer and editor who has contributed to Devex and many other publications. She worked as a staff writer for Vault.com from 2007 to 2009, helping to write guidebooks, including the "Vault Guide to the Top Government and Nonprofit Employers." She was also a researcher for National Geographic Traveler magazine in Washington, D.C. Ingrid holds a master's in journalism from the University of Missouri. As the daughter of a U.S. diplomat, she grew up all over the world.
