u/DueListen8961

[Advice] Product Designer (LATAM) with strong comprehension but B1 speaking – How to land a USD-paying role?

Hi everyone,

I’m a Product Designer based in Brazil (native Spanish speaker, fluent in Portuguese) looking to transition into the international market to earn in USD.

I have a specific challenge regarding my English level and I’d love some recruiter insight:

  • Comprehension: Near-perfect. I consume all my media (movies, shows, technical documentation) in English without subtitles.
  • Writing/Reading: Strong enough for documentation and Slack communication.
  • Speaking: This is my bottleneck. I’m currently at a B1 level. I often have the sentences ready in my head, but my pronunciation isn't where I want it to be, and I occasionally "blank out" during high-pressure conversations.

My Goal: I’m looking for roles or types of companies where design execution and visual communication are prioritized over constant high-stakes verbal pitching. I want a environment where I can contribute immediately while improving my fluency over time.

My Questions:

  1. Are there specific types of companies (e.g., startups vs. agencies) that are more "B1-friendly" if the portfolio is top-tier?
  2. In your experience, is a strong portfolio enough to overlook "choppy" speaking skills for a Mid-level Product Design role?
  3. How should I frame this during an interview so I don't get filtered out immediately, but stay honest about my current level?
  4. Since I am trilingual (SPA/POR/ENG), are there specific niches where this is a competitive advantage for US/European companies?

Looking forward to your advice. Thanks!

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u/DueListen8961 — 14 days ago

Hi everyone,

I’m a Product Designer / UX/UI Designer based in Brazil, and I’m looking for remote opportunities working for companies outside Brazil, ideally paid in USD.

I have experience in UX/UI design, product flows, wireframes, prototypes, business requirements, usability testing, fintech products, AI/chatbot products, and working closely with developers and stakeholders. I’ve worked on complex digital products such as payment platforms, mobile apps, and an AI-powered chatbot for patient support.

My main challenge is English speaking. I can read, understand, and write in English well, and I’m comfortable with documentation, async communication, emails, tickets, and design explanations in writing. However, my spoken English is still intermediate. I can communicate, but I’m not fully fluent yet. I’m actively practicing and improving, but I’d like to find a role where perfect spoken fluency is not required from day one.

I’d really appreciate advice on:

  • Where to find remote Product Designer roles for people based in LATAM or Brazil
  • Companies or job boards that hire international contractors and pay in USD
  • Roles where async communication is common and spoken English does not need to be native/fluent
  • How to present my English level honestly without hurting my chances
  • Whether I should apply as Product Designer, UX/UI Designer, or UX Designer for these types of opportunities

Any advice, communities, job boards, or personal experiences would be very helpful.

Thank you!

reddit.com
u/DueListen8961 — 15 days ago