People who move abroad quickly discover that classroom English and real-life English are very different. The first weeks are all paperwork: renting, banking, documents, doctors. Preparing the vocabulary for those situations before you go makes a big difference.
Renting
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| lease / tenancy agreement | rental contract |
| landlord | property owner |
| deposit | security deposit |
| utilities | electricity, water and gas bills |
| furnished / unfurnished | with or without furniture |
| rent is due on… | the rent is payable on… |
Useful phrases: “Is the apartment still available?”, “Are utilities included?”, “Can I schedule a viewing?”
Banking and money
- “I’d like to open an account.”
- “What documents do I need?”
- “Is there a monthly fee?”
- checking account (US) / current account (UK): everyday account
- savings account: account for saving
- wire transfer: bank transfer
Healthcare
- “I’d like to make an appointment.”
- “I’ve had a fever since yesterday.”
- “I’m allergic to…”
- “Do I need a prescription for this?”
- GP (UK) / primary care doctor (US): general practitioner
- ER (US) / A&E (UK): emergency room
Documents and paperwork
- “I’m here to apply for…”
- “How long does it take to process?”
- “Could you explain that again, please?”
- form: a document to fill in
- proof of address: a document showing where you live
- appointment: a scheduled time slot
Work
For the professional side, see the guides on job interviews and remote work.
Local accent shock
Every country, and often every city, has its own accent and slang. Dublin English differs from Sydney English, which differs from Toronto English. What helps most is training your ear before you go, with content from that place: TV shows, local YouTubers and podcasts.
How to prepare
- Pick content from your destination country and watch it daily.
- Build a phrase list for renting, banking, healthcare and paperwork.
- Act out the conversations out loud.
- Learn to ask for repetition without embarrassment: “Sorry, I’m still getting used to the accent.”
With Telidioma, videos and shows from your destination become dual-subtitle practice, and text on real estate, bank and government websites can be translated in context by selecting it. To understand the accents, see English accents around the world.
Frequently asked questions
What level of English do I need to live abroad?
To manage daily life, B1 already lets you handle most situations. Skilled jobs usually expect B2 or higher. Study and work visas in some countries require official tests with minimum scores.
What is hardest in the first months?
Understanding people who speak fast, with a local accent and slang, especially on the phone. The good news is that your ear adapts quickly with daily exposure.
How should I prepare before moving?
Watch content from the country you are moving to, with the local accent, and practice the practical conversations: renting, banking, healthcare and work.