So, you’ve received the OET Test results you needed, booked your travel arrangements, sorted your documents, and accepted an offer at your new workplace. Congratulations!

Passing the OET Test is a huge accomplishment, but as many of our alumni share, it’s often just the first step. Starting work in a new country and communicating daily in a non-native language brings its own set of challenges—and opportunities for growth.

That’s the great thing about language: it’s always evolving, and we never stop learning. Whether it’s picking up workplace phrases, understanding conversational tones, or learning cultural nuances, every interaction adds to your confidence.

At OET, we’re here for you beyond the test. To help you settle into your new role and surroundings with confidence, we’ve refreshed our Living the Language guides for doctors and nurses working in the UK.

These practical resources are designed to:

• Build your communication skills across key areas: workplace, patient and social settings.
• Help you adapt to NHS culture and the UK’s unique social norms.
• Empower you to thrive—professionally and personally.

Your essential companion to life and work in the UK

The Living the Language guides were first developed to help internationally trained healthcare professionals bridge the gap between passing the OET Test and thriving in the NHS. Based on years of feedback from test takers, NHS partners, and diaspora communities, these refreshed editions now provide even more tailored support.

Here’s what’s new in the guides:

• • Understanding NHS teams: A completely new section explains how multidisciplinary NHS teams operate, detailing roles, responsibilities, and flatter hierarchies. This practical knowledge will help you collaborate confidently and navigate diverse healthcare settings.
  • Patient-centred care: Updated content highlights the importance of empowering patients and building trust through active listening, shared decision-making, and cultural sensitivity. Case studies demonstrate real-life examples of how respectful, empathetic communication makes a difference.
  • Cultural and social integration: Fresh insights on British conversational norms, humour and manners will help you feel more at home both inside and outside the workplace.
  • Updated resources: New tools, glossaries and NHS-specific apps are now included to ensure you have the latest references at your fingertips.

What you’ll learn

Each guide focuses on three key areas to help you communicate effectively:

Workplace communication

From participating in meetings to managing high-pressure consultations, these strategies will help you build rapport with colleagues, work effectively in teams, and combine your clinical expertise with clear and confident communication.

This section goes beyond what you prepared for in the OET Test—it’s about applying those skills to influence outcomes and succeed in real-world healthcare scenarios.

Patient communication

Empathetic, patient-centred communication is central to NHS care. This section equips you to deliver exceptional interpersonal care while navigating new systems and patient expectations. Practical tips and examples will help you:

• Adapt your approach for diverse patients and families.
• Build trust through clear, compassionate language.
• Provide care that aligns with NHS values and cultural norms.

Social communication

Adjusting to a new country also means learning to connect socially. From understanding British humour to knowing how to navigate polite conversation, this section prepares you for life outside work. You’ll find tips for interacting in unfamiliar social settings, easing into conversations, and confidently building new connections in your community.

Get started with the updated guides 

We’re here to help you thrive in your career. Explore the refreshed Living the Language guides and take the next step in building your confidence and communication skills.

Download:  Living the Language guide for nurses  

Download: Living the Language guide for doctors