Top Online Courses That Don’t Require Perfect English

These platforms and programs offer courses that cater to beginners and people still learning English.

The best part? You can access these programs from your phone or computer, so you can learn on your own time.

1. Duolingo (Free Language Learning)

Best for: Learning English (or any other language) from scratch
Time to complete: Varies (self-paced)
Cost: Free (premium version available)
Language support: Multiple languages available

Duolingo is one of the most popular free apps for language learning. It’s not just for learning English—it’s also a great way to learn other languages, making it perfect if you’re planning on learning multiple languages. The app is very intuitive, uses fun exercises, and breaks lessons into bite-sized chunks, which makes it easy to practice every day.

✅ Bite-sized lessons
✅ Mobile-friendly, learn anywhere
✅ Gamified experience keeps you motivated

👉 Start here: https://www.duolingo.com

2. Coursera – Introduction to Various Fields with Subtitles in Many Languages

Best for: Tech, Business, Healthcare, Marketing, and more
Time to complete: 1–4 weeks per course
Cost: Free to audit (certificate for $39–$99)
Language support: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, and more

Coursera partners with top universities and companies to offer quality online courses. Many of these courses are beginner-friendly and include subtitles in multiple languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and French.

With a free audit option, you can access full course content before deciding if you want a certificate. Perfect if you’re not yet fluent in English but still want to get a taste of high-quality education.

✅ High-quality, globally recognized courses
✅ Subtitles and translations available
✅ Flexible, self-paced learning

👉 Browse courses: https://www.coursera.org

3. edX – Free College-Level Courses with Multilingual Options

Best for: Business, Data, IT, Engineering
Time to complete: 1–12 weeks
Cost: Free to audit (certificate for a fee)
Language support: Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and more

edX offers college-level courses from prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, and others. Many of these courses feature multilingual support, so non-English speakers can learn complex topics with ease. Whether you’re interested in computer science, business administration, or data analysis, edX has something for you.

✅ Learn from top universities
✅ Flexible learning schedules
✅ Multilingual subtitles available

👉 Get started: https://www.edx.org

4. Alison – Free Professional Certification Courses

Best for: Business, Health & Safety, Office Skills, Personal Development
Time to complete: 2–10 hours per course
Cost: Free (certificate for a fee)
Language support: Available in Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages

Alison offers free certification courses across a wide range of fields. Courses like customer service, office administration, and project management don’t require perfect English. You can follow along with visual lessons and translated text to ensure you understand every part of the course.

✅ Free access to all courses
✅ Beginner-level options available
✅ Multilingual support

👉 Learn now: https://alison.com

5. Udemy – Low-Cost Courses with Multiple Language Options

Best for: Tech, Photography, Marketing, Health, and more
Time to complete: Varies (typically a few hours to a few weeks)
Cost: $10–$25 (frequent discounts)
Language support: English, Spanish, French, German, and more

Udemy has an enormous selection of affordable courses in everything from Excel to coding and digital marketing. These courses often feature multi-language subtitles and are structured in a way that even beginners can follow. Udemy also has a vast network of learners, meaning you can connect with others in your language and get support.

✅ Learn at your own pace
✅ Frequently discounted courses
✅ Multiple languages available

👉 Explore courses: https://www.udemy.com

🏫 In-Person Courses That Don’t Require Perfect English

If you’re looking for hands-on learning with local support, here are some in-person courses that might be available near you. These courses often focus on practical skills that can be used immediately in the workplace.

1. Community Colleges (Various Courses for Immigrants)

Many community colleges in the U.S. offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, as well as vocational training in fields like healthcare, construction, and culinary arts. They often cater to people with limited English skills, offering specialized courses to help you learn and work at the same time.

✅ Financial aid available
✅ Multilingual instructors and course materials
✅ Local job placement assistance

2. Trade Schools (Construction, Plumbing, Electrician)

Best for: Trade jobs (plumbing, HVAC, electrical work)
Language support: Often have bilingual instructors or translators

Trade schools often have programs designed for beginners, with hands-on learning and visual training. These schools usually offer practical certifications in areas such as plumbing, electricity, and automotive repair, where communication skills are secondary to skill proficiency.

✅ Short training periods
✅ High demand for skilled workers
✅ Potential for great job opportunities

3. Nonprofit Job Training Programs

Many nonprofit organizations in the U.S. offer free or low-cost job training for immigrants, especially those looking to enter the service industry or healthcare. These programs often cater to individuals who are learning English and provide bilingual instructors or materials.

🚀 Take Action Today

Starting a new career or enhancing your skills doesn’t have to be delayed because of your English level. Whether you choose to learn online or attend an in-person program, there’s a course out there that can help you succeed.
Remember, the goal is progress—not perfection. The more you learn, the more doors will open for you.

Take the first step today.

Written by Arthur Updated on abril 22, 2025