Want to Learn a New Language? It’s Never Been Easier With These 6 New Apps

There’s nothing like traveling the world and experiencing new cultures, sights, sounds, and tastes. Are you getting ready for an international trip? I always have long to-do lists before I head overseas, but one of the things I’ve found most important is to brush up on the local language. It’s possible in most places to travel without knowing the language, but even being able to speak and understand a few key phrases makes for a richer and more enjoyable travel experience, I’ve found. When I take a little time to learn a new language, I have a better appreciation of the culture and the places I visit.

It may sound like a daunting task, especially with everything else you have to do to get ready for a big trip, but learning a new language has never been easier thanks to these six great language learning apps. All it takes is a mobile device and a long plane ride to teach you language basics.

HelloTalk (free)

Aside from being very effective in teaching a new language, HelloTalk also exposes users to new cultures, which is incredibly helpful before an international trip. The app focuses on learning through conversation instead of just memorizing and repeating vocabulary words from flashcards. All you have to do is pick a language and connect with a native speaker around the world. It’s a great way to practice your new skills and get real-time feedback while you chat about culture.

HelloTalk is based on a worldwide network of more than 70 data centers set up by communications company Agora.io, which means that no matter where in the world you or your native speaker are, you can always have crystal-clear communication. It’s a great app for taking on the road and learning as you go.

Available on iOS and Android

busuu (free)

I love to take busuu with me as I travel because you don’t need an Internet connection to access the great content. You can also create your own lesson plan and move at your own pace, perfect for squeezing in lessons when you can. Busuu’s content was created by native speakers around the world and taps into all kinds of learning styles. From games to reviews, there’s something for everyone. When I’m in a hurry, I also love the streamlined option that highlights the must-know 3000 words and 150 topics for each language—perfect for travellers.

Available on iOS and Android

Brainscape (free)

Forget the bells and whistles—Brainscape is a simple app that is incredibly effective. The app focuses solely on flashcards, which have been proven to be a very effective way of learning something new. Choose a language and you’ll get access to a huge deck of thousands of vocabulary words. Brainscape pays attention as you practice, so words that you find difficult are cycled into the deck more than words you get right the first time. It even customizes the response time between cards to match your learning style.

Available on iOS

Lingvist (free)

Lingvist is a smart app that learns right alongside you. It’s only available in French or English right now, but more languages should be popping up soon. Lingvist claims it can turn you into a language master in just 200 hours, and it does it with a unique algorithm to remember your learning patterns as it customizes the most efficient learning plan for you. One of the best parts about this app, especially for travellers, is that the skills and words taught are all things you would actually use in conversation, instead of wasting time on words you’ll never say

Available on iOS and Android

Memrise (free)

If you want to mix things up with your learning, Memrise is the app for you. There are more than 100 languages to choose from, including obscure international dialects and languages from your favorite books and movies. The huge variety of activities, from videos to pictures and flashcards, means there is something for everyone and you don’t have to get stuck in a rut of learning the same things over and over again. Memrise also taps into native speakers for accurate vocabulary and grammar information.

Available on iOS and Android

Duolingo (free)

Duolingo prides itself on short lessons that squeeze all the best information into small sections, perfect if you are tight on time. Duolingo turns language learning into a game—after each lesson you have the chance to test your knowledge with quizzes or games. The more questions you get right, the more points you earn, which moves you up levels and gives you virtual prizes. You can even challenge friends and family in a language learning competition to spice things up!

Available on iOS and Android

With these apps, it’s never been easier to learn a new language and provide yourself with a more fulfilling travel experience.

Where are you traveling next? What language will you learn?

JT Ripton is a freelance business, tech and lifestyle writer out of Tampa, FL. When he's not writing, he's consulting with start up businesses around the area helping them succeed, and checking out the newest things in tech.