Learning a new language can significantly enhance your travel experiences, opening doors to deeper cultural immersion and meaningful connections with locals. It also serves as an invaluable safety net when technology fails—something that happens more often than you might expect, especially when traveling overseas or venturing off the beaten path. Many transportation options, such as planes, taxis, buses, and trains, lack reliable Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, leaving tools like Google Translate inaccessible. In these moments, knowing even basic phrases in the local language can be the difference between confident navigation and confusion, ensuring smoother communication and greater peace of mind during your journey. It happened to me, so I want to be safe when you travel abroad!
Fortunately, numerous resources are available to assist you in this endeavor, ranging from mobile apps and YouTube channels to local libraries and tutoring services. Below is a curated list of tools and platforms to support your language learning journey. I am not affiliated with any of these apps, etc. These are just my favorites. Prices can vary. Please do your own research for the most up to date pricing, et.
Language Learning Apps
1. Duolingo (My Favorite)
A popular, gamified app offering courses in over 40 languages. It provides bite-sized lessons suitable for beginners and intermediate learners. I quickly learned Spanish and Portuguese from this app.)
– Cost: Free with ads; Duolingo Plus subscription available for $6.99/month.
– Link: (https://www.duolingo.com/)
2. Babbel (2nd Choice by Me)
Focuses on teaching practical phrases and conversational skills through interactive lessons. Offers courses in 14 languages. It has a higher monthly subscription plan, but was user friendly like Duolingo.
– Cost: Subscription plans start at $13.95/month, with discounts for longer commitments.
– Link: (https://www.babbel.com/)
3. Rosetta Stone
Utilizes an immersive approach to language learning, emphasizing speaking and listening skills. Offers courses in 25 languages. I heard this was a good program from a friend of mine who really became fluent. But is is much more expensive over the lifetime of your subscription.
– Cost: Subscription plans start at $11.99/month; lifetime access available for $179.
– Link: (https://www.rosettastone.com/)
4. Memrise
Combines memorization techniques with real-world content, including videos of native speakers. Offers courses in 23 languages.
– Cost: Free access available; Premium subscription starts at $8.99/month.
– Link: (https://www.memrise.com/)
5. Busuu
Provides comprehensive courses with grammar tips, vocabulary exercises, and the opportunity to practice with native speakers. Offers courses in 13 languages.
– Cost: Free version available; Premium subscription starts at $9.99/month.
– Link: (https://www.busuu.com/)
6. HelloTalk
Connects users with native speakers around the world for language exchange through text, voice messages, and video calls. Supports over 150 languages.
– Cost: Free version available; VIP subscription starts at $6.99/month.
– Link: (https://www.hellotalk.com/)
7. Mango Orange Language App
Offers interactive lessons focusing on practical conversation skills. Provides courses in over 70 languages.
– Cost: Free access through many public libraries; individual subscriptions start at $7.99/month for one language.
– Link: (https://www.mangolanguages.com/)
8. YouTube Channels
1. ToKini Andy
Provides structured lessons using textbooks like Genki, suitable for beginners learning Japanese.
– Link: (https://www.youtube.com/c/ToKiniAndy)
2. That Japanese Man Yuta
Focuses on practical grammar and cultural insights for Japanese learners.
– Link: (https://www.youtube.com/c/YutaAoki)
3. Game Gengo
Teaches Japanese through video games, breaking down language elements in detail.
– Link: (https://www.youtube.com/c/GameGengo)
4. Learn English with TV Series
Uses popular TV shows to teach English vocabulary, expressions, and pronunciation.
– Link: (https://www.youtube.com/c/LearnEnglishwithTVSeries)
5. SpanishPod101
Offers comprehensive Spanish lessons, from beginner to advanced levels, focusing on vocabulary and grammar.
– (https://www.youtube.com/c/spanishpod101)
Local Libraries
Many public libraries offer FREE access to language learning resources, with a Library Card, including online courses, audiobooks, and language exchange programs. Go online and check out your own local libraries.
Online Courses and Tutoring Services
1. italki
Connects learners with professional teachers and community tutors for personalized lessons in over 150 languages.
– Cost: Lesson prices vary; community tutor rates start at $5 per lesson.
– Link: (https://www.italki.com/)
2. Lingoda
Offers structured online group and private classes in English, Business English, French, Spanish, and German.
– Cost: Group classes start from $76 per month for five lessons.
– Link: (https://www.lingoda.com/)
3. Coursera
Provides online courses from universities and institutions worldwide, including language learning courses.
– Cost: Many courses are free to audit; certificates and specializations may require payment.
– Link: (https://www.coursera.org/browse/language-learning)
4. edX
edX is a reputable online learning platform offering a diverse array of language courses designed to enhance your travel experiences and cultural immersion. These courses are developed in collaboration with esteemed universities and institutions, ensuring high-quality content tailored to various proficiency levels.
Available Language Courses: English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, Portuguese, and more.
Offerings include lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights. Flexible Learning: Self-paced, interactive courses allow you to study at your convenience, making it easier to balance with travel plans. Certificates: Upon completion, you can earn verified certificates to showcase your language proficiency.
– Cost: FREE to $300 or more.
-Visit: (https://www.edx.org/learn/language).
