Learning English has never been as accessible and practical as it is today. Thanks to technology, it’s possible to study the language from anywhere using a variety of online resources, such as apps, language exchange platforms, YouTube channels, podcasts, and even personalized private lessons. For Colombians who want to expand their professional and academic opportunities, learning English online is the best option for a busy routine.
But after all, what are the best strategies and tools to study English online?
In general, the important thing is to make language exposure part of your daily routine. To achieve this, you can use movies, podcasts, online courses, and more.
In addition, organizing a study schedule is also an excellent way to speed up your learning.
8 Practical Tips to Learn English Online
A structured routine is essential to learn English online. Here are some strategies:
- Set clear goals
- Create a weekly schedule
- Use virtual immersion techniques
- Use language exchange platforms
- Watch YouTube channels and listen to podcasts in English
- Watch movies with English audio and subtitles
- Binge-watch series to learn English
- Take private online lessons
1. Set clear goals
Establish short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. For example:
- Learn 20 new words per week.
- Improve conversation skills within 3 months.
2. Create a weekly schedule
Organize your activities by balancing the four main skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). Having trouble organizing your study schedule to learn English online? Below we share a suggestion.
| Day of the Week | Main Activity | Time |
| Monday | Podcasts + notes | 30 minutes |
| Tuesday | Reading + interpretation | 40 minutes |
| Wednesday | Conversation with natives (HelloTalk) | 40 minutes |
| Thursday | Writing + review | 30 minutes |
| Friday | Weekly review + quizzes | 30 minutes |
3. Use virtual immersion techniques
An efficient way to study English online without even realizing it is to simulate immersion in the language with simple practices such as:
- Change the language of your electronic devices.
- Watch movies or series without subtitles.
- Join online groups where only English is spoken.
4. Use language exchange platforms
Practicing conversation is essential to learning English online and achieving fluency. Some popular platforms in Colombia include:
- Busuu: Allows interaction with native speakers and provides real-time feedback.
- Interpals: A free social network where you can chat with people from around the world.
- Tandem: Connects users with exchange partners interested in learning Spanish or Portuguese while teaching English.
These platforms make studying English online easier by promoting mutual learning that helps Colombians practice conversation while sharing their culture.
5. Watch YouTube channels and listen to English podcasts
YouTube channels and podcasts are valuable resources for learning English online while enjoying interesting content. Some recommended ones include:
- BBC Learning English: Offers short videos on everyday situations and business language.
- English Addict with Mr Steve: A channel focused on teaching English through stories and current events.
- Podcasts like «The English We Speak» by the BBC: Present useful idiomatic expressions for daily life.
These formats allow Colombians to learn while having fun or doing other activities such as driving, commuting by bus, exercising, and more.
Want more suggestions for YouTube channels to help you learn English online? Here are some:
- Rachel’s English: Focused on American English pronunciation, this channel teaches details such as intonation and rhythm to help you sound like a native.
- English with Lucy: Perfect for those who want to learn British English and understand cultural nuances of the UK.
- Learn English with TV Series: Uses clips from famous TV shows to teach idiomatic expressions and technical vocabulary.
- Bob the Canadian: A Canadian teacher explains English with videos about daily situations using simple and clear language.
6. Watch movies with English audio and subtitles
Movies with English audio and subtitles will help a lot, especially during the first months of study or when you still struggle to keep up with native speakers’ pace.
Needless to say, this is a fun way to improve your vocabulary and listening skills, right? Here are some recommended titles:
- Jurassic Park (1993): Ideal for learning scientific terms in an exciting context.
- Toy Story (1995): An animation classic with simple and accessible dialogues.
- Finding Nemo (2003): Teaches vocabulary related to the ocean and daily life.
- Notting Hill (1999): Combines British and American English in an engaging romantic comedy.
- The King’s Speech (2010): Focused on pronunciation and public speaking; perfect for those who want to improve formal skills.
These movies offer clear dialogues and engaging contexts that make your process of studying English online more fun.
7. Binge-watch series to learn English
Series are great for learning colloquial expressions useful in everyday conversations, and they also help you understand different accents. Here are some options:
- Friends: A classic sitcom with simple dialogues and accessible humor; excellent for learning informal expressions.
- Modern Family: Features children characters who speak more slowly; perfect for beginners and includes cultural explanations by Gloria, a Colombian character! ❤️
- Stranger Things: Although it includes some difficult child slang, the dialogues are clear and easy to follow.
- The Office: A comedy set in an office that includes workplace-related terms.
- The Crown: Teaches formal English with refined British accents while exploring the history of the English monarchy.
- Downton Abbey: Features clear dialogues in formal British English; ideal if you’re aiming for fluency in more sophisticated contexts.
8. Private online lessons
The best online English courses offer significant advantages for those who want to master the language, such as:
- Personalization: The teacher adapts the content to the student’s specific needs, speeding up learning.
- Flexibility: Allows you to choose convenient times; ideal if you have a busy schedule.
- Immediate feedback: Precise corrections help avoid recurring mistakes.
In addition, virtual English classes (especially those held live) are particularly useful if you have specific goals such as getting a job promotion or communicating effectively with international clients.
The importance of studying English online in Colombia
In Colombia, learning English online is an essential skill for those seeking professional or academic growth. English is required to access job openings in multinational companies, participate in international processes, and even expand academic horizons by studying at foreign universities.
In summary, learning English online is an accessible and efficient opportunity for Colombians who want to balance their daily activities with the chance to improve their professional prospects.
If you have these goals, count on the support of Multilingue; the language school with live online English courses, focused on professionals from all sectors, with small group or private classes, intensive courses for meetings and presentations, and everything you need to learn English online once and for all and use it as a tool for success.
Our English course is designed to bring you closer to the people you interact with daily at work. To achieve this, we use 100% business-focused materials, giving you the opportunity to participate in relevant activities for your professional life inside the classroom.
In addition, our topics connect you to the world and offer you the opportunity to discuss real-life and everyday issues.
To fully understand what we can do together to boost your ability to learn English online and improve your fluency, visit our website or send us a message on WhatsApp to discuss your needs. Welcome!
