If you’re seeking online resources for learning English but feeling unsure about where to begin or how to make a selection, this post is tailored to your needs.
Presented below is a compilation of the top 10 free online English resources, encompassing MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), self-study lessons, and websites for practicing language skills. Furthermore, you’ll find supplementary information to assist you in determining which resource aligns best with your learning style and schedule.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
Online English Courses
MOOCs, short for Massive Open Online Courses, are online learning platforms that offer courses open to an unlimited number of students. These courses are taught by real instructors and are often developed by esteemed universities or educational institutions. MOOCs provide an opportunity for anyone to access high-quality English courses for free, and some may offer paid services for earning college credits or certificates.
In MOOCs, the level of individual student-teacher interaction is typically limited. Teachers engage with students through online message boards, pre-recorded video lectures, and occasionally, live web broadcasts. Nevertheless, learning English from experienced instructors through this platform is a valuable experience, and you may have the chance to join online study groups with fellow classmates.
It’s important to note that not all MOOCs are available for immediate enrollment upon signing up. Many courses have specified start dates, which may require you to wait before joining. Subscribing to the course via email is a recommended approach to receive notifications when enrollment opens.
While most MOOCs allow you to study at your own pace, they are designed to work optimally if you follow the course’s suggested schedule. If you prefer a structured learning environment, one of these courses may be a suitable choice for you.
Summary: Coursera, a highly recommended MOOC, provides a wide range of self-paced and university courses, particularly suitable for advanced learners.
Ideal for advanced learners, Coursera offers the flexibility to learn at your preferred pace, allowing you to progress as quickly or as slowly as you desire.
With a vast array of partners, institutions, and universities, Coursera provides an extensive selection of courses. You can choose to follow courses in real-time or access the materials at your convenience after they have ended.
Each course on Coursera includes instructional videos followed by quizzes and exercises to assess your comprehension of the content.
Furthermore, some assignments are peer-rated, enabling you to engage with fellow students who are also on a learning journey, making Coursera an excellent platform for exchanging information and insights with your peers.
Some of my course suggestions:
Essentials for English Speeches and Presentations
English Composition I
Summary: edX, a prominent MOOC platform, offers a diverse range of college-level courses taught by esteemed professors.
edX stands as one of the largest MOOC websites globally, established by renowned and prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT in the United States.
The platform provides a wealth of college-level courses developed and taught by professors from top universities worldwide.
edX also offers the opportunity to earn credits towards a degree through Arizona State University, making it a more affordable alternative to traditional college education.
While some courses on edX offer certificates upon completion, it’s important to note that most of these certificates come at a cost. It is advisable to review the course details thoroughly before enrolling to understand any associated fees.
A course I’d recommend: Academic and Business Writing
Summary: Udemy offers a vast selection of either free or reasonably priced video courses covering a wide range of subjects.
Udemy is a prominent MOOC platform known for its extensive course catalog, striving to provide education on virtually every topic imaginable.
With tens of thousands of courses available, Udemy offers a diverse selection to choose from, including some excellent options despite not all being affiliated with well-known universities.
While not all courses on Udemy are free, a significant number of them are. Additionally, even the paid courses are generally affordable, making learning accessible to a broader audience.
Udemy utilizes video lectures, written materials, and quizzes to facilitate learning. You have the flexibility to watch instructional videos or study lesson materials at your own pace. Assessing your understanding through quizzes ensures comprehension.
A great course to take: English Grammar Pro | Beginner to Advanced (A1 to C1) Grammar,
Are you C1 Advanced English?
Get your C1 Advanced English certificate now!
✓ Add your certificate to your resume
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Summary: Udacity provides courses in English for advanced learners who want to enhance their language skills while exploring science and technology subjects.
For upper-intermediate and advanced English learners seeking an opportunity to practice the language while delving into other subjects, Udacity is an excellent choice.
Udacity specializes in offering comprehensive career development programs in the fields of technology and science. By enrolling in their courses on computer science, artificial intelligence, coding, and more, learners have the opportunity to immerse themselves in English-language content. The courses are conducted entirely in English, enabling learners to enhance their language proficiency while acquiring knowledge in their chosen fields.
If you want to take a full program and get a certificate, the courses can be quite pricey (but worth it, if you need one!). There are also many (300+) free classes to get you started!
A course I would suggest is Refresh Your Resume, which will help you have the best English resume in town.
Another one is Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning to robotics, after you finish this course you’ll be one step closer to calling yourself The King/Queen of AI.
Summary: Alison, a well-established online platform, offers free courses and certificates across various subjects, including a dedicated section for learning English.
