Our favorite language learning courses (and why they are better than apps)

If you’re like me, you’ve set “learn a new language” as a New Year’s resolution for the past fifteen years, give or take. With nary a conjugation or nosotros to show for it. 😐😑

And that’s rather embarrassing to admit, not just because it shows that my resolve is as thin as tissue paper, but also because… learning a new language has simply never been more accessible, especially online. From apps to live streams to podcasts to reading books and everything in between, there are a plethora of language learning methods out there now… and one of our favorites, naturally, are online language courses.

More than just focusing on memorizing words, online language courses tend to offer storytelling, cultural context, gamification, real-time practice, and other immersive experiences that get you thinking, speaking, and maybe even dreaming in a new language. 

So in this article, we’re spotlighting five language learning courses that don’t just teach you the basics; they help you live the language. Whether you’re trying to pick up a new language for travel, work, or just for fun, these courses will help you on your learning journey… and they might also leave you inspired to create your own course on Teachable. ¡Vamos!

1. Speaking Brazilian Online School

Add screenshot of schools home page

If you want to learn Brazilian Portuguese and get a taste of Brazilian culture without hopping on a plane to Rio, Speaking Brazilian Online School is what you’re looking for. This course is perfect for learners who want to dive into both the language and the culture at the same time, emphasizing conversational practice, cultural immersion, and real-world language use.

Unique feature: With this course, it’s not just about learning the language; you’ll also pick up on some of the customs, traditions, and quirks of Brazilian life. This helps you not just speak the language, but also understand the context in which it’s used. Because to be honest, learning how to order feijoada or discuss Carnival is way more fun than just drilling grammar and vocab!

Teaching method: The course uses an immersive teaching method that focuses on conversational practice. By diving straight into real-life dialogue, you’ll find yourself quickly building upon your practical conversational skills and starting to develop confidence, all while supported by an enthusiastic community of peers.

Key takeaway for creators: Many students don’t just want to learn a language; they want to connect with the culture and the people behind the language. So if you’re building a language course, consider folding in cultural elements as well as a sense of community, which can make learning feel more natural and set your course apart from the competition.

2. Express Fluency

When it comes to storytelling as a language-learning method, Express Fluency has it down to a science. This course ditches traditional methods (like those fill-in-the-blank grammar exercises) in favor of a more organic approach, making language learning feel like a byproduct of enjoying a good story. 

Unique feature: This course is built around methods like TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling), which essentially turns language learning into storytime. So instead of sitting in front of a screen learning endless vocabulary words, you’re immersing yourself into well-plotted stories in which the language simply flows.

Teaching method: This method focuses on making sure you understand the language before you’re pushed to speak it perfectly. By focusing on understanding first, you can comfortably progress to speaking without the fear of making mistakes, which leads to both better retention and confidence. Think of how you learned your native tongue; comprehension and fluency happened naturally without even realizing you were learning! 

Key takeaway for creators: If you’re building a language course, definitely don’t shy away from using storytelling; on the contrary, weaving vocabulary and grammar lessons into relevant stories can make your language course a more interesting and memorable learning experience for your students, particularly those who thrive on context and narrative, rather than repetitive drills.

3. Japan Asubi

If learning Japanese has ever seemed daunting, Japan Asubi might just change your mind! This course uses a fun, interactive, and gamified approach to lead you through kanji, vocabulary, grammar, and more.

Unique feature: The standout feature of Japan Asubi is, without a doubt, its gamified approach. Features like badges, quizzes, and interactive challenges make language learning feel almost like unlocking levels in a video game, only instead of winning points, you’re mastering new grammar rules and vocabulary.

Teaching method: The gamification kinda tricks students into consistent practice, pulling off the admirable feat of helping them continuously learn without getting bored. By turning language learning into a series of small, achievable goals, Japan Asubi lays a solid foundation that will eventually lead to fluency. 

Key takeaway for creators: If you’re building a language course, remember that gamification isn’t just for apps; it can be used in your course to make learning more interactive and fun. And when learning feels like fun, your students are much more likely to stick with it.

