Think about all the time you spend using public transportation, exercising, enjoying the beach, and relaxing. How much of that time could be spent listening to a podcast and improving your English? With these three podcasts for English learners, you can make the most* of your time while also improving your English listening and vocabulary skills. If you are a beginner, don’t worry: these podcasts have options for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level students.

*make the most = to get as much out of something as possible; to use it to your full advantage.

 

Three Podcasts for English Learners of Any Level

PodcastsinEnglish.com

Since 2006, PodcastsinEnglish.com has produced lessons for English learners. The site provides podcasts in three levels of English and also has a “Business” section.

Why we love it: Podcasts in English is an excellent way for students to practice self-study because the podcasts come with worksheets. This allows students to practice the vocabulary and grammar in the podcasts.

Photo by Richard Clyborne of Music Strive

The English We Speak

Learn a new phrase or expression in under three minutes with The English We Speak, a podcast by the BBC. This podcast is for learners who are at the intermediate level or above, but it’s a great challenge for beginners as well. Since the lessons are so short, beginning-level students won’t get too lost in the text. 

Why we love it: It’s quick and informative! In just three minutes, you can learn something new. The podcast takes great care to select expressions that are commonly used, which makes it very useful.

 

Voice of America

Voice of America provides short and detailed English lessons to students at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. The website also has a section called People in America, where learners listen to (or watch) interviews with interesting Americans.

Why we love it: It’s interesting! Voice of America presents unique material, which makes learning fun. In fact, a VoA podcast doesn’t feel like English practice at all.