Have you ever wondered how learning a new language or adapting to a different culture could impact your wellbeing – not just at work, but in everyday life? In today’s globalized world, these skills are more than tools for communication. They can help you feel grounded during big transitions and even protect your brain health for years to come.
One of such transitions is relocating to a new country which can be overwhelming. Suddenly, even simple tasks – like ordering coffee or making small talk – can seem daunting.
Moving to a new country can be stressful and overwhelming for the employee as they navigate the move and get accustomed to the new environment. This is where intercultural and language skills play a big part in the move. Learning the local language and understanding cultural nuances can help one smoothly assimilate to the new location, build confidence, and reduce anxiety. Language learning does more than ease the move – it strengthens memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
In our previous blogpost, Cartus’ Senior Language Specialist, Joanna Piela, shared her personal experience of being bilingual and how it has benefited her move to the United Kingdom. Research has shown that learning a new language and embracing cultural nuances can reduce stress, foster a sense of belonging, and even enhance cognitive health for years to come. Studies also suggest that bilingualism can delay Alzheimer’s symptoms by up to five years by creating a “cognitive reserve” that supports brain health as one ages.
Intercultural learning cannot be underestimated either. It encourages empathy, flexibility, and social engagement – all linked to emotional resilience and mental agility. This also helps assignees build up cultural competence, which is recognized as key for boosting performance and communication throughout organizations. Beyond the office, the ability to conduct meaningful conversations and build strong social networks can lower dementia risk by as much as 40%.
As an intercultural manager at Cartus, we see these benefits every day in the assignees we move across borders with our comprehensive suite of Intercultural & Language Solutions (ILS) programs.
From cross-cultural programs to language training and global agility programs, they are designed to help organizations make global moves smoother; helping assignees and their families thrive both professionally and personally. These are globally accessible and flexible in delivery, including in-person and virtual options.
Challenge – One powerful example that stands out to me is an assignee we worked with who had Latin American roots. As they were relocating from the United States to Ireland, this transition required them to navigate three cultural dimensions simultaneously — their heritage, their American background, and the nuances of Irish culture.
Solution – Through our ILS Coaching program, Cartus coaches guided them in building cultural intelligence by developing understanding and appreciation for Irish values such as humility, building confidence in understanding local accents and dialects, and proactively address any linguistic uncertainties. Over time, these strategies not only helped the assignee to reduce stress levels but also strengthened their mental agility and overall resilience.
Results – As the assignee settled into the new environment, they shared that they felt more energized, formed deeper social connections, and developed a genuine sense of belonging — both personally and professionally.
“Working with my coach was an absolute pleasure. Her approach was insightful, practical, and deeply personalized. Thanks to her guidance, I feel ready to thrive—not just professionally, but in making real, meaningful connections. This experience gave me the confidence to fully embrace this newchapter.”
If you’re planning a move – or supporting someone who is – consider these steps:
By investing in language and cultural learning, this not only eases the transition but also builds resilience, confidence, and cognitive strength that lasts a lifetime. We believe that every move should support your personal growth and mental health, helping you thrive wherever life takes you.
Simply drop us an email to learn more about the Cartus’ Intercultural and Language Solutions at cartussolutions@cartus.com. We would love to connect!
To request a technology demonstration, learn more about a specific solution, or simply speak to one of our knowledgeable subject matter experts, please fill out our form and someone will get back to you shortly.
To learn more about how our work in this space can help drive your talent mobility program to the next level, please fill out our form, and one of our knowledgeable subject matter experts will get back to you shortly!
