Top 12 countries in Europe to Find work For English Speakers

This article sheds light on the top 12 countries in Europe to find work for English speakers. EU members dominate the ranking with large populations of native English speaking expatriates. Some of these are already working hard at attracting more such people, while others are doing so without necessarily even realising it. For some of these countries, English is quite prevalent. In contrast, the knowledge of non-local languages tends to be higher due to their linguistic proximity to other EU members.

No one country tops the other when it comes to English proficiency, though some countries have more native speakers of English because they speak English as a second language. This is so especially in countries like Holland and Sweden. It is not just about which country has the highest percentage of its population speaking English or knowing it. The level of proficiency in English is also an essential factor to consider.

1. Sweden

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is home to the largest English speaking expat community. You can also find the highest percentage of people whose first language is not Swedish but still fluent in English. There is a very active expatriate community in Sweden, making it easy for newcomers to settle within no time. The expats even have their newspaper, known as the Expat Magazin. There are also many social events and cultural activities organised frequently to keep expatriates occupied.

The Swedes are among the most proficient people when using English as a second language, with over 95% of its population understanding and speaking fluently. Sweden is among the European Union members with many English speaking expatriates, which has been made possible by several measures introduced in recent years, especially to attract more foreign investment from business people who would need multilingual support staff in their organisation. Indeed, there appears to be a clear trend toward increasing the use of English in Sweden, and people are slowly getting used to the fact that many things in the country are done in English. The law stipulates that marketing brochures, advertising billboards etc., should be published in Swedish, and any foreign language used must also include translations into Swedish.

International students studying at some of its universities have criticised the fact that even some administrative matters in these universities are done in English. Recent surveys also revealed that more and more Swedes are choosing to study foreign languages like English at the school level, especially as a second language; this is important for the future generations of Sweden who would be faced with increasing access to publications, literature and other media published in English.

2. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is among the most open-minded and multicultural countries in Europe, which is why it scored high on all counts when it comes to the usage of English. The country offers a wide variety of international students who wish to learn or improve their English language skills. "In my town," says Martijn, an expatriate from the Netherlands, "there are several great English language schools for students and teachers. Everyone in Amsterdam widely uses language, and most expats would agree with me."

The Dutch government has taken a proactive approach to promote foreign languages' learning in general and English. All major public institutions, including traffic signs and announcements, are printed in three languages: Dutch, English and French. There is also a big focus on learning British English instead of American English, which will be more beneficial for their future professional life.

Being one of the top exporters in the world, Netherlands needs all its people to be fluent in English and other languages. One of the main requirements for those applying for jobs within companies that deal with exports is to speak English fluently. This also applies to those applying for positions abroad. The degree of proficiency in English depends on what job the person is applying for. Aside from English, Dutch citizens have to learn other foreign languages like German and French. These are used in business transactions with countries that speak these languages.

The Netherlands is a country with many businesses and export-import transactions, making it one of the places where English is widely used. This is because its government has declared that companies doing business in other countries must have all their employees involved in dealing with these foreign countries be fluent in English. Even though the primary language spoken here is Dutch, most people also speak English. The proficiency level in this language is higher than that of other European countries, and indeed it has been voted as one of the top two or three countries where English is spoken.

3. Italy

Italy is among the most popular destinations for people who want to study abroad. Many international students, especially from the United States, learn Italian and further their Roman history and cultural knowledge. The Italians are known for being friendly toward anyone who wants to learn their language or about Italy in general. "It does not matter if you are from a different country," says Anna, an expatriate who has lived here for the past two years. "They will try to accommodate you."

English is widely spoken and understood in Italy, especially by those with contact with tourists or foreigners. Most street signs are written in Italian and English, though some may be just in Italian. English is a required subject in most secondary schools, and as such, many students can speak it quite fluently. Most shops and establishments post signs in English and Italian for the convenience of tourists and appeal to expats and other foreigners who wish to live here.

Although not all Italians may speak English and their fellow expats, they understand it and can communicate in basic phrases. "In our neighbourhood," says Roberto, a resident who lives in a small village outside of Rome, "there is an American family that comes over every other week to visit. They are good friends of ours now."