Established in 2007, Alison is widely recognized as one of the first MOOCs. Their platform includes a specialized section specifically for learning English.
Alison stands out as an excellent choice for individuals starting their English language studies, as they provide courses for all proficiency levels, ranging from beginner to advanced.
With a vast collection of over 4,000 courses, including 192 language courses, Alison aims to assist learners in enhancing existing skills, transitioning careers, or pursuing personal hobbies, all at no cost.
Upon successful completion of a course, learners receive a diploma or certificate, depending on the course duration, recognizing their achievement.
Some courses I suggest are English for Business and Entrepreneurship, for those who need to use English with clients, and Fundamentals of English Grammar, for a basic grammar review.
Summary: FutureLearn offers British English courses taught by expert instructors and encourages social interaction with classmates.
FutureLearn features courses sourced from 40 institutions worldwide, including renowned British organizations like the British Council and the British Museum.
It’s worth noting that FutureLearn does not have any partners in the United States, so if you specifically seek American English courses, exploring alternative websites would be advisable.
Similar to many MOOC platforms, FutureLearn follows a structured format, with lessons released weekly over a specified duration. Participating in class discussions and engaging with fellow students is highly encouraged. However, if the scheduled class timings don’t align with your availability, you can still learn at your own pace.
FutureLearn offers different membership levels, including a free option, course upgrade options, and a subscription-based model for unlimited access to courses.
A course I recommend is Exploring English: Language and Culture. With this course, you can learn about British culture as you improve your English.
English course online free
These platforms has several free courses to help you learn English, improve your skills, study for a job, prepare to become a international citizen, and more.
Online English Speaking Course
Would you like to enhance your English speaking abilities? Enroll in the course “Speak English Professionally: In person, Online and On the Phone” to achieve that goal. Over the course of 5 weeks, you will acquire valuable skills to improve your English communication.
Throughout the program, you will learn how to effectively introduce yourself, participate in group discussions by expressing agreement or disagreement, clarify information, and summarize discussions. You will also gain proficiency in phone conversations, responding to inquiries, and engaging in successful interviews. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to prepare and deliver persuasive sales pitches for products or services.
As you progress, you will refine your English language skills, becoming more fluent and accurate. The course will also focus on demonstrating culturally appropriate body language and tone. Self-evaluations and peer assessments will be incorporated to track your progress.
Through a combination of lectures, quizzes to test comprehension and vocabulary, practical exercises, and performance assessments, you will gain the necessary skills and confidence to effectively communicate in English worldwide.
By the end of the course, you can expect the following outcomes:
- Transform your English speaking style
- Enhance pronunciation and fluency
- Expand your English vocabulary
- Recognize the influence of culture on speech
- Utilize cultural knowledge to communicate accurately
- Demonstrate appropriate body language in diverse cultural settings
- Master various statements, questions, and responses for different contexts and situations.
FAQ: Online English Courses
What is online english courses?
Online English courses refer to educational programs or classes that are conducted over the internet to help individuals improve their English language skills. These courses provide instruction, practice, and resources for various aspects of English, including speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Online English courses typically offer interactive lessons, multimedia materials, exercises, quizzes, and assignments to facilitate learning. They may utilize video lectures, audio recordings, online forums, virtual classrooms, and other digital tools to engage learners and provide opportunities for practice and feedback.
These courses are designed to cater to learners of different proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced, and may focus on specific language goals such as business English, academic English, or general communication skills.
Online English courses offer the flexibility to learn at one’s own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection. They can be accessed on computers, tablets, or smartphones, allowing individuals to fit their learning into their own schedules.
Some online English courses provide certification or accreditation upon completion, which can be beneficial for employment purposes or further academic pursuits.
Which popular websites offer online English courses?
Here is a list of popular websites that offer online English courses:
- Duolingo (www.duolingo.com)
- Rosetta Stone (www.rosettastone.com)
- Babbel (www.babbel.com)
- Coursera (www.coursera.org)
- edX (www.edx.org)
- FutureLearn (www.futurelearn.com)
- Udemy (www.udemy.com)
- EnglishClass101 (www.englishclass101.com)
- Alison (www.alison.com)
- EF English Live (www.englishlive.ef.com)
- iTalki (www.italki.com)
- Lingoda (www.lingoda.com)
- Open English (www.openenglish.com)
- FluentU (www.fluentu.com)
- British Council (www.britishcouncil.org)
- BBC Learning English (www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish)
- Kaplan International English (www.kaplaninternational.com)
- Wyzant (www.wyzant.com)
- EF Education First (www.ef.com)
- Memrise (www.memrise.com)
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
