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How to learn a foreign language on a budget

Whether you decide to learn a foreign language as a teenager preparing for college or as an adult looking for new ways to expand your skills, it can feel like a challenge. Many adults have even described this experience as one of the hardest things they ever had to do. It’s because they often have established thought patterns that make it difficult for them to accept new language structures. Children, on the other hand, are more adaptable when it comes to learning a new language.   

Learning a foreign language is such a rewarding experience. It allows you to connect with a whole other group of individuals, learn about different cultures, explore new career opportunities, and add valuable skills to your resume. Plus, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot to learn a foreign language. There are practical methodologies, free resources and online courses that you can take advantage of to achieve fluency and save money! Let’s explore some of them to help you learn a language on a budget

Improve your reading skills on a budget

Reading is the foundation of language learning. Without it, you will not be able to achieve the level of fluency you are striving for. It will help you build a vast vocabulary, strengthen your grammar, and help you understand context better. 

  • Instead of purchasing expensive books, search for second-hand ones or borrow them from local libraries. You can also invest in e-books and free digital books to improve your reading skills. 
  • Start reading blogs, articles and news online in your target language to practise daily. It’s best to start with simple children’s news or lifestyle blogs. You can also pick the topics you are interested in. 
  • Another great way to practise your reading skills is to join a local book club or reading community. Learning with your peers or others is a great way to enhance your reading skills and make new friends. 

Improve your listening skills on a budget

Another important language skill to master is listening. It will help you understand how a language sounds in real-life conversations. With regular exposure, you’ll pick up the correct pronunciation, the right rhythm, and everyday expressions. 

  • Start watching free videos and movies to enhance your listening skills. You can search on YouTube for channels with subtitles about learning your target language or just enhance your listening skills. 
  • Even though it is not trending anymore, you can always turn to the radio. Stream platforms like TuneIn provide free access to foreign-language radio stations. You can listen to news or music to improve your listening skills. 
  • Listen to language podcasts designed especially for language learners. Search for beginner-friendly options on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. You can listen to bite-sized lessons during your coffee break or on your way to work. 

Improve your writing skills on a budget

Writing in your target language is a great way to improve your skills and test your knowledge. It will also help you memorise the new words you added to your vocabulary and practise how to write grammatically correct sentences. 

  • The best tip to improve your writing skills is to start a journal in your target language. Write short daily entries about your day, feelings, or plans. Begin with simple sentences and progress to complex ones as you improve.  
  • When you come across a word you don’t know, use an online or physical bilingual dictionary to find the meaning and how to use it in a sentence. After learning about the words, use them in your daily entries. 
  • You can also engage in online communities like Reddit or Quora. You can connect with other learners there and exchange written messages to practise your writing skills. 

Improve your speaking skills on a budget

Last but not the least, the most important aspect of mastering a foreign language is the ability to speak it confidently. It is the most active skill of all, but with regular practise, you can become confident even without expensive lessons. 

  • Join online language communities like @englishpathschools on Instagram to connect you with other learners worldwide. You can connect with them and practise your writing and speaking skills. 
  • Another great way to improve your speaking skills is to talk to yourself daily. Describe your day, read aloud, or repeat phrases you have learned. It is the best cost-free way to improve your fluency. 
  • You can also improve your speaking skills by talking to AI models like Siri, Alexa, and Google. You can ask simple questions in your target language and see if they are able to understand you. This creative strategy will also help you improve your pronunciation skills. 

By focussing on improving all four aspects of language learning, you can learn a foreign language and achieve fluency. If you still prefer to go for formal learning, you can explore EP Online courses to improve your English skills. At English Path, we also offer budget-friendly English, French and German courses to help you achieve your language goals. What are you waiting for? Join us to get started on your journey today. 

FAQs about how to learn a foreign language on a budget

Q1. Which is the simplest foreign language to learn?

A1. In reality, there is no simplest language to learn. At the end of the day, learning a new language depends on the person and how much effort they are putting in. Some of the languages that you can learn for higher education and career advancement are English, French, and German. 

Q2. What is the easiest way to learn a foreign language?

A2. The best way to learn a foreign language is to surround yourself with it. Create opportunities where you can rehearse your speaking, reading, writing and listening skills to achieve fluency. 

Q3. How long does it take to learn a foreign language?

A3. Learning any language takes time and determination. For some students, it can be a few months, and for others, a year or more. The important thing is to not compare your progress with anyone else. Your journey is different from theirs, and so will your duration of learning a new language will be. 

Q4. Do I need formal classes to learn a foreign language?

A4. Even though it is not compulsory to enrol in a course to learn a foreign language, it is always advisable. Formal classes offer you a structured curriculum, professional guidance and a routine, which is essential for learning a language. If you want to learn English, French or German, check out the wide range of courses offered by English Path at our more than ten campuses around the world.

Q5. How can I stay motivated while learning a language?

A5. When you begin your language learning journey, have a clear set of goals to stay motivated. Having a specific goal in mind will help you focus better. For example, if you want to learn English to study in an English-speaking country, that goal can keep you motivated. You can also track your progress, join study groups, and reward yourself for achieving your short-term goals. This will help you maintain motivation and momentum on your learning journey.