4. Damon Dominique’s French Level 1

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning French but felt intimidated by all the rules and conjugations, Damon Dominique’s French Level 1 course might be exactly what you need. Damon’s personal style is laid-back, funny, and focused on real-world language use, making this course perfect for students who want to get comfortable speaking French without being overwhelmed by grammar rules. 

Unique feature: Damon’s teaching style makes learning French feel like less of a formal lesson and more like you’re just hanging out, picking up useful phrases along the way. It’s the kind of course that makes you think, “Hey, I can actually do this!”

Teaching method: By focusing on real-world language use, you’re learning French that you can actually use in everyday situations, like ordering a croissant at a café or making your way through the streets of Paris. Because of his videos that feel like conversations with a friend who happens to speak fluent French, he’s built a loyal following of students who appreciate his authentic approach and practical focus.

Key takeaway for creators: If you’re building a course, know that your unique personality and style can be one of your greatest assets in this process. Don’t be afraid to let your individuality shine through, as this can help you connect with learners on a personal level. When students feel like they know and trust you, they’re more likely to stick with your course.

5. Jo Franco's Multilingual Journey

Jo Franco’s Multilingual Journey is more than just a language course; it’s a lifestyle. If you’re keen to integrate language learning into the nooks and crannies of your everyday life, Jo’s course just might become your new favorite. 

Unique feature: Jo’s course is all about making language learning a part of your daily routine, rather than something you sit down and study for an hour each day. It also emphasizes language learning as part of a broader personal growth journey, and encourages you to use your new language skills to enhance your life, travel experiences, and connections with others.

Teaching method: Using a combination of video lessons, written content, and interactive exercises, Jo’s focus on context and cultural immersion helps you understand how to use language in actual real-world situations, not just in the classroom. And since the course blends language learning with personal development, many students report that this approach makes them more motivated to stick with it long-term.

Key takeaway for creators: If you’re building a language course, figure out how to make language learning relevant to your students’ broader life goals. Whether it’s travel, work, or personal growth, find ways to connect the language to real-life applications and show how learning a language can enhance their lives.

Related: Jo Franco on building a community for her journaling club members

What aspiring language course creators should know

Each one of those courses are rockstars 🤩 and they show that there’s more than one way to create a successful language learning experience. 

It all comes down to finding the right mix of engagement, personalization, and fun, so as you create your own course, be sure to include a few elements that’ll ensure success:

• Use diverse teaching methods: From storytelling to gamification, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to language learning. The best courses find ways to cater to different types of students by offering a range of learning experiences.

• Be authentic: Find the teaching style that works for you and enables your love of the language to shine through. When students pick up on your authentic teaching style and genuine enthusiasm, they’re more likely to stick with the course and see real progress. 
• Create community: Bringing like-minded people together in pursuit of a shared goal makes the journey more fun and allows the group to help each other, as well as hold each other accountable. So definitely include an element of community building into your course. 
• Bring the culture to life: Do more than offer the translation of common words. Bring in cultural context to really help your students connect to where the language comes from. 
• Reach the right people: Marketing makes a big difference in how your course is received, so focus on strong personal branding, define a clear target audience, and hone your unique teaching methodology in order to stand out in a competitive language learning marketplace. 

Now it’s your turn to create a language course

As we all know, language learning apps are great for getting started, but when it comes to true fluency, online courses that focus on interaction, immersion, and cultural integration are where the real learning happens (outside of traveling to that country!). Whether you’re inspired by gamification, storytelling, or just a fresh, authentic teaching style, these five courses show that there’s plenty of room for creativity in the language-learning space.

So if you’re ready to create your own language learning course, don’t be afraid to think outside the app. Take a page from the successful language learning courses we talked about above and start thinking about how you can build something truly unique on a platform like Teachable. The world is waiting for your course, and trust me, there’s plenty of room for creativity in the language-learning space. So, what are you waiting for? ¡Andale! 
{{firstcourse-component="/blog-shortcodes/blog-popup"}}