The Italians have a rich history, which has allowed them to develop a unique culture. Italians are among those exposed to various foreign languages, including English, with this cultural background. This perhaps explains why they have evolved into one of the most fluent English-speaking nations in Europe. Italy has among the best universities that offer master's degrees to pursue translation and interpreting studies careers.

Italy has passed a law that requires students to learn English. This is part of its language policy aimed at improving the linguistic competence of its citizens, particularly in English and other European languages. All subjects are taught either in Italian or English, depending on each school's capacity to host student populations that speak either language. This has helped the people of Italy become more fluent in English, making it easier for them to communicate with other Europeans who speak English fluently.

4. France

As an actively engaged country in international affairs, France needs its citizens to be fluent in English and other foreign languages. This also applies to those seeking employment within the country. French companies require candidates to have at least a master's degree from one of the best universities in the world where their major was related to translation or interpreting studies. This has put a lot of pressure on French citizens to be fluent in English because they need to function well with their foreign business partners.

The French government has begun to promote the teaching of English in universities. The country's Ministry of Education is currently working on a new program to improve students' mastery of this language and other foreign languages such as Spanish and Chinese. The goal is to prepare France for the international environment right now, where officials have been pushing for English as a lingua franca.

According to France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, French citizens are expected to be proficient in at least one foreign language. They should be able to speak it with ease and fluidity. This is especially necessary when dealing with foreign nationals or overseas residents who may not know French and understand only basic French phrases.

France may not have the best public education system globally. Still, it does provide students with at least two years of English classes in primary and secondary schools and some universities. This enables many of its citizens to develop a solid. Still, it is working knowledge of this language while not compromising their careers or studies.

Having a population that speaks and understands English has made France rank among countries in Europe where it is easier to find work as an English speaker. Most public schools in France offer English as a foreign language during their primary school curriculum and continue to do so right up to high school. The government has made it mandatory for everyone who wishes to attend university or technical college to pass an English exam. This makes it easier for citizens living in this country to find work because most French corporations have international ties.

5. Denmark

The Danish people have in the past shown a preference for English. It is evident in their unique take on this language; Danes speak a peculiar but yet enjoyable version of British English. One explanation for this is that England had occupied the country from 1807 to 1865, and many Danes were conversant with the local language during this time. Its geographical location also helps it interact with other nations due to its proximity to Sweden, Germany, and Norway. These factors make it easier for Denmark's residents to be fluent in English. As an officially bilingual nation (Danish and Greenlandic), Denmark has an even more significant stake in ensuring that its population becomes proficient enough in English to communicate with international partners or foreign nationals.

The Danish government does not have strict policies regarding the teaching of English. Still, most public schools offer this language as a foreign language in primary and secondary education. All students are required to pass an English exam before going on to further studies. These exams are usually administered for private and public institutions by the nation's Ministry of Education. More than that, Denmark may not be among the top countries in Europe where it is easier to find work if you speak English fluently, but it has some of the best private schools in the world whose curriculum revolves around this language. These include Copenhagen Business School (CBS), University College Capital with campuses in London and Esbjerg, VIA University College for International Relations, Design, Communication and IT, Aarhus University, and Odense University.

Like most European nations, Denmark requires its citizens to speak English fluently as part of its language policy. It becomes the first language taught during primary education and is also the language of instruction for most subjects. Some schools have continued to teach this as a compulsory subject right up to high school. Three-fourths of Danish citizens can communicate in English, which has made it easier for them to learn foreign languages like German and Spanish. It has also helped Denmark become one of the best places in Europe for expats who are looking to find work as English speakers.

6. Germany

Germany has one of the biggest economies in the world and is among the leading manufacturing nations today. It also happens to have a large population that speaks English fluently due to Germany's history as a neo-colonial power, which led it to occupy other nations, including those in Africa during World War II. Many locals can communicate in British English along with some local dialects. German is therefore considered by most Germans as their second language even though it is an official language of the country alongside French and Polish. The economy has made it easier for Germans to find work because very few companies within this nation have failed to take advantage of its highly skilled but underemployed workforce. Companies like Syngenta or BASF are examples of companies with their headquarters in Germany. Their presence has made it easier for their employees to find work within the country or outside its borders, especially in places where they need professionals who can communicate well in English.

