Language learning

How to learn a language

There's no right or wrong answer here. Everyone has their own learning style. The good thing is that there are courses and materials to help you whatever your preference is. The Languages Work website is a great place to look for advice.

As an adult learner you could consider a course in further education or higher education. Many people enjoy continuing education adult learning courses, which do not always offer a qualification. However this can often be more flexible to fit with your lifestyle. Linguanet Europa is a great site that will not only help you to assess your level of ability - but also gives you ideas about learning techniques, and even enables you to practise your language live on-line with other users. Friends Abroad is another good place to go if you’re interesting in finding native speakers who can help you learn through language exchange on-line.

You may find it helpful to record your language learning. Many training providers use the European Language Portfolio to encourage learners to do this. Find out more on the CILT website.

Lastly your employer may be interested in supporting your language learning - for professional reasons or otherwise - and this could save you money! Look here for advice, but above all, brief them on the different options available by pointing them to the How To guide on Foreign language training, which you can download from our Publications section.

Where to find a course

We've collected links to resources that can help you find the right course. RLN London's own free-to-use, on-line search facility enables you to find language learning providers across the capital - try it now.

Floodlight
Floodlight is the official guide to adult education courses in London - and includes all the full-time, part-time, short courses and evening classes run by government-funded colleges, universities and adult education centres in London boroughs.

learndirect
Look through a database of hundreds of thousands of courses in London and the rest of the UK. You can search by language, location and course type.

PLOTEUS
Supported by the European Union, PLOTEUS helps you find language courses in mainland Europe.

UCAS
Search for higher education language courses in the UK.

Choice: Language Courses in London for ages 14-19
Choice offers an on-line directory of over 25,000 learning opportunities for 14-19 year old Londoners. Search by location or by course name to find the language course you are looking for.