Love The Career Hate The Job - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Love The Career Hate The Job - Introvert Whisperer Love The Career? Hate The Job? There are times when we are well immersed in our careers, convinced we love the work we do, and yet we’re unhappy with our job. It’s not a comfortable feeling to have. We’re left wondering if we made a bad decision about the career, because we can’t sort out our feelings about the situation. Sometimes we think the whole thing is wrong for us and other times, we think it’s simply our employer or business that’s the problem. We’re reluctant to leave our careers, because we might be sacrificing something great simply because we can’t clarify the issue. This happens with many of us. It’s a problem to be solved and sometimes, it might require a keen ear and unbiased point of view to help. Nevertheless, there is some work you can do that will help you solve your dilemma. Here are some questions to consider: Will the issue you have go away in another setting? You may have multiple issues to consider, but you have to look at whether transferring to another department, business or industry will make the problems go away. Sometimes, the issues you have are inherent to the career and you can’t get away from them. When I worked in education, I felt very de-motivated when I looked at some of my peers. I worked long hours and did what it took to help my students excel. I saw teachers who used the same, out of date, boring lesson plans year after year and left the building 5 minutes after the kids did. Those teachers got the same amount of pay increase I did. This situation was not going to change, no matter what school district I went to. It was simply how the system worked; but I needed to be rewarded for my results. This was an insurmountable issue for me. I had to able to work with people who shared my work ethic. If you dislike conflict, you might not want to be a lawyer. If you don’t like long hours, you might not want to stay in sales; and if you don’t like repetition you might not want to do production work. There are some careers that have features that simply are part of landscape. Is it a proportion issue? All careers have components to them that are going to be less desirable than others. You may have run into a great career, but there is some item that you must do that drives you crazy. You may discover that the item may shrink over time or in other settings. I purposely avoided finance careers, because I didn’t want to do a job that worked too much with numbers and math. I discovered that if working with numbers lead me to an analysis and decision, or managing a budget, it was ok. Neither item was so encompassing that it created a problem. If the proportion grew bigger, it would have been. Are there too many issues to sort out and problem solve? You know the saying about when you’re draining the swamp, it’s hard to remember why you’re there, when you’re surrounded by alligators. Sometimes, the dynamics of your work situation is such that you can’t see the real issues. You might have conflict with co-workers, a ditzy boss and long working hours. A big pile-on of stress makes sorting out these questions so unclear that you can’t problem solve your career question until you do something to actively improve your environment. You can do more than you might think in your work situation to change some of the things that are causing you discord. Again, do some research, read books or counsel with someone to help you with some actions to help change the environment. It doesn’t always take a directive from the boss to make a difference. What do you do if you discover it’s a career problem? Don’t despair! If you’ve spent some time sorting through this issue, you probably discovered the parts of your career that you do love. Do your homework and figure out other jobs where that part exists in alliance with new elements to form a completely different career. It’s called transferrable skills; and there are usually numerous jobs that capitalize on or expand on the things you like best. Understand, like everything else, you are never going to love or hate all the parts of your career. I think what you are looking for is to like most of your career and job, most of the time. Do you know what your next career step is?   Many people don’t. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook on how to construct your Career SMART Goals â€" that will help you put together your actions and keep you accountable.   Get your copy now and start your action plan today: CLICK HERE Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleash your professional potential.

What to Do After a Poor SAT Test Day

What to Do After a Poor SAT Test Day If you prepared immensely for your SAT test date and are now staring at a score that doesnt reflect your testing ability, it is not time to panic. Each year, thousands of test-takers are in your place, asking themselves the same questions you probably are: What went wrong? Should I take the test again, and if so, when? How can I make sure this doesnt happen on another test date? Tackling these questions is essential to guiding you through the rest of your standardized testing for college applications. Start with these guidelines below to gather yourself after a poor SAT test day. What went wrong? Maybe you didnt get enough sleep in the week leading up to your test. Maybe you had a ton of ordinary homework assignments to tackle, had a family emergency, or just plain neglected to do as much SAT prep as you should have. It is important to look at the circumstances surrounding your test prep and test day that may have affected your performance. While you cant erase these circumstances or mistakes now, you can reflect on them and think about what you might do differently if you are planning to take the SAT again. Should I test again? If you are a senior with halfway-completed college applications and no reasonable opportunity to retake the SAT, chances are you shouldnt register for another test and should instead focus on highlighting other strengths on your college applications. If you are a junior or even a senior with later college application deadlines, it is worth considering retaking this test. [RELATED: What is an Average SAT Score?] As you explore whether or not you should re-test, ask yourself if the circumstances or habits that led to your less-than-desirable test score before are now resolved or can be resolved. For example, if you recognize that you did not do well because you had strong anxiety about the exam, ask yourself if you can reasonably be expected to overcome that anxiety by your next anticipated test date. Make sure if you decide to test again, that you have enough time to do so and are able to conquer the issues that led to a poor score initially. When should I test again? If you have decided to test again, the next step is deciding when to test. If you are a senior, you may have limited options, but if you are an underclassman, you may be debating between spring, fall, and winter exams. When deciding on a day to take this exam again, refer once again to the circumstances surrounding your poor performance in the past. Did you underperform because you could not balance SAT prep with other academic and extracurricular responsibilities? If so, then taking a fall test might be best because youll have all summer to study. Alternatively, was your test performance negatively impacted by a circumstance that has now passed and that did not affect your studying? If that is the case, perhaps the next available test date is appropriate. Use your mistakes and shortcomings as guidelines to decide when to test again. How can I make sure this doesnt happen again? This is perhaps the most important question you should ask yourself if you are heading toward another test date. What can you do differently this time around? Was there anything about your studying that was lacking the first time? Did you forget any major concepts that were heavily addressed in test questions? Once you have identified what went wrong, you can then begin to develop a plan to make your next test date go right. Perhaps youll seek SAT tutoring or utilize an SAT prep book this time around. Make sure your plan contains reasonable and practical steps that you can implement successfully before your next test date. Being more fastidious about your preparation may pay off in a higher score next time! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us atblog@varsitytutors.com.

