If you work remotely or plan to work abroad, learning the local language can dramatically improve your job options, visa outcomes, integration, and quality of life.
This guide lists the best online language learning services by language, focused on:
- Practical conversation (not just theory)
- Flexible schedules for remote workers
- Good mobile apps
- Certifications where useful
- Strong global reputation
English
Countries most commonly used:
United Kingdom (England 🏴, Scotland 🏴, Wales 🏴, Northern Ireland)
Ireland 🇮🇪
United States of America 🇺🇸
Australia 🇦🇺
New Zealand 🇳🇿
Best for: international professionals, visas, global remote roles
Recommended platforms:
- Preply – 1-to-1 tutors, excellent for business English
- Cambly – native speakers, instant conversation practice
- italki – structured teachers + community tutors
- EF English Live – corporate-style structured courses
Use cases:
- Job interviews
- Client communication
- Work visas
- Corporate relocation
Spanish
Countries most commonly used:
Spain 🇪🇸
Mexico 🇲🇽
Guatemala 🇬🇹
El Salvador 🇸🇻
Honduras 🇭🇳
Panama 🇵🇦
Nicaragua 🇳🇮
Colombia 🇨🇴
Best for: remote work in Spain & Latin America
Recommended platforms:
- Baselang – unlimited speaking practice (very popular with digital nomads)
- italki – wide tutor selection
- Preply – structured & affordable
- Lingoda – small group classes
Use cases:
- Spain digital nomad visa
- Latin America relocation
- Client work across time zones
German
Countries most commonly used:
Germany 🇩🇪
Best for: EU job market, Germany & Austria visas
Recommended platforms:
- Lingoda – excellent CEFR certification
- Goethe-Institut Online – official exams & courses
- italki – flexible speaking practice
- Preply – budget-friendly tutors
Use cases:
- Blue Card visa
- German employers
- EU permanent residency pathways
French
Countries most commonly used:
France 🇫🇷
Canada 🇨🇦
Best for: France, Canada (Quebec), Africa, NGOs
Recommended platforms:
- Frantastique – daily adaptive lessons
- italki – conversation focus
- Lingoda – certifications
- Preply – affordable tutoring
Use cases:
- French work visas
- Canadian immigration points
- International organisations
Portuguese
Countries most commonly used:
Portugal 🇵🇹
Brazil 🇧🇷
Recommended platforms:
- Practice Portuguese – Portugal-focused
- italki – tutors for both PT & BR variants
- Preply – flexible learning
- Pimsleur – audio-based practice
Use cases:
- Portugal residency or digital nomad visa
- Brazilian clients
- EU integration
Japanese
Countries most commonly used:
Japan 🇯🇵
Best for: tech jobs, Japan relocation, contracts
Recommended platforms:
- WaniKani – kanji mastery
- Bunpro – grammar
- italki – conversation
- Preply – business Japanese tutors
Use cases:
- Japan work visas
- Japanese clients
- Tech companies
Korean
Countries most commonly used:
South Korea 🇰🇷
Best for: startups, tech sector, cultural integration
Recommended platforms:
- Talk To Me In Korean – structured learning
- italki – conversation
- Preply – exam prep
- Coursera (Yonsei) – academic foundation
Mandarin Chinese
Countries most commonly used:
China 🇨🇳
Best for: manufacturing, supply chain, global trade
Recommended platforms:
- Yoyo Chinese – pronunciation focused
- HelloChinese – mobile learning
- italki – tutors
- Preply – business Chinese
Arabic
Countries most commonly used:
Egypt 🇪🇬
Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
Algeria 🇩🇿
Iraq 🇮🇶
Morocco 🇲🇦
Sudan 🇸🇩
United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪
Best for: Middle East roles, NGOs, government
Recommended platforms:
- Madinah Arabic – MSA focus
- italki – dialects
- Preply – business Arabic
Other High-Value Languages
- Dutch 🇳🇱 – Netherlands remote work
- Swedish 🇸🇪 – Nordic startups
- Italian 🇮🇹 – EU integration
- Polish 🇵🇱 – Eastern Europe tech hubs
- Turkish 🇹🇷 – regional business hub
Platforms like italki and Preply support all of these.
| Goal | Best Type |
|---|---|
| Visa or certification | Lingoda, Goethe, EF |
| Speaking fluency | italki, Preply, Cambly |
| Budget | Preply, italki |
| Unlimited practice | Baselang |
| Mobile learning | Duolingo, HelloChinese |
For Remote Workers: Suggested Path
- Start with app basics (2–4 weeks)
- Move to 1-to-1 tutors
- Add certification if required
- Practice daily conversation