How to Learn American English Online for Travel and Tourism

Marita Pilauri -

I always thought statistics were boring, but I realize they paint a larger picture as I look more into them. Of the world's 8 billion people, approximately 20% speak English. Studies have found that 400 million are native English speakers, and 1.5 billion speak it as their second or foreign language.

Yes, English is a global language that connects people worldwide. And as the borders become thinner and thinner, traveling becomes more accessible, people are more excited to learn English online than ever before.

I started traveling a few years ago, and although I still have many borders to cross, I noticed how my knowledge of English had saved me time and resources. Learning the English language can significantly improve your travel experiences. Being able to communicate in American English opens doors to deeper cultural understanding, smoother interactions, and more meaningful connections.

Thanks to the Internet, learning American English online has become increasingly accessible and convenient. Take it from someone who reached fluency in English with online resources - it's not difficult, and you can quickly start speaking English if you practice consistently.

Let's jump right into my tips for learning English online.

Use the Power of Research to Find Resources to Learn English Online

Are you a visual learner, or do you prefer to write rules and new phrases in your small notebook? Maybe you learn better with mobile apps and games that help you pass the time during your commute.

I can't listen to audiobooks, but podcasts work great for me. I prefer bullet lists over infographics and watch pre-recorded online courses instead of attending live ones. Understanding your learning style can help you find resources that will guide you in learning English online.

Websites and Apps to Help You Learn English Online

These platforms suit learners of all ages, professions, and backgrounds. Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a retiree, the convenience of online learning allows you to fit language study into your busy schedule.

With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, these resources have become invaluable for travelers and expats seeking to improve their English skills for better communication and cultural integration.

Here are some great benefits I personally consider when learning English with websites and apps:

  • Flexibility and convenience: You can learn English at your own pace, anytime, anywhere
  • Personalized learning experience: It's easy to customize the content and pace to your specific needs and learning style
  • Variety of materials: You'll get access to a diverse range of resources, including interactive lessons, videos, podcasts, and more
  • Immersive cultural exposure: These resources give you insights into American culture, slang, and idioms through authentic materials
  • Cost-effective: Many online resources, like Speechling, are free or more affordable than traditional classroom settings

And what's even more exciting is that you can practice learning English for tourism on your flight to your next destination.

Video and Audio Resources Can Help You Practice Speaking English

Did you know that video and audio language learning models started as early as the 1960s? These were experiments with language labs and audio-lingual methods. Still, the development of the Internet and the rise of platforms like YouTube, streaming services, and podcasts improved the diversity and accessibility to these resources.

By watching videos or listening to podcasts, you can observe native speakers' pronunciation, intonation, and body language, crucial elements of effective communication.

Many of these resources also contain cultural contexts, idioms, and slang, which can help you master the nuances of tourist English and English for tourism.

Here are the benefits you'll get if you start learning English with video and audio resources:

  • Exposure to natural speech patterns, accents, and pronunciation
  • Access to authentic materials reflecting real-life language usage and cultural contexts
  • Ability to learn vocabulary and understand complex English phrases
  • Exposure to different speaking styles, accents, and dialects that can help you learn English for tourism
  • Cost-effective and widely available online resources, many free or low-cost
  • These resources are lovely, but remember consistency, which is the key to learning English

Online Courses and Tutoring to Learn English Online

Online courses are for you if you prefer a more structured and traditional method of learning English online mixed with digital elements.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like those offered by edX and Coursera provide structured American English courses from reputable institutions.

You can also enroll in virtual classrooms and language exchange platforms like Speechling, where you can work with native-speaker and certified tutors.

This method of learning English online offers:

  • Structured curriculum and lessons (with the possibility to be customized)
  • Personalized instruction and feedback from qualified teachers and tutors, like on Speechling
  • Opportunity to practice speaking and get real-time corrections
  • Access to native English speakers for authentic language exposure

This method was one of my favorite ways of learning English online, as it gave me a deeper understanding of how natives use it. Learning with native tutors helped me understand how to use new English phrases and bend grammar rules to spark conversation.

Even after years of copywriting and using English in professional settings, I never passed an opportunity to enroll in an insightful class with a native-speaker tutor.

My Favorite Strategies for Learning English Online

Before wishing you good luck on your educational journey, I want to discuss some helpful strategies for learning a new language. You can picture these strategies as a 4-step path to learning English for tourism.

Step 1: Create a study plan. I'm not naturally organized, so I must remind myself to be consistent. Create a study plan and set achievable goals to stay motivated and on track even if you're not struggling with time management.

Step 2: Practice listening. Before speaking English freely, immerse yourself in the language by regularly listening to audio materials, watching videos, and reading materials in American English.

Step 3: Practice speaking. Improving your speaking skills with tutors is tremendous, but if you feel self-conscious or want to try another method, I recommend self-recording your English speaking and assessing it.

Step 4: Join online communities. While you might not find many natives in these communities, often non-native English speakers give us the courage to open up and speak English freely.

Pack Your Bags With Confidence

Learning English online is not difficult, but it's not easy either. Your little guide is here, so you can come back occasionally and reorganize. With dedication and consistency, you'll be able to learn English for tourism, master new English phrases, and improve your speaking skills.

Pack your bags with the confidence of an English speaker and create lasting memories.