7 ways to make money from your language skills
Got the lingo? Here are the top ways to use your language skills to make money – whether you speak loads of languages or just one.
As you're reading this, your language skills are already strong enough to help you earn some extra cash – and we know some great ways to do just that.
Already speak a couple of languages? Even better, it means more bites at the freelance ideas we've outlined below.
But this guide isn't just for language students and bilingual people. From English to Esperanto, there's a way to capitalise on what you know or get the linguistic skills you need.
Allons-y – let's go.
What's in this guide?
How to learn a second language
Proficient in another language? Nice, you're already ahead of the game. Time to take our ideas, go forth and make some money.
There are loads of ways language skills can pay off. But, if you're yet to master a second lingo, or feel a bit out of practice, don't be shy about catching up – we recommend trying out language learning apps.
These are the best language apps you can use free of charge:
- Duolingo offers around 40 languages, including French, German, Spanish and Portuguese, with structured courses covering everything from basic vocab to advanced grammar.
- Memrise has a staggering 1,000+ language courses, from Korean to Cherokee and everything in between. They use a mix of official Memrise courses as well as those compiled by community members.
Both platforms are big on gamification of language learning to make it more fun. This means bite-size, colourful content, plus lots of interactivity and motivation to stick at it, which usually involves bagging points and rewards as you progress through lessons.
There are also tons of free single-language apps and websites out there – just get looking! Your uni may even have free resources, including tapes, books and videos to borrow, or even taught courses run alongside degree programmes. We've got a full guide on how to learn new languages on a budget for more tips.
Ways to make money from the languages you speak
Here are the best ways to make money from your language skills:
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Become a conversation buddy
Credit: oneinchpunch – Shutterstock
If you studied a language at school, you'll already be familiar with conversation practice. It involves chatting about everyday topics with a teacher or native speaker, and it's a way to test out or improve what you've learned.
There are ways to get your conversation practice in for free, usually by swapping a language you know with someone who speaks the language you want to learn. If you want to get paid for talking, you need an angle.
- Advertise your strengths – If you're a native speaker or have teaching experience, tell people
- Go niche – Think essentials for business travellers, medical vocab, technical terms and phrases for students or sports fans
- Use your accent – Regional differences can be the most challenging aspect of a language, so if you've got an accent, make the most of it.
Once you've got a hook, setting up an online 'classroom' is easy as pie with these free online video messengers.
Most messaging apps let you vary your style of interaction: use video chat for role play and speaking practice, or stick to texting or emailing for writing skills (or if you're camera shy).
Alternatively, use notice boards, leaflet drops and language clubs to connect with local learners.
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Create language resources
Teaching doesn't have to be about real-time interaction – there's also demand for language learning resources, from textbooks and quizzes to stories and podcasts.
André Klein is a great example of this. He writes short stories using basic words and sentences, with an English translation alongside. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check our guide to publishing eBooks and try it yourself.
You can also sell quiz sheets, grammar notes, vocab lists, audio lessons and anything else you fancy from your own website. If you've got coding skills, you can create an app too.
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Make language videos on YouTube or a language blog
Settling into a new country can be a tall ask for any international student or expat. Once you throw in linguistic hurdles like slang, cultural references and accents, it's a minefield – which is where native speakers like you come in.
YouTube and written blogs are a brilliant way to provide secondary student support, and there can be cash in it too – whether it's revealing what locals are really mumbling about or getting to the heart of the cheeky Nando's.
Examples of language topics to teach online
- 'How to lose your accent and sound like a local'
- 'Ten bizarre phrases or customs you'll find in the UK'
- 'Language pointers: anything from grammar essentials to conjugating verbs'
- 'How to master a British/Welsh/Scottish/Geordie accent [or whichever you're blessed with]'
- 'Everyday situations (like buying bus tickets or asking for directions) which can double-up as listening practice or tourist info.'
Blogs and YouTube videos are winners for monetisation, too, such as by running ads alongside your content or linking to books, apps or products as part of your spiel. Naturally, we've got full guides on how to make cash with both options:
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Teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
Credit: Rex Pe - Flickr
Whether you're after a side hustle or a fully-fledged career, getting a qualification or work experience can help you become a better teacher.
Some courses even cover the practical side of things beyond the teaching part, such as how to go freelance, find work, manage your taxes or teach online.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a well-trodden teaching path with the chance to travel and work abroad once qualified. Courses can be pricey, and can take a bit of commitment – but neither are reasons to blow it off if you think it'll pay for itself.
