Motivation to learn a new language can be deterred by the cost that comes with it. Online language programs often involve subscriptions where the cost can be pretty substantial. If money seems to be the problem, free online courses could be the answer.
Mandarin
Learning Mandarin is easy when you use a site like Learn Chinese EZ. This site starts with the basics of simple words and pronunciation and progresses to more complex sentences. The layout allows the user to easily navigate based on their desired difficulty level. Explanations follow almost every pronunciation to help clarify and connect the chosen word to the English language.
Spanish
Learn Spanish Today offers an interactive way to take Spanish courses. The free version is designed to teach the basics of Spanish conversation, verb conjugation, and sentence formation. A series of short videos engage the user in their learning experience. The website offers 489 lessons to choose from. If you are a more experienced Spanish speaker you can skip ahead to the lessons that correlate to your difficulty level or interests. Each category of lessons features interactive games, reviews, and quizzes to help you practice.
English
USA Learns is an English as a second language program that uses videos and pictures to teach you English. The site requires each user to register; however, registration is fairly simple and completely free. The videos test your English skills through a sequence of activities. At the end of each lesson, you’re given a score with your results. Although you can begin at any level you’re comfortable with, the tutorial recommends starting from the first lesson.
Arabic
Another site that engages the user through video and pictures, Arabic Online has 50 hours of free lessons for entry-level learners. If you are learning Arabic, the online program makes each lesson more interesting by framing the lesson as a storyline. Instructions on the bottom of the screen help you navigate through the program and offer tips to guide you throughout the lesson.
Russian
If you are looking for a place to take Russian lessons online, Learn Russian is a website that is perfect no matter if you’re just getting started, or if you’re already comfortable with the language. Learners can begin with the simple Russian alphabet or dive right into a lesson. The lessons feature formal and informal dialog. After completing a series of lessons, you can practice what you learned in the vocabulary section then advance and test your skills.
German
DW Audiotrainer is a great online German language course that delivers 100 German lessons. It offers a more traditional teaching style with fill-in-the-blank answers and English to German translations. The lessons are taught in short podcasts and each come complete with a pdf version to make it easier to follow along. These podcasts can be downloaded and listened to on the go, or while completing tasks at home.
French
If you want to start taking French lessons, The French Experiment is a website that offers a more basic and simple approach to learning a new language. It’s not intended for an advanced speaker because it primarily focuses on simple phrases and words. A subscription to a free weekly newsletter makes sure the language stays fresh on your mind. Also, access to classic children stories translated in French gets the kids involved, too.
Japanese
NHK World makes taking Japanese lessons a lot easier, regardless of your native language. The site can translate 17 other languages to Japanese. Beginners can focus on the lessons, which are divided by subject. Those who are more advanced can visit another section where they can take a more in-depth look at the Japanese language.
