A survey by research company PCP of more than 550 young people aged 11 to 18 found better weather and lower cost of living were the main reasons young people want to move abroad.
Spain and Italy topped the list of the most desirable places to live and work in Europe.
And 71 per cent of the young people surveyed said they wished they spoke a foreign language.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is now urging young people to consider learning a foreign language.
Schools minister Jim Knight said: "This research is yet more proof that we need to equip today's youth with the tools to succeed in the international marketplace, which means encouraging all young people to improve their language skills.
"Having more young people able to speak a second language is vital to the future success of the UK economy."
The DCSF has launched a marketing campaign called Try Life in Another Language to encourage young people to study foreign languages.
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