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Learn another language online

Learning a new language can help you navigate the world and qualify for unique job opportunities only available to multilingual professionals. Discover what you need to know about learning a new language.

Why learn another language?

Learning a new language can help you understand how different cultures communicate through speech and writing. Depending on the language you choose to learn and your desired proficiency, the difficulty and time commitment required will vary.

When you learn a new language, you can become a translator or foreign language teacher. Learning a new language can also improve your cognitive sharpness, memory, and ability to absorb new information.

Browse online Language Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

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Choosing the right language program for you

As you explore different ways to learn a new language, consider your goals. If you are learning for fun or travel, identify the language and/or part of the world you want to focus on. If you want to qualify for more lucrative job opportunities, research the language(s) and skills that will best prepare you for your field of interest.

Once you've chosen the language you want to learn, you can start considering your desired learning timeline and delivery method (online, in person, or hybrid). Some of the best ways to learn a new language include:

Online courses

Taking an online language course is a great first step toward learning a new language. Online courses are self-paced, designed for various skill levels, and can be completed remotely, making them ideal for busy learners and beginners. edX language courses can typically be completed within 2-6 weeks and are free to audit with the option to upgrade to the verified track and obtain a certificate of completion.

Professional certificate programs

Earning a professional certificate can help you demonstrate your language skills to employers, clients, and peers. Earning a certificate may be more valuable than using a language-learning app or another self-directed learning method if you want to showcase your qualifications on your résumé or LinkedIn profile. edX Professional Certificates can typically be completed within 2-10 months and start at around $500.

Online degree programs

Language studies degree programs provide the ultimate path to fluency. A language degree is ideal for learners who want to pursue a full-time career that incorporates their chosen language. Aspiring language instructors, translators, and international relations professionals can benefit from earning a language degree. Bachelor's programs typically require four years of full-time study, while master's programs usually require two. A doctoral program can take 4-7 years to complete.

Jobs in other languages

Learning a new language can open up many job opportunities that directly and indirectly utilize your new skills. Below are some career options you can consider, with salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Translator

Translators may work for individuals, businesses, schools, hospitals, or the government, helping convert spoken or written communication from one language to another.

  • Required education: Bachelor's degree and/or fluency in the language
  • Median annual salary (2024): $59,440


Learn another language online with edX

To start learning a new language today, sign up for an online course. Through edX, you can learn:

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FAQ about learning a new language

Why should I learn another language?

Learning new languages can be fun and mentally stimulating, but becoming multilingual can qualify you for job opportunities and international travel. Adding a new language to your résumé can even bolster your existing career if you regularly interact with people who speak different languages, travel for work, or live somewhere where clients speak multiple languages.

How long does it take to learn another language?

According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI), learning another language can take between 24 and 88 weeks with at least 25 hours of weekly study. How long it takes you to learn a new language depends on your prior experience, the type of program you choose, and the proficiency you're hoping to reach.

How hard is it to learn another language?

The difficulty of learning another language largely depends on the language you choose to learn. The FSI classifies languages by difficulty on a scale from 1-4. "Category One" languages like Italian and Spanish are considered the easiest to learn, whereas "Category Four" languages like Arabic and Mandarin are often the most challenging for English speakers to learn.

Last updated November 4, 2025