Does speaking the language open up a significant amount more opportunities?[/QUOTE]

It is really catch 22 as the best way to learn a language is to be immersed in it but it is a big risk moving everyone over before you have got your language level to a good standard. One way is to get a work placement for a few months - difficult to leave your family but a sensible approach.

My daughter went on a European funded scheme that lasted 3 months - it is a Leonardo scheme. She chose Italian which she could not speak a word of (because she loves Italy)- the scheme provided two weeks at a language school followed by nearly 3 months of work experience where virtually no-one spoke any English. The placement was fantastic - she learned such a lot. She was also placed with a family although I think some stayed in flats. I am not sure but I think there used to be an age limit of 35. The beauty of the scheme is that although competitive - she had to get through an interview it did not cost anything except an initial joining fee which she got back when she completed the programme. It even provided a basic income for food etc. Some of the people with her stayed on afterwards as they got jobs. My daughter's Italian was so good after 3 months she came back and did GSCE Italian and got an A* - she was told she should have done AS level. I think this is the website of the company that offer this programme - http://www.ets-lichfield.com/english/index.html.

Carol

Gallerie9 I love reading positve comments, it gives me so much encouragement, thank you. My husband and I are planning on moving out to Spain. I wish my youngest son would come with us but as you say you only appreciate the quality of life as you get older.

Hizz, what part of Spain are you moving to?

Kay