My trigger: learning English without money

A few years ago, I missed out on a golden job opportunity. Not because I wasn't qualified. But because I didn't speak English. Not well enough, at least.

That day, I felt ashamed. And also a revelation.

I vowed to learn English, no matter what. But here's the thing: I didn't have a dime to enroll in a language school. So I searched the internet. And honestly? What I found opened up a world I never imagined.

Today I want to share with you the best free english courses that I've discovered, tested, and approved. I'll also tell you about my experience, give you some practical tips, and explain how you can improve, even without spending a cent.

Why learning English changed my life

I'm not going to lie to you: I wasn't trying to become bilingual for fun. I wanted opportunities. Real changes.

Because by not speaking English:

• I was invisible to international recruiters
• I struggled with work emails
• I didn't dare to travel alone
• And I felt limited, frustrated, blocked

But learning English, even for free, simply opened doors for me:

• I found new clients
• I got a better job
• I started creating content on YouTube
• And I've even helped others follow the same path.

The Best Free English Courses I've Used

After weeks of testing and struggling, here are my favorite resources—the ones that really helped me improve.

1. BBC Learning English

Keyword: free English courses for beginners

A simple, reliable, and 100% free website. The content is rich: grammar, vocabulary, and current events in simplified English... And the added bonus? The oh-so-British British accent!

Ideal for: Beginners to intermediate
Platform : Website + application
What I liked: Short, clear and well-structured lessons
🔗 BBC Learning English

2. Duolingo

Keyword: best app for learning English

Duolingo is a bit like a video game. You earn points, unlock levels, and learn without even realizing it. It's perfect for getting started every day.

Ideal for: Enrich your vocabulary every day
Platform : Android, iOS, web
What I liked: Fun, motivating and ultra accessible
🔗 Duolingo

3. Coursera (free option)

Keyword: learn business English for free

Many people don't know this, but Coursera offers free courses if you choose to "Audit the course."
I took a business English class there from the University of Washington, and it was tough.

Ideal for: Professional English and business vocabulary
Platform : Website
What I liked: University-quality courses, certificate options available
🔗 Coursera

4. YouTube Channel: Speak English with Mr. Steve

A real favorite. Mr. Steve explains English as if he were your friend. It's clear, stress-free, and above all, it's effective.

Ideal for: Listening and speaking
Platform : YouTube
What I liked: Relaxed atmosphere, useful vocabulary, short format
🔗 Mr. Steve on YouTube

5. EngVid

Keyword: free English grammar lessons

EngVid is a goldmine for everything related to grammar, expressions, and practical advice.
There are several different teachers, each with their own style. I particularly liked Ronnie—funny and a great teacher.

Ideal for: Improve grammar and prepare for exams
Platform : Website + YouTube
What I liked: Varied lessons, exercises available, no aggressive advertising
🔗 EngVid

What kept me from giving up

You know what? I almost gave up on everything several times. When I didn't understand anything, when I spoke like a robot, or when I got stuck on a simple sentence.

But here's what helped me:

• Minimum objectives: 5 words a day. No more. But every day.
• Talking to yourself: In English, in the mirror, while walking... it works.
• Total immersion: Series without subtitles, songs, podcasts.
• Support groups: Facebook, Reddit, learner forums.
• Filming yourself talking: Difficult at first, but extremely educational.

My favorite method: shadowing

THE shadowing, it's the act of immediately repeating what you hear in English, like a shadow. You watch a video or a film and you repeat everything, even if you make mistakes.

It boosts your pronunciation, your rhythm, and your brain adapts very quickly. It's weird at first, but incredibly effective.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because I wish I'd come across an article like this when I was first starting out. Not an ad, not a $300 miracle method, just a real story.

Maybe you too want to:

• Find a better job
• Travel with more confidence
• Finally understand your favorite songs
• Start a business or work online

So I tell you: it's possible, even with 0€ in your pocket. But you have to to start.

You don't have to be perfect, just motivated

I wasn't a whizz at school. I didn't come from a bilingual family. But I had a phone, an internet connection... and a passion for success.

Today, I speak English, I help others learn, and I discover a world that I would never have been able to explore without this language.

You can do it too.