Feel like you’re “too busy to learn a language? Think again.
All of us have the same 24 hours in the day, but how is it that some of us get 2-5x more done than others?
For most people, it means sacrificing the quality of life, sleep, and relationships to get everything done. For others, it’s taking advantage of productivity hacks to help them get more done in less time.
“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.”― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
This is what prevents most of us from learning a new skill. We’re led to believe that we have to sacrifice something important to us to gain something of value, like learning a new language. But that’s usually not the case.
For people ‘on-the-go’ reading this, we’ve compiled a list of language learning websites specifically built for busy people like you. Before we share the list, we should first define what it means for a resource to be considered ‘on-the-go’ (if you want to skip this section, just scroll down to the lists.
a. Online learning experience (Anywhere you want)
b. 30 minutes or less per session (Everyone has 30 minutes to spare!)
c. Ability to learn when you’re free (Anytime you want)
Now that we’ve defined what we mean by on-the-go, let’s get on to the list! We hope you enjoy and share it with a friend or two!
1. Mobile apps
Recommended: Duolingo
Time required: 15-20 minutes/day
Mobile language apps are one of the easiest (and most popular) ways to develop your language skills on the go. You can learn new vocabulary and grammar at a time of your convenience, or when you’re waiting in line, etc. There are several limits to this approach, as you can’t learn how to speak your target language with tools like Duolingo, but it’s a great starter for beginners.
2. Conversation exchanges
Recommended: Interpals
Conversation exchanges are an easy way to meet like-minded people that are also learning a new language. Sometimes it can just be someone who’s learning the same language as you and finding an accountability partner. Other times, you could find someone who’s fluent in the target language that can help you out.
3. Language tutoring websites
Language tutoring websites like Rype allow you to connect with handpicked professional language teachers to receive live 1-on-1 lessons. It’s like having your private in-person tutor, but having the ability to learn in the comforts of your own home, when you’re available, and the opportunity to meet with multiple native speakers around the world. Learn more here.
4. Podcasts
Recommended: LanguagePod101
Podcasts are the rage today. For a good reason too. It allows you to listen to it when you’re waiting in traffic, on the train, or just walking to meet your friends. More specifically, language podcasts are perfect for anyone who’s living on the go. While languagepod101 is a premium service, you can also find many free podcasts that focus on specific languages for you to learn from. Check out the complete listing of free language podcasts.
5. Free Newsletters
Recommended: Learn a Language Challenge (1,000 words in 100 days)
If you’d rather have your education delivered to your inbox, this may be the route you pursue. There are multiple newsletters online that you can look into, which offer various challenges, vocabulary and grammar training, words of the day, etc. In less than 5 minutes a day, you can have your mini-language lessons on your smartphone or at the office.
