10 Most Useful Languages to Learn for Medicine

As a pre-med or medical student, you most likely already realize the importance of communication between healthcare providers and their patients. Your patient needs to effectively communicate to you their ailment, provide their medical history, give consent for services, and much more.

In turn, you need to communicate diagnoses, treatment options, and next steps while also offering support (in some cases to the patient’s friends and family as well).

Communication is the foundation of high quality support for patients.

While many take for granted that their doctor will speak their native language, that’s not always the case. For example, in the US there are many non-English or LEP (Limited English Proficient) speakers who have difficulty finding healthcare providers who speak their language or dialect.

These patients often need to rely on family members or translators who may not communicate their needs in a timely or accurate manner. Medical students can become better healthcare providers, providing better care to their patients, by learning a foreign language.

Why learn a foreign language for medicine?

The lack of communication resulting from doctors and other healthcare providers not knowing the language of their patients has short and long term effects.

The short term effects include:

• Frustration for both the doctor and patient
• Lack of information acquired from both parties
• Mis-diagnoses
• No preventative care for the patient

The long term effects include:

• Decline of the patient’s health and overall wellness
• Additional ailments resulting from mis-diagnoses
• Financial burden
• Mistrust or even fear of the healthcare system

The negative impact of miscommunication between healthcare providers and their patients can be avoided by doctors, nurses, and others in the field of medicine learning a foreign language and recognizing the importance of doing so.

Not only will it benefit your patients now and in the future, it will make you a better medical practitioner, with experience working with patients of all types and backgrounds.

Language skills can only make you a better medical professional!

Foreign language in the medical field is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Not only will you be better at patient care, you’ll stand out from the competition when applying for job opportunities.

Pre-med and medical students choosing a second language to study should focus on those widely spoken where they want to work. Here are some of the best languages to learn for medicine:

• English
• Spanish
• French
• Russian
• Chinese (Mandarin)
• Cantonese
• Arabic
• Vietnamese
• Japanese
• Sign Language

This list is not all-encompassing and you’ll want to do additional research to see which may be the best fit for you.

Some things to keep in mind in addition to demographics of where you want to work include how you plan on learning the language, which languages interest you the most, and which may offer the most opportunities for you in the future.

Looking for a pre-med internship abroad? International Medical Aid can help!

10 best languages to learn for medicine

Which language aligns most closely with your career or academic goals?

The best way to learn a language is immersion. Not only will you learn a language more quickly, you’ll also pick up on idioms, cultural nuances, and local translations that may make all the difference when speaking to your patients.

Here are the most useful languages to learn for medicine and recommendations on programs that will help you learn them:

1. English

• Why? English is the best foreign language for medicine to learn since it’s one of the most widely spoken. It’s considered the language of business and industry, and is often considered a second language (if not officially the first language) of many countries. If considering work in the Western Hemisphere, it’s essential that you learn English. (Not to mention, some of the best medical internships abroad are conducted in English!) Additionally, many patients are now seeking remote/online services, and websites of this type are primarily in English.
• If you are considering pursuing a career in research or related disciplines, it’s important to note that international publications, especially medical journals, are published in English as it’s considered the “universal” language.
• Where? United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, Australia
• Recommended program: Learn English in Malta with Maltalingua School of English

2. Spanish

• Why? Spanish is another common language spoken throughout the world as either a first or second vernacular. It’s one of the most useful languages to learn for medicine since it’s spoken in many places globally. For instance, you can use your Spanish skills during a medical internship in Peru with International Medical Aid.
• In the US and other places around the world, immigration is changing the linguistic landscape. You’ll increasingly find the need to speak Spanish to your patients.
• Where? Spain, Central and South America
• Recommended program: Face to Face Spanish Lessons in Colombia

3. French

• Why? Not only is French a beautiful and highly regarded language, it’s one of the best languages to learn for medicine. By learning French, you’ll be able to find work in destinations around the world. In fact, French is the fifth-most widely used language in the world after Mandarin, English, Spanish, and Arabic.
• Where? France, Switzerland, Belgium, Canada
• Recommended program: Intensive French Classes in Geneva (Switzerland)