Read our TEFL guide to see how it works and where to head next.
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Become a tour guide
If you like walking and the sound of your own voice, tour guiding could be your bread and butter. It's also one of the few freelancing gigs you don't need qualifications or certificates to set up.
You don't even need to start anything at all – you could find tour guides who already operate in your area and offer to ride along as an interpreter.
That said, it's fairly simple to go it alone – you just need a set of walking routes, excellent local knowledge and some decent jokes. You can lead tours in English if that's all you speak, but a second or third language gives you an edge (and you'll likely be able to charge more for your services).
Check out more tips on being a tour guide.
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Plan trips abroad for holidaymakers
Jessie Festa – an award-winning travel blogger over at Jessie on a Journey – offers a bespoke travel planning service off the back of her experience as a solo traveller. It's a great business to start while you're still at uni.
You can use your travel experience and impressive organisation skills to put together packages for holidaymakers or business travellers. That could include planning itineraries, researching transport options, suggesting sights or shows to catch, and then booking it all – for a fee.
You don't need a second language to start a travel-planning business, but it can definitely help. Not only could you reach more punters, but language skills can help you deal with overseas paperwork, visas and getting ahead without the faff.
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Work as a freelance translator
If you're interested in becoming a translator, paid work can be tricky to pin down (especially when you're up against the pros), but you've still got options:
Make money translating books
Translating books is a brilliant way to make money from reading.
There's a growing legion of DIY authors and publishers out there, which means a growing demand for translated editions. Even better, it means someone else has already done most of the hard work...
Get involved by finding author hangouts and making yourself visible:
- Set up a blog
- Join writer forums like Goodreads
- Share your services on social media
- Reach out to people on LinkedIn.
You may also find opportunities by approaching academic publishers or app developers. For example, if you spot a game you like, check if they offer it in the language you speak. If not, drop them a line.
Other students can also be a prime source of work. But watch you don't fall into ghostwriting essays for cheating students (getting caught can be bad for your business and your degree).
Translating for businesses
From writing assembly instructions and ads for foreign markets to managing a Facebook page on the other side of the world – there's tons of scope for translation with UK business and corporate clients.
If you've lived abroad, you could also hook into cultural awareness training like teaching organisations which jokes, clichés or dinner table fails to avoid.
Closer to home, local businesses may want tourist-friendly translations or councils could need to communicate with speakers of other languages. Whatever it is, keep your eyes peeled for job listings, or (even better) print off some flyers or business cards and do the rounds.
If you prefer to network remotely, a home-working site can bring the clients to you instead, but expect to sift the decent payers from the outright exploitative. Try Upwork.com, or the far stingier Amazon Mechanical Turk.
Work in 'reverse' translation
It's tempting to assume translation opportunities will generally be from English to another language, but the reverse is just as valid. There are lots of ways to make money from speaking English, too!
Don't forget about businesses, charities and organisations based overseas who want to tap into UK markets: writing blog posts, vlogging or getting in touch in your second language can help you get a foot in the door.
Freelancing tips
Like the sound of earning from your language skills but not sure where to start? Take a look at our guide to freelancing, or get the cheat sheet right here:
- Make a business plan. It doesn't have to be complicated, just think about what you're offering, how much you'll charge, whether it costs anything to get started, and who your customers might be. It's also worth drafting up a contract.
- Advertise your freelance services on social media. Get a blog, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter account, or LinkedIn Profile. Think about which channels your customers use most and spend time developing those accounts first – and don't forget to keep it professional online.
- Sign up to online marketplaces like Fiverr to sell your time and skills. Fiverr takes a cut of each sale, but you can still use it to build your reputation, find clients and do paid freelance gigs when you're starting out.
- Contact local businesses and charities to find out about freelance opportunities, or stick notes in newsagents' windows. Basically, tell people what you're offering.
- Create an invoice template and choose a payment method. You could get a PayPal merchant account (free) to send out invoices and get paid securely – but again, PayPal takes a bite out of each sale. Fee-free options include Google Pay, and your bank's mobile app – some even let you receive money by text message without revealing your account details.
- Find out if you'll need to do a self-assessment tax return. It'll make life easier if you get clued up about tax – plus, it only takes five minutes to get the basics under your belt (and it comes in handy for your Student Loan repayments, too).
Learning a new skill, like a second language, is a great way to fill your gap year.