Several universities specialise in teaching English and other languages like French, Spanish, and Italian. So most Germans can speak English as fluently as a local language. It is one of the top 12 countries in Europe where it is easier to find a job if you have this ability.

Like most European countries, Germany requires its citizens to speak English as part of its language policy. The students begin learning this as a compulsory subject during primary education and continue to study it right up to high school. English is also the language of instruction for most topics. This ensures that German citizens are equipped with some basic language knowledge before pursuing higher studies in universities, colleges or even vocational schools where English is often required. Most Germans earn their living by engaging in international trade and business, which has made it essential for them to be fluent in English and other foreign languages.

7. Finland

Finland is yet another Scandinavian nation that continues to be among the top 12 countries in Europe, where it is easier to find work if you speak English. It has some of the best companies globally located within its borders, with Nokia being a significant player in telecommunication equipment. Other examples include Kone, which specialises in elevators, escalators and other related elevating devices. Its operations have led Finland to become one of the most advanced nations on earth, especially when it comes to technology and telecommunications.

The education system here also follows requirements set by the government whereby all students must learn English as a compulsory subject during primary education before studying it as part of their secondary school curriculum. In addition, they are opportunities during their university or vocational training to specialise in the English language. Most employers within this nation prefer to hire local professionals fluent in English and therefore often advertise for jobs requiring individuals with qualification documents accompanied by back-translation into Finnish by a native speaker. The country has back-translation services that have enabled companies to communicate effectively with local staff from all nationalities at an affordable rate.

Finland is another nation that requires its citizens to have at least a master's degree from one of the best universities in the world where their major was related to translation or interpreting studies. This has put a lot of pressure on Finnish citizens to be fluent in English because they need to function well with their foreign business partners. This is no different from most European nations that require their citizens to speak English fluently as part of their language policy. As of 2013, three-quarters of the Finnish population have communicated in English, which has made it easier for them to learn foreign languages like German and French. These two languages are prevalent among Finland's working population, which helps to keep unemployment rates low.

8. Spain

Spain has a high number of English-speaking citizens. The government has put measures that ensure the language becomes a part of its culture. All subjects are taught either in Spanish or English, based on each student's proficiency level. This makes it easy for most students to communicate with their teachers and other schoolmates who speak either language. Spain is an excellent place for English-speaking citizens because many multinational companies have offices to do their business with foreign counterparts.

Some of the largest companies in Spain that hire English-speaking employees include Telefónica, Mapfre and Banco Santander. It is not uncommon to hear local citizens communicate in English on the streets while playing sports or shopping. This is because most Spaniards have spent some time studying abroad, either for their university degree or vocational training and therefore speak better English than many other European nationalities. The Spanish government has also made it mandatory for all public servants to learn the language as part of their career development plan.

The best universities in Spain require students pursuing a degree in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science to study English as part of their curriculum before being awarded graduation ceremonies. Other cases include those who follow law courses where they must be conversant with written documents that may be presented before courts outside Spain.

9. Switzerland

Switzerland has a high number of English-speaking citizens. The government has put measures that ensure the language becomes a part of its culture. All subjects are taught in French, German or Italian, based on each student's proficiency level. This makes it easy for most students to communicate with their teachers and other schoolmates who speak either language. Switzerland is a great place for English-speaking citizens because many multinational companies have offices there to do their business with foreign counterparts. Some of the largest companies in Switzerland that hire English-speaking employees include Roche, Nestlé and Novartis.

It is not uncommon to hear local citizens communicate in English on the streets while playing sports or shopping. Most Swiss have spent some time studying abroad, either for their university degree or vocational training and therefore speak better English than many other European nationalities. The Swiss government has also made it mandatory for all public servants to learn the language as part of their career development plan.

Some of Switzerland's best universities include both French and German sections that teach students how to translate documents into one another so they can use them in court proceedings when necessary. Most of Switzerland's major cities like Basel, Bern and Zurich are home to plenty of international business organisations where business executives worldwide highly use translation services.

