When it comes to learning a foreign language online, there are many options out there. But the best option is the one that works for you.
You’ll want to start by thinking about your goals for language learning, and what level of proficiency you’re looking for. Once you have that in mind, it will be easier to narrow down your search.
1. edX
EdX is an online learning platform that offers a variety of courses in various subject areas. These courses are taught by professors from top-ranked universities and industry-leading companies.
These courses are based on tutorial videos, readings, and discussions that allow students to learn from the comfort of their own home. They also offer a variety of different course formats, including self-paced and instructor-paced.
2. Duolingo
Duolingo is an online language-learning service that offers bite-sized lessons for students of varying ages and abilities. It’s free and can be used on mobile or desktop.
It’s built around a skill tree of lessons that use listening exercises, flashcards, and multiple choice questions to drill you on new words, phrases, and sentences.
It also has a community feature that lets users discuss questions and help others learn the language they are learning. This is helpful for students who are having trouble figuring out a specific concept or need more support.
3. Mondly
Mondly is an online language learning app that uses a range of technological tools to support your learning. It’s easy to use and comes with plenty of features.
Its lessons are bite-sized and based on real-world situations, which is useful for language learners. It also offers a learning map that gives you a detailed overview of your progress.
There are daily courses, weekly tests and monthly challenges to help you learn new vocabulary words and grammar concepts. You can also take part in quizzes and interact with an AI chatbot to practice speaking your target language.
4. Living Language
The Living Language method focuses on using audio, written and interactive digital practice to help you learn a new language. It is a very affordable option that offers an all-encompassing learning experience.
Living Language comes in three different packages: Essential, Complete and Platinum. Each package teaches grammar and vocabulary through dialogues and exercises.
5. Assimil
Assimil is a French company founded in 1929 that creates language learning methods. The company has sold millions of language learning methods in 13 different languages.
Assimil teaches foreign languages through dialogue-based texts and audio. The method divides lessons into passive and active phases.
The method aims to make language learning intuitive. Instead of long vocabulary lists, the texts and dialogues teach words by context.
6. Headstart2
Headstart2 is an eLearning program developed by the Defense Language Institute (DLI) that helps Soldiers learn any of 16 target languages. It uses digitally animated characters involved in military scenarios to teach reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
Headstart2 is designed to give Soldiers a survival-level knowledge of the language and a basic understanding of its sound and script, said Col. Danial Pick, commandant of the Defense Language Institute.
7. Live Lingua Project
Live Lingua Project is an online language school that pairs students with certified teachers for one-on-one lessons. It aims to provide a more personalized service than online tutor directories by assigning a personal class coordinator and a customized curriculum.
The company also offers periodic standardized language level assessments, which is particularly useful for students looking to gain a certificate in the language they’re studying. These assessments are available after every 20 hours of tutoring.
8. Coursera
Coursera is a massive open online learning (MOOC) platform offering courses taught by top instructors from world-class universities and companies. They offer over 2,600+ courses for free with the option to upgrade by paying a fee for a certificate.
Courses last from 4 to 12 weeks and include video lectures, readings, quizzes, weekly exercises, peer-graded assignments and exams. Students who complete the course successfully earn a verified certificate from the university that provided the course.
9. World Wide Learn
If you’re looking to learn a foreign language online, World Wide Learn is a great resource. It has courses in 18 different languages, as well as in translation and ESL.
Whether you’re a traveler, business professional or simply an international student, learning a new language can open up a world of opportunity. Mastering a new language can also help you boost your memory, critical thinking and communication skills.