Partner A
Easier: Have you ever travelled alone to another country? Why or why not?
Which country could you imagine living in for a year?
More challenging: How would moving to a foreign country impact your long-term career prospects?
Jamesleads the live roundsSimmonds · live on simmonds.onlineB25 min · English
Living and working abroad in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions
Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 29 Oct 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)
Live rounds with a trainer and a small group. To warm up: Theo asks, you answer.
Allow the microphone – Theo asks the first question.
AI conversation partner, synthetic voice · your voice is processed live by Google Gemini, we store no audio and no transcript · max. 5 minAbout the AIWith headphones you can interrupt Theo. Without them, the microphone only listens once Theo has finished.
Living abroadB2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about living and working abroad (level B2)Your last holidayA2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about your last holiday (level A2)NegotiatingB2 – Practise speaking English: a conversation about negotiating (level B2)Sorry, could you say that again?Give me a second to think.How do you say … in English?
Question of the day
According to the podcast, what is a common challenge for expats at work?
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day
Correct answer: Overcoming language barriers
You can find the answer in the English introduction.
Listen to the introduction
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Theo, and this is a two-minute conversation starter. Today: living and working abroad. Moving to a different country is a big decision. For many professionals, it is a fantastic opportunity to step out of your comfort zone – Jump to the vocabulary entry for step out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons – Jump to the vocabulary entry for broaden your horizons. When you embrace a new culture – Jump to the vocabulary entry for embrace a new culture, you learn to see the world differently, and it is a great chance to build a global network – Jump to the vocabulary entry for build a global network. However, the reality is not always a holiday. Expats often have to overcome language barriers – Jump to the vocabulary entry for overcome language barriers at work, which can be exhausting. On top of that, it is completely normal to suffer from homesickness – Jump to the vocabulary entry for suffer from homesickness when you are far away from your friends and family. It takes courage to pack up your life and start again. So, what about you? Would you ever consider moving abroad for your career?
Vocabulary
- step out of your comfort zone/step aʊt əv jɔː ˈkʌm.fət zəʊn/
- Meaning: To do things that you do not feel comfortable with.
- Example: Moving to a new city is a great way to step out of your comfort zone.
- broaden your horizons/ˈbrɔː.dən jɔː həˈraɪ.zənz/
- Meaning: To increase the range of things that you know about or have experienced.
- Example: Travelling can really broaden your horizons and change your perspective.
- embrace a new culture/ɪmˈbreɪs ə njuː ˈkʌl.tʃə/
- Meaning: To accept and learn about a different way of life enthusiastically.
- Example: If you move to Japan, you should try to embrace a new culture.
- build a global network/bɪld ə ˈɡləʊ.bəl ˈnet.wɜːk/
- Meaning: To create professional and personal connections around the world.
- Example: Attending international conferences helps you build a global network.
- overcome language barriers/ˌəʊ.vəˈkʌm ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪdʒ ˈbær.i.əz/
- Meaning: To successfully deal with the problem of not speaking the same language.
- Example: It takes time and patience to overcome language barriers when you relocate.
- suffer from homesickness/ˈsʌf.ə frəm ˈhəʊm.sɪk.nəs/
- Meaning: To feel unhappy because you are away from home and miss your family.
- Example: Many students suffer from homesickness in their first year of university.
Dialogue
- SarahI heard you are moving to the branch in Madrid next month.
- MarkYes, I am! I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone.
- SarahThat is incredibly brave. Are you worried about having to overcome language barriers?
- MarkA little bit. I have been taking Spanish lessons, so hopefully, that will help.
- SarahI am sure you will do fine. It is a brilliant chance to broaden your horizons.
- MarkExactly. I want to embrace a new culture and build a global network.
- SarahJust call me if you ever suffer from homesickness!
- MarkI definitely will. I am going to miss everyone here.
Questions for your conversation
Partner B
Easier: Do you enjoy trying new food when you travel? Why or why not?
What would you miss the most about your home country?
More challenging: If you were managing an international team, how would you help new expat employees integrate?
Partner A
Easier: Is learning a new language difficult for you? Why or why not?
How can expats quickly make new friends in a foreign city?
More challenging: To what extent do you think living abroad changes a person's fundamental values?
Useful phrases
- I would love to work abroad for a few years.
- It takes time to get used to a new environment.
- I am looking forward to the challenge.
- The hardest part is leaving your friends behind.
- You have to be open-minded.
- I have been living here for three months.
Topic quiz
Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.
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Who is Theo?
Theo is an AI conversation partner for warming up, not a teacher. The voice is synthetic. In the live rounds, a trainer talks with you.
Is my conversation stored?
We store neither audio nor a transcript. During the conversation, your voice is sent to Google (Gemini) for processing. The conversation ends after no more than five minutes.
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