6 Amazing Websites to Learn a Language If You’re Too Busy

If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re a busy person.

Either you’ve got a job you work hard at, a business you run yourself, or perhaps you’re out traveling the world (congrats!).
…But your goal is to learn a new language this year, and you have no idea how you’ll fit it into your schedule.

No problem. There are great time-saving language learning websites today that allows you to effectively learn a new language on your own time, without comprising your busy schedule. This way, you can keep working hard (or traveling hard if you’re the lucky), while expanding your cultural and language knowledge.

Here are 7 websites to learn a new language if you’re a busy person.

The 7 Best Language Learning Websites For the Busy Person

When it comes to finding the best language learning websites, I’ve found there are a handful of areas worth investigating and experimenting.

First, it’s the method of learning, there are 4 main categories:

1. Algorithm learning

2. Textbook learning

3. Course learning

4. Human learning

Second, we need to dig deeper and measure the 4 important factors for each method:

a) Time commitment

b) Engagement

c) Personalization

d) Effectiveness

1. Michel Thomas

Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium

Michel Thomas is an audio tape course and a great teacher, that provides everything from beginner to advanced lessons.

Although it’s a one-sided conversation, it’s not only Michel speaking in the audio tape. Michel provides a real-life conversation scenario by bringing on students to speak with each other, and correcting them along the way.

Michel Thomas is a paid program ranging from $100 USD to $150 USD.

2. Duolingo

Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Low

With over 50M downloads and increasing quickly, Duolingo is the most popular language learning mobile app.

The gamification of the app is great for keeping you entertained and engaged while learning. The app is recommended for anyone who has zero knowledge and want to focus on learning the basic vocabulary and grammar.

From personal experience, you will get what you pay, and if you want to see real, lasting results, Duolingo will only get you so far.

3. Lonely Planet

Time commitment: Medium
Engagement: Low
Personalization: Medium
Effectiveness: Medium

Lonely Planet is one of the largest travel websites online. They also provide books on language learning, targeted at travelers who want to learn the basic conversation phrases before and during their trip.

Because of the targeted focus, if you’re a traveler wanting to learn basic phrases in a language, it can be a simple and easy way to accomplish your goal.

4. Conversation Exchange

Time commitment: High
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Medium
Effectiveness: Low

Conversation Exchange is a place where language lovers meet online to help each other learn their native language.

For example, a fluent person in German looking to learn English can pair up with a native English speaker looking to speak German. Conversation exchanges can take place in-person, over Skype, or through text over Whatsapp or their chat software.

Although the concept is great, finding the right partner is a challenge due to the lack of personalization, matchmaking system, and schedule coordination. Most students will not be as dedicated because of the lack of commitment involved, and it can take some time before you discover the partner you like.

If you’re lacking budget and have the patience and time to go on the journey, this is a great, free way to learn conversation skills!

5. Memrise

Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Low
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium

Memrise is great for one purpose: memorization. If you read our blog post on How to Learn Any Language in 90 Days, you can memorize 30 words/day for 90 days and recognize 70-80% of the language.

You’ll have to face a lot of memorization obstacles when learning a language, and when that time comes, Memrise is a great tool to help you overcome them.

6. Fluentin3months

Time commitment: Low
Engagement: Medium
Personalization: Low
Effectiveness: Medium

Fluentin3months.com is a language learning website started by Benny Lewis. As stated, he’s well known for learning languages in 3 months, and has courses available teaching you his methodology. Fluentin3months also has an avid community of fellow language learners that you can meet, which makes the website stand out above others.

Your Turn

Which of these time-saving language websites will you try out?
If there’s any tips that we may have missed, please let us know in the comments below!

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