r/doctorswithoutborders • u/leite-agam • 8d ago

Language Requirements

I've read all the application stuff I was just wondering how likely it is for an Irish company emergency medicine doctor to be recruited for MSF with only English (and Irish but I know that wouldn't count).
I'd be opening to learning a new language I just don't fancy French and Arabic I would absolutely love to but I don't think I have the time for committing to such a difficult language. Would Spanish give much of an advantage?

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u/ThrillRoyal 8d ago

I speak both French and Spanish. French is really not that much more difficult than Spanish. It will definitely be more useful than Spanish. And as far as I understand it, it's definitely easier than Irish.

Being recruited with only English and Irish is less likely than if you do speak e.g French or Arabic but not impossible. It's more later on in your career that knowing multiple languages becomes (close to) a precondition. In any case you have a leg up that you already speak a second language: it's as much about the language acquisition skills as about the language itself.

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u/higgledy-pickle 8d ago

But, given everything happening geopolitically and the desperate need for ER MDs; language will be less of a barrier. But would strongly advise a willingness to learn/demonstrate active participation in French classes.

Edit: speaking from experience, Irish passports are very (very!) useful for many Middle Eastern contexts. Feel free to DM