Best practices for elearning content localization: a guide for global training managers

Research shows that learners grasp core skills more thoroughly when training reflects their language and culture. It’s logical then that if your content represents only one culture, then learners from others will disengage, skills won’t be fully developed, and your organization’s training investments won’t pay off as well as you’d hoped.

eLearning localization solves this by adapting your training to fit the language, customs, preferences, and expectations of your international team. The result? Higher engagement, better knowledge retention, and employees who feel empowered to use new skills. To boot, you will foster diversity and inclusion by providing optimized content for all your global employees.

If your current elearning program isn’t delivering the results you need, keep reading to learn the best practices for creating training that works—wherever your team is.

What is elearning content localization?

eLearning localization means adapting training materials to fit the language, culture, preferences, and learning needs of learners in different regions. However, it’s more than just translating text—it’s about adjusting content, visuals, and examples to match the way people think and work in their part of the world.

For example, a global retailer might localize its internal customer service training by using scenarios that reflect everyday interactions in each region, preferred communication styles, or local expectations for politeness and formality.

The goal is to make learning feel relevant, engaging, and easy to apply. eLearning localization can include adapting videos, interactive modules, quizzes, and guides across a range of training needs.

Best practices for elearning content localization

Localizing elearning content can make the difference between training that learners struggle to understand and training that is engaging and effective. However, to create a relatable experience for learners worldwide, you need a thoughtful approach.

1. Conduct thorough cultural research

Culture shapes how people learn and interpret information.

A simple misstep—like using a color, symbol, or phrase loaded with cultural significance—can lead to confusion or disengagement. For instance, red might symbolize luck in one country but danger in another. A hand gesture could be positive in one region but inappropriate elsewhere. The “okay” sign is an infamous example, as this hand gesture is not okay in numerous other countries outside the United States.

Don’t forget to review visuals and icons—what feels natural in one region might confuse or even offend learners in another.  For example, a stock image of a Western-style breakfast with bacon and eggs might feel out of place in regions where these foods are uncommon or avoided.

Pro tip: Involving local teams or cultural consultants can provide valuable insights that you can apply in your localized versions and help you avoid wasted training time.

2. Use flexible design and layout

A flexible design makes localization easier and more cost-effective. Some languages take up more space than English, while others flow in entirely different directions, like Arabic. Planning for this upfront can prevent headaches later. For example, building in extra space and using adaptable layouts allows for handling these changes without a complete redesign. Keep text separate from graphics whenever possible. Captions or overlays are much easier to update than redesigning an image with embedded text.

Pro tip: Make sure your layout works on different screen sizes. Many learners will access training on phones or tablets.

3. Incorporate multilingual audio and subtitles thoughtfully

Audio and subtitles can deepen learning, but they need to be done well. When recording audio, choose voice actors who match the tone and preferences of your audience. Some regions may prefer a more formal delivery, while others respond better to a friendly, conversational style.

Subtitles are a great alternative to voiceovers if you’re working with a tighter budget. Just make sure they’re clear, well-timed, and easy to read. Both options should integrate smoothly into the content to keep learners focused on the material.

Pro tip: Consider what works best for each region. Subtitles might be a better fit in some markets, while voiceovers may connect better with learners in others.

4. Test with target audiences and gather feedback

Even the most carefully localized training can benefit from audience testing. Piloting your content with a small group of learners in the target region can help you catch issues before a full rollout.

Gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, or even analytics. Are learners completing the modules? Does the content feel aligned with their culture and experience? Are they capably applying what they’ve learned? Use their input to make adjustments and improve the experience.

Pro tip: Include the feedback right after the class so they don’t leave the class until they take it (over sending it via email later). Localize that, too, of course!

5. Perform functional testing before launch

Functional testing is a crucial step in the localization process. It ensures that your eLearning content works as intended for all learners. This type of testing involves checking the functionality of interactive elements, navigation, multimedia components, and overall user experience across devices and platforms.

For example, buttons or links in a localized module may need to be tested to confirm they work correctly after text expansion or layout adjustments. Subtitles, audio, or video components should also be reviewed for synchronization and clarity. Issues like broken links, overlapping text, or misaligned visuals can disrupt the learning experience and frustrate users.

Pro tip: Choose a localization partner that offers functional testing as part of their services to streamline the process and catch issues early.

6. Use localization technology and tools

Industry-standard tools help make localization faster, more accurate, and easier to manage. Translation Memory (TM) allows you to leverage approved past translations and glossaries to keep key terms consistent across all materials, reducing errors and saving time. AI-powered tools, like AI-driven quality checks and synthetic voiceovers, can accelerate workflows while maintaining high standards.

Using SCORM or xAPI guarantees that your localized content integrates effectively with Learning Management Systems (LMS) worldwide. These tools also provide valuable insights by tracking learner progress, completion rates, and engagement metrics, helping you identify what’s working and what may need adjustment.

Pro tip: Engage a vendor who knows and works with a variety of tools and can recommend what’s best for you, so you don’t need to dedicate the time and research to figuring it out.

7. Plan for continuous updates and maintenance

Localization isn’t a one-time task. Your training content will need to change as your business grows, and your localized materials should keep pace. Regular reviews keep your content relevant—whether you’ve launched new products, updated policies, hired in new countries, or shifted company priorities.

Pro tip: Plan for updates and set aside budget to keep your training aligned with learner needs and business goals.

8. Collaborate with an experienced localization partner

If all of this sounds complex, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Working with an experienced localization partner can significantly improve the effectiveness of your training programs. These experts adapt content to align with the preferences, language, and cultural expectations of learners in different regions, boosting its relevance and effectiveness.

For example, a global software company worked with Acclaro to localize its elearning program for French, German, and Japanese audiences. The localized training led to faster adoption of tools, stronger stakeholder expertise, and increased confidence among employees and partners—resulting in a more capable and connected global workforce.

Pro tips:

1. Look for a localization partner who does transcreation, cultural adaptation, and multimedia localization.
2. Engage one vendor who can handle all the languages you need so you only have to provide instructions once.
3. Share your goals, timelines, and audience insights upfront to set the foundation for success. Collaboration with your services partner is key.

By working with an experienced partner and following these best practices, you can create elearning programs that connect with global audiences, support growth, and deliver real results.

Click here for a more in-depth, downloadable guide on these best practices.

Measure the impact of localized elearning content

Tracking the success of localized elearning is essential for understanding its impact. Key metrics include:

• Learner engagement, such as time spent on modules and completion rates
• Knowledge retention, such as quiz scores performance over time
• Job effectiveness, based on manager observation and goal achievement

Analytics tools can help you monitor regional performance and identify areas for improvement.

Don’t forget to gather direct feedback with localized surveys or assessments to help you refine your programs and improve future outcomes.

Start adapting your global learning content

eLearning localization is a smart way to make your global training programs more effective.

When done right, elearning localization delivers results—like higher engagement, a sense of inclusion, better knowledge retention, and improved performance across regions.

If your global elearning program isn’t delivering the results you need, let’s fix that. Get in touch with Acclaro to create training that works for every learner.