4. Russian

• Why? While perhaps not the most popular language to learn, speakers of Russian are increasingly needed, especially in the medical and STEM fields. Russia is a regional and returning world power, and to engage with the hundreds of millions of Russian speakers, more people need to learn their language!
• Where? Russia
• Recommended program: Russian Courses Online with PRIVET Russian Language School

5. Chinese (Mandarin)

• Why? With a booming economy, the demand for better health services has risen in China, making Mandarin Chinese (the official language of The People's Republic of China and Taiwan) another of the best languages to learn for medical fields.
• Pre-med and medical students would be wise to learn the language and culture of China, given they are bound to be providing services to patients from this region. That’s because medical tourism is only going to increase in the coming years; meaning not only will Chinese people seek medical care in China, but around the world where good healthcare can be found.
• Where? China
• Recommended program: Summer Chinese Language Immersion Program for Adults

6. Cantonese

• Why? Cantonese is also spoken by millions in China and Hong Kong. This is another language you’ll want to learn to make the most of your medical career. Knowing Cantonese will be a unique skill that’ll help you stand out from your fellow medical students, since Mandarin is the more commonly learned Chinese language.
• Where? China, Hong Kong
• Recommended program: Chinese Language Course and Immersion in Hong Kong

7. Arabic

• Why? Arabic is one of the five most commonly spoken languages in the world and is therefore another of the most useful languages to learn for doctors. Learning Arabic also prepares you for other international job opportunities if you decide to pursue a career in addition to, or outside of, your medical career. Learning Arabic is quite challenging, so you’ll have a very competitive edge over fellow applicants to all sorts of opportunities.
• Where? Spain, Morocco, Egypt, United Arab Emirates
• Recommended program: Spain & Morocco Semester with Carpe Diem Education

8. Vietnamese

• Why? There is quite a large population of Vietnamese in the US and around the world. Their unique culture and history makes learning the language enjoyable and incredibly worthwhile. Learning Vietnamese in Vietnam is a fascinating experience you’ll never forget!
• Where? Vietnam
• Recommended program: Vietnamese Language Immersion in Hanoi, Vietnam

9. Japanese

• Why? Japan is one of the world’s most popular destinations right now. Learning Japanese will make you a better doctor as it relates to communicating with your patients, but also by introducing you to Eastern medical styles and practices. Through knowledge of Japanese life and culture, you may also learn more about their approach to public health, sanitation, and urban vs. rural healthcare.
• Where? Japan
• Recommended program: Learn Japanese in Tokyo, Japan

10. Sign Language

• Why? Language barriers also exist when either the healthcare provider or patient has a hearing or visual impairment/disability. Learning sign language and working with patients who have disabilities is important across all countries and cultures. There are a variety of programs and courses to learn sign language as a medical professional. You should also become familiar with other ways to make your services accessible to all.
• Where? Multiple Locations, Online
• Recommended program: Budget-Friendly Accredited Sign Language Courses

Get matched with 5 language programs abroad for FREE

Knowing another language (or two!) will help in your medical career

Connect with your patients more authentically with a second language.

Knowing a foreign language in the medical field will afford you additional job opportunities since you have vital skills needed in all healthcare facilities.

Acknowledging the importance of communication in the healthcare setting, the many benefits of speaking with a patient in their native language, and how this can impact your reputation as a healthcare professional, is an integral part of your medical education.

Learning a foreign language abroad can double your impact by providing you with insight into your patient’s culture and perspective, making you a more empathetic person and knowledgeable medical professional.

As a medical student or professional, you have a duty to your patients to give them the best care possible. You directly impact people’s lives, and they depend on you for treatment and guidance when it comes to their health and the health of their loved ones.

Be the best doctor you can be by communicating with and learning more about your patients. Learning a foreign language will benefit you professionally and personally—it’s a win-win that will also offer you an adventure of a lifetime!

This article was written with help from International Medical Aid, who also provided all photos seen above. IMA is a not-for-profit organization that offers medical programs for students in places like East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean through an ethics-based approach to care. They offer summer, fall, and winter programs.