Even if you’re living on a tight budget, juggling work, school and family, or feel like you don’t have another second to spare in your day, learning a foreign language isn’t out of reach.
In this post, I’ll show you five stellar e-learning language courses that are totally free.
Pick one that matches your learning style and schedule, and all that’s left to do is kickstart your language studies!
The BBC website offers language learning courses in 40 languages. There are quick lessons to teach travelers essential words and phrases alongside full-service courses for languages like French, Spanish, German, Greek and Chinese.
Lessons and resources include language learning tailored for kids and crosswords for visual learners who prefer to work outside the box (no pun intended). Pair vocabulary and grammar practice with a selection of news, TV and radio links for immersion practice and cultural study.
Although the BBC page is archived and no longer updated, it’s still a fantastic free resource that can stand alone or act as a supplement to other courses.
This website offers free lessons in languages including Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, German, Italian and Spanish.
It’s packed with great resources to help you decide which language to choose and the best methods for learning it. You can browse through pages that contain helpful tips on how to pick up languages in general or a target language in particular.
For example, if you’re curious about the quality of paid e-learning language options, visit the Language Course Reviews page for a side-by-side comparison of major software programs currently on the market. It’s a useful reference, but don’t forget about the abundance of free resources available online!
Here you’ll find vocabulary lessons in 17 languages, complete with audio recordings to help you learn pronunciation.
Listening to audio files is an important part of absorbing new words and learning to use them correctly. The vocabulary lessons are perfect for both audio and visual learners because they incorporate images with each audio file.
Some of the exercises are already set to an advanced level by default, but you can adjust the difficulty level in your settings (click the gear in the upper right-hand corner). When it’s to time to test your knowledge, be sure to use both the speaking and listening challenges.
Overall, this website is a great supplemental resource for drilling vocabulary and pronunciation alongside e-learning courses that cover grammar and immersion.
This educational collection brings together lessons in 48 different languages through a variety of websites, YouTube channels, iTunes audio downloads and apps. No matter what your learning style is, you’ll find a match for it here.
Some languages are better represented than others, but each category lists a variety of options and platforms, allowing you to match lesson formats with your preferred study method. The courses are arranged alphabetically by language, which makes getting started a snap.
This site also provides free cultural materials, including book and textbook downloads, movies, lectures, art, images and music. These useful supplementary materials will help you learn about the culture and history of the language you’re speaking.
This site is excellent for certain hard-to-find languages and unique resources, bringing together resources in French, Russian, German and Italian, among others. Each category features links to lessons for beginners starting at Square One, covering everything from vocabulary and grammar to history and culture.
Several of the languages offer students more advanced lessons and resources tailored for audio and visual learners.
Why You Should Take E-learning Language Courses
Aside from the fact that these courses are free and available to everyone, there are several significant advantages to learning a language online.
Mobility
The greatest advantage of the internet is you can access and use it whenever and wherever you want on any device you choose. When it comes to learning a language online, you can practice anywhere at any time. Review vocabulary on your commute, study grammar while you’re waiting in line or listen to podcasts while you’re cooking dinner.
Convenience
E-learning courses allow you to work at your own pace, whether you only have a whole vacation dedicated to language learning or just a few minutes to spare right before bed. The flexibility of online learning means you won’t feel any pressure because you aren’t holding anyone up if life gets hectic and you can’t study for a few days. The bite-sized nature of these courses also allows you to complete lessons in a short amount of time.
These types of courses are especially convenient for solo students because you can revisit the material as needed. If you’re struggling with certain verbs or vocabulary, you can study them as much as you need to, without exam deadlines or the danger of a failing grade.
Customization
Online language learning courses offer tools tailored to all different learning styles. These courses present more opportunities than a strict classroom environment, boosting your odds of successfully becoming fluent.
If you’re a visual learner, there are flashcards to help you drill vocabulary. If you’re an auditory learner, you can explore movies and podcasts for whatever language you’re studying. Kinetic learners can print off worksheets or play games to help them learn. If you enjoy reading, there are plenty of places to download foreign language e-books.
The possibilities are endless, and you should be able to find a course that suits you perfectly.
So, what are you waiting for?
Learn a language for free, on your schedule, on any device, anywhere, at any time! It only takes a little attention each day.
There’s an abundance of wonderful e-learning language courses for every skill level and learning style. These courses are practical, convenient, portable and customizable—and, most importantly, free.
