Published On: March 28th, 2023Categories: LanguageTags:

Expatsi Guide to Language Apps

Expatsi Guide to Language Apps

Everyone has their own opinion about the best or fastest way to learn a new language, but I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach. I think that the best way to learn a new language is to be patient and gracious with yourself, be reasonable with your goals and expectations, and find the learning style that works for you.

There are so many ways to learn online now, from one-on-one tutoring to sites that translate your favorite book and shows. Here’s a compilation of our favorite language learning tools from across the web along with our recommendations for finding the best language program for you.

Note: We may receive a commission if you purchase items on this page.

Language Apps & Courses

If you learn best at your own pace, these sites offer engaging language lesson activities that operate like workbooks, labs, or games.

rocket languages spanish

RocketLanguages offers lifetime access to language courses where you can check your pronunciation using their state-of-the-art voice recognition system and practice on-the-spot speaking. Their activities use algorithms to identify where you’re having trouble and help you practice problematic words and phrases. Rocket also comes with tons of downloadable audio tracks that train your ear.

pimsleur logo

Pimsleur is named after Dr. Paul Pimsleur, a linguistics professor and researcher at Ohio State University and UCLA, who says that the way to rapidly acquire a new language is by hearing the language used in everyday situations and interacting with it so it easily sticks in your mind. They say you can use their scientifically proven method to go from not knowing a single word to confidently speaking in just 30 days.

Memrise new logo

Memrise uses video examples, online courses, immersive learning, and game-like tests to teach 23 languages. You can practice speaking with their new Language Partner Chatbot, called MemBot.

Duolingo logo

Duolingo uses fun lessons, colorful animations, and gamified rewards. With quick, bite-sized lessons, you’ll earn points and unlock new levels while gaining real-world communication skills.

MangoLanguages Logo

Mango is a highly rated app that uses Intuitive Language Constructionâ„¢ to build the 6 critical skills necessary for true language learning: vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, comprehension and retention.

synergy spanish

Synergy Spanish has a new system for learning Spanish that’s ideal for adult learners. The creator’s method includes becoming fluent in just 138 Spanish words and using those to improve your expat quality of life quickly and dramatically.

rosetta stone

Rosetta Stone is a low-cost option for self-study with a monthly subscription or lifetime purchase option. Live tutoring and group lessons are built into the program, but aren’t the main components.

innovative language

InnovativeLanguage has one of the largest breadths of tools available, from video courses to audiobooks to apps and even a Roku TV channel. Communicate with your fellow learners in their online community.

babbel logo

Babbel has been used by more than 10 million people to learn languages using tools developed at Yale University, City University of New York, and Michigan State University. Lessons are app based, or use Babbel Live for group classes.

mondly logo

Mondly is an app-based program that makes learning language a fun, game-based activity. There are options to learn with AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and a version just for kids.

cudoo logo

Cudoo offers video classes on thousands of topics, including languages. You pay by the course, with each course consisting of a number of video lessons. For each course you buy, one is donated to someone with limited access to education.

drops kahoot darkPurple

Drops is an app-based tool for learning languages. Drops uses game-like play to track your progress and recommends starting with five minutes each day.

Promova is online language learning tailored to your needs. Get a personal study plan and improve your skills.

Real World Content

If you learn best by consuming real-world content, like TV shows and books, in the language you want to learn, these sites may help you learn language fastest. 

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LingoPie uses real TV shows and movies to help you learn a new language. The idea is to make language learning as simple as watching your favorite TV show (including kids’ shows!). After you watch an episode you can easily review all your new vocabulary & grammar rules with built-in flashcards and word lists.

fluent u

FluentU provides video, audio, news, and other content to teach you languages in real-world scenarios on your own time. Explore language in context and test yourself with immersive quizzes.

Online Language Classes

If you learn best with the support of a group classroom environment, these sites offer remote language classes from trained language teachers where you learn alongside your peers.

Related: I Tried 5 Foreign Language Apps; I’m Sticking with One

babbel logo

Babbel has been used by more than 10 million people to learn languages using tools developed at Yale University, City University of New York, and Michigan State University. Lessons are app based, or use Babbel Live for group classes.

spanishvip

Take as many classes as you need each month, around the clock, Monday-Friday from SpanishVIP. Your immersive study alongside your peers is supplemented with self-led resources for out-of-classroom study.

italki logo

Italki lets you choose between one-on-one tutoring sessions and group classes from a variety of specialized instructors at a range of price points. Book classes online and pay as you go. Italki identifies the home country of its teachers so you can learn the dialect that best meets your needs.

One-on-one Language Tutors

If you learn best by building a relationship with a dedicated expert who can guide you through your lessons, these sites offer one-on-one private tutoring from full-time language instructors.

languatalk

LanguaTalk offers personalized language classes with the tutor of your choice at times that fit your weekly schedule. You can choose from a variety of instruction rates to find a tutor who fits your budget.

italki logo

Italki lets you choose between one-on-one tutoring sessions and group classes from a variety of specialized instructors at a range of price points. Book classes online and pay as you go. Italki identifies the home country of its teachers so you can learn the dialect that best meets your needs.

preply logo

Preply is a tutoring company that teaches more that languages. They boast 32,000+ experienced tutors and offer structured lesson plans, and you can sign up for lessons 24/7.

rype logo

Rype offers one-on-one tutoring from native speakers by buying credits or a subscription instead of the pay-as-you-go model. You can choose your teacher and take classes 24/7.

AI Tools

If you’re interested in the latest tech, try an artificial intelligence approach.

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Opeton teaches you a language while chatting naturally with you on Telegram. The tool includes weekly reports and gets more challenging as your skills improve.

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Co-founder at Expatsi | + posts

Brett Andrews is an expat influencer and co-founder of Expatsi, a company that's helped thousands of expats on their moving abroad journeys. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching exploring new countries, reading unusual books, and pondering the wisdom of The Big Lebowski.

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bed49dc5d4263d6d37b46cb09574d411?s=150&d=mp&r=g
Co-founder at Expatsi | + posts

Brett Andrews is an expat influencer and co-founder of Expatsi, a company that's helped thousands of expats on their moving abroad journeys. Brett and his partner Jen developed the Expatsi Test to recommend countries to move to, based on factors like budget, visa type, spoken languages, healthcare rankings, and more. In a former life, he worked as a software developer, IT support specialist, and college educator. When he's not working, Brett loves watching exploring new countries, reading unusual books, and pondering the wisdom of The Big Lebowski.