I speak three languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. I had the good fortune of living overseas in Brazil (1991-1996) so I had to really immerse myself in Portuguese to be able to work at different jobs.

Also, Spanish is the language of Brazil’s neighbors like Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela, among others. So, I had to learn some Spanish as well.

Brazilians in different technical areas of work need to be able to work with technical terms that originate in English-based documents. So, my presence was helpful to such professionals. Needless to say, Brazil was much more than a travel experience, it was a language experience. I had a good friend in Brazil who was from El Salvador and he helped me with Spanish, showing the similarities between Spanish and Portuguese (muchas gracias, Oscar).

Today’s world and international economy is growing in many dynamic ways. How can you possibly keep up? One answer is to learn at least one foreign language. I remember going home for Thanksgiving one year and learning that a former high school classmate of mine majored in Mandarin Chinese in college and today he is making over 100,000 dollars per year somewhere in China.

Amazing? Encouraging? Absolutely

So, where do you get started?

Well, you can start with language courses by companies like Berlitz. You can also take language classes at your local community college. Also, just search the web with Google and you will find all sorts of free language resources available. Can you find work if you know two or three languages? Absolutely. Again, you need to search the web using Google or Bing or Yahoo and focus on companies that need translators and interpreters. It will take time, but this can be done.

One of the best ways to learn a foreign language is by listening to the MUSIC of the country. Brazil has its classical Bossa Nova music with singers like Caetano Veloso. Boy, he is a great singer. Venezuela, for example, has famous singers like Oscar De Leon who sings Salsa. Through music, you come away with a whole new understanding of the language. It is also really fun.

So, with two or more languages, you will be able to participate in the new and emerging world and web economies. I recommend putting together a small portfolio to show that you have language mastery. So, in addition to a degree or even software skills, you can show companies and organizations that you can work with people from different cultures and languages.

All The Best,

Keith

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