Learning an Instrument When Should One Start Playing the Guitar

Learning an Instrument When Should One Start Playing the Guitar Learning Guitar: A Question of Timing and Age? ChaptersAt What Age Should You Start to Play Guitar?There is No Right Age to Start Learning GuitarCan I Be Too Old to Start Learning Guitar?When is it Best to Practise Guitar?How Much Time Do I Need to Learn the Guitar?How Long Does it Take to Learn Guitar Properly?You've always wanted to play the guitar, and now you feel it’s the right time. Yet there is lots of contradictory advice about how best to become a guitar player.Is it best to get a guitar teacher when you are very young? Is it preferable to learn how to play guitar yourself, on your own with a beginner guitar? Or is okay to learn with online guitar lessons, in which you slowly learn the basics of the fretboard and guitar tablature?And sometimes most importantly, is there a right age at which to learn how to play the guitar? Or is there no right age to pick up your first guitar and sign up to a guitar lesson?We will try to answer your questions as clearly as possible. But we'll ask you a question in return: what do you w ant to get out of your new guitar? Do you want to just play songs or do you want to smash out guitar licks in mind-blowing guitar solos? Are you more a jazz guitar person or a classical guitar dude? Do you want to play fingerstyle or are you a rhythm guitar rocker?Your answers to these questions will change our answers to your questions!Private lessons allow you to customize your learning: the teacher comes to your home and will adapt the content of their course according to the expectations of the student and their strengths and weaknesses.Check out out blog on tricks to learn the guitar quickly!

4 Reasons to Start Your College Essay This Week

4 Reasons to Start Your College Essay This Week When it comes to writing your college essay, it can be tempting to fall into the trap of procrastination. Its easy to push essay composition to the back of your minduntil, before you know it, your time is running out. As the fall semester quickly approaches, theres no better time to begin your essay than this week. Reasons to start your college essay this week include maximizing your free time, allowing for a lengthened feedback window, and preventing future stress. College admissions deadlines will approach quicklydont let them sneak up on you. Keep reading to learn four reasons to start your college essay this week. Start your college essay this week to allow time for brainstorming You likely know from experience how difficult it can be to produce great work under a time crunch. By beginning your college essay now, you allow yourself time to brainstorm the content. If applicable, set aside time to review the 2018-2019 Common Application essay prompts. Examine all of the prompts, and think about which one gives you the greatest opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. Remember that whichever question you choose, you should find a way to make yourself stand out. Also consider the school you're applying towhat is its mission, and what are the personal qualities the school is seeking? Identify these, and factor them into your prompt decision. [RELATED: 4 Ways to Find Application Essay Writing Inspiration] Start your college essay this week to maximize your free time Once school is back in session, you will have a multitude of other responsibilities demanding your time and attention. From adjusting to a new class schedule to grasping new academic content, your college essay may quickly fall to the bottom of your to-do list. That being said, utilize the last bit of free time you have before classes start again to begin your admissions essay. Take this time to scope out what you would like your essay to include and outline potential content. Note all admissions deadlines you will encounter this fall. Writing these down in an organized manner can make the process feel less overwhelming. [RELATED: 3 Steps to Edit Your Essay] Start your college essay this week to allow time for feedback As applies to any writing assignment, the more time you allow for revisions and outside feedback, the better chance you have of getting the results you desire. Your college essay should showcase your skills in self-awareness and critical thinking, and this takes time to craft. Follow the below process when tackling your college essay: After youve written an initial draft, set it aside for a few days before coming back to it with a fresh outlook. Once you feel confident in the essays direction, begin asking for help from othersguidance counselors, parents, teachersto see what feedback they have. At the end of the day, however, be sure the essay is still in your voice, reflects who you are, and illustrates to potential schools why you are worthy of admission. [RELATED: 3 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor About College] Start your college essay this week to avoid excess stress later As mentