7 language learning apps and websites for travelers – super useful when speaking abroad

By Rita

“Speaking the local language” is your key to immersing yourself in another culture. In countries where English isn’t widely spoken, you’ll find that locals often respond much more positively when you speak their native tongue. If you want to go beyond basic phrases like “Where’s the nearest bank?” or “Thank you,” then be sure to check out these7 “advanced” language learning apps and websites— you definitely don’t want to miss them！

▲7 language learning websites that make speaking the local language a breeze (Image /Memrise fan page)

DUOLINGO
This is a free learning website that includes training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The “immerse” section lets you interact with real-life objects while providing translations. When you study diligently, it rewards you with points and bonuses, and it can even remind you daily when it’s time to study. Currently, it offers Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Irish, Danish, and Swedish. Even if you’re learning multiple languages at once, there’s no extra cost.

LIVEMOCHA
If you want to communicate with locals in their native language, give this one a try！ It provides listening, speaking, reading, and writing training in 35 languages. While premium membership requires payment, you can earn credits by teaching others — such as correcting articles for online students or helping with pronunciation via video calls. Its strengths lie in its “video courses” and “private online tutoring.”

BUSUU
With 40 million users worldwide, BUSUU centers around “mutual help.” Beginners learn words and phrases through flashcards, while advanced lessons involve native speakers online who help correct texts and answer questions. Conversations, writing, and recording are free, but grammar, video, and reading features are available only to paid members. The good news is you can download the Busuu app to access these free lessons. Languages include Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Polish, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese.

LIVING LANGUAGE
Offering 20 languages, the courses combine vocabulary, grammar, video dialogues, and cultural notes, using games, crossword puzzles, and live lessons with native speakers. All lessons are available on smartphones, and if you don’t want to pay, there are also free resources, such as travel-focused vocabulary packs.

FOREIGN SERVICES INSTITUTE
The website may not look impressive at first glance, but the wealth of content inside is astounding, covering over 45 languages！ Designed by professional linguists for the U.S. government, its high-quality materials aim to help users achieve “fluency.” It even includes lesser-known languages like Romanian, Igbo, and Serbo-Croatian. Though the materials may appear to be in the public domain, the site is actually private.

MEMRISE
Perfect for visual learners, this site uses charts, humor, and imaginative flashcards to help implant vocabulary into your brain. It offers thousands of free lessons, and you can even upload your own courses. However, due to this openness, the quality of lessons can vary. Overall, it’s still very helpful.

BBC Languages
The BBC website offers courses in 7 languages: French, German, Italian, Greek, Portuguese, and Chinese. It first assesses your beginner level, then provides resources tailored to different proficiency levels, such as vocabulary lists and crossword puzzles. The video lessons are especially highly rated, as it’s hard to find better than the BBC.