Learning a new language is one of the most valuable skills these days. Whether it’s to boost your CV, land roles overseas, or simply broaden your cultural horizons, being bilingual (or multilingual) opens doors and sets you apart. But the big question is: should you go it alone, or invest in a proper course?
Here’s a practical guide to explore your options, compare approaches, and choose the best way to kick off (and level up) your language journey.
1. Self‑Study: Freedom with a Few Snags
Many Aussies start learning solo because it’s flexible and low-cost. With heaps of free resources out there, apps, podcasts, YouTube, e‑books, it’s easy to dive in.
Upsides of self‑study:
- Full flexibility with your schedule
- Low or no cost
- Total control over how and when you learn
Downsides:
- No clear structure
- Easy to pick up mistakes or miss key concepts
- Hard to know if you’re really progressing
- No guidance or correction
Self‑study is a good place to start, but without a plan, it’s easy to plateau.
2. Online Courses: Structure, Support, and Faster Progress
If you’re after proper progress, online language courses offer structure and direction. They lay out everything you need in a clear, step-by-step way.
Benefits of online courses:
- Structured learning path
- Content tailored to your level
- Real-world practice activities
- Tutor feedback and Q&A support
- Certification options (great for the CV)
Possible drawbacks:
- You’ll need to spend a bit (though plenty are affordable)
- Course quality can vary, so check reviews
Online courses are brilliant for anyone serious about learning efficiently.
3. Comparison: Solo Study vs. Online Course
| Feature | Self‑Study | Online Course |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free or cheap | Varies — depends on the course |
| Flexibility | Very high | Still high |
| Course structure | Often missing | Clear and progressive |
| Support | None | Tutor help and feedback |
| Tracking progress | Difficult | Clear goals and assessments |
| Motivation long-term | Can drop off | More engaging with set targets |
4. Languages Open Career Doors
Being bilingual is more than a party trick, it’s a career booster. According to EF’s research, demand for bilingual workers has doubled in recent years, with pay bumps of 5% to 20% for those who speak another language (ef.com).
From remote work gigs to overseas roles, knowing a second language gives you the upper hand, and makes your LinkedIn profile way more appealing.
5. Where to Begin Now
Pick a language that aligns with your goals. English speakers often go for Spanish, French or German. But Mandarin, Japanese or even Korean can be massive pluses in areas like business, tech, or education.
If you’re going solo, map out a schedule and stay on track. But if you want to see real progress without stuffing around, an online course could be the smarter choice.
Wrap-up: It’s All About Steady Progress
Learning a new language takes commitment, but the right path makes it heaps easier. Going DIY is fine to start, but an online course gives you structure, feedback and a solid push forward.
Language skills are an investment that’ll stick with you for life, whether you’re travelling, working overseas, or just looking for a new challenge.