10. Belgium

Belgium is another European country that requires its citizens to be fluent in English. As of 2013, three-fifths of Belgium's population has communicated in this language, making it easier to learn foreign languages like Spanish and Italian. Like most European countries, the government has put measures that ensure English becomes part of its culture. All subjects are taught in French, German or Dutch, based on each student's proficiency level. This makes it easy for most students to communicate with their teachers and other schoolmates who speak either language. Belgium is an excellent place for English-speaking citizens because many multinational companies have offices to do their business with foreign counterparts. Some of the largest companies in Belgium that hire English-speaking employees include Delhaize, Belfius and Cofinimmo.

It is not uncommon to hear local citizens communicate in English on the streets while playing sports or shopping. This is because most Belgians have spent some time studying abroad, either for their university degree or vocational training and therefore speak better English than many other European nationalities.

The best universities in Belgium require students pursuing a degree in medicine, dentistry or veterinary science to study English as part of their curriculum before being awarded graduation ceremonies. Other cases include those who follow law courses where they need to be conversant with written documents presented before courts outside Belgium.

Belgium is a federal state of three central communities and two separate regions. The country's Dutch-speaking community, Flanders, takes pride in speaking its native language fluently, while the French-speaking community, Wallonia, requires students to learn English during their primary school years. As part of its language policy promoting multilingualism in all sectors of its society, Belgium encourages all children to speak both languages equally. It guarantees that citizens will have access to services and jobs to communicate effectively in French and Dutch or other European spoken and written languages.

11. Norway

The Norwegian Ministry of Education has placed English as one of the subjects required to learn during primary education. This ensures that most citizens can communicate in English fluently by finishing their high school studies at a vocational or academic institution. These schools have also adopted the British grading system, which means that students must pass all their exams to succeed.

Many Norwegian citizens speak English, particularly in the cities where most companies have offices. Many employers prefer to hire English candidates, especially if they want to promote their businesses internationally. Norway is a great place to work for English-speaking citizens because many multinational companies have offices there to interact with other foreign counterparts. Some of the largest companies in Norway that hire English-speaking employees include Statoil, a large oil company, Telenor and Norsk Hydro.

12. Luxembourg

The Luxembourg Ministry of Education requires all students to learn at least two languages, including English. Like most European countries, the government has put measures that ensure English becomes part of its culture. All subjects are taught in French or German based on each student's proficiency level. This makes it easy for most students to communicate with their teachers and other schoolmates who speak either language. Luxembourg is a great place to work for English-speaking citizens because many multinational companies have offices there to do their business with foreign counterparts. Some of the largest companies in Luxembourg that hire English-speaking employees include Arcelor Mittal and Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat du Luxemburg S.A..

The Luxembourg government has put measures that ensure English becomes part of its culture. All subjects are taught n French, German or Luxembourgish, based on each student's proficiency level. This makes it easy for most students to communicate with their teachers and other schoolmates who speak either language. Many citizens can now communicate in English, which has led to the opening of several multinational companies that require their employees to speak this language.

The government has also allowed foreign immigrants to work and live freely in the country as long as they have been issued work permits. This influx of people looking for a better life has increased competition for jobs that pay high wages, forcing Luxembourg employers to recruit more locals. The government also offers grants for those who wish to study in the country, and once they have completed their studies, they are required to stay back. This ensures people looking for jobs are not at a disadvantage because of lower wages.

What's next?

If you are looking for a job in Europe, the above list of 12 countries should be your first port of call. Many companies across Europe require their employees to speak English fluently, making it easy for anyone with good language skills to withstand the competition. Regardless of where you live, you have an opportunity to make your mark in the European job market. For those who are not willing to relocate, it is advisable to start learning the local language as soon as possible. This gives you an advantage over others who may have better qualifications and help get your desired jobs that pay well.

Most countries require their citizens to speak English, making it easier for people looking for jobs in Europe. This has also resulted in the opening of several multinational companies operating within these countries, which have increased competition for jobs that pay high wages.

As you can see, Europe is one continent where individuals who are fluent in English stand an enhanced opportunity of getting employed regardless of their level of experience. This is because these countries place a high emphasis on persons who can communicate in English fluently.

There are many language schools in Europe where you can learn to speak the local language and get a quality education exchange for competitive rates. If you already know how to speak a native language, learning another one will be easy and only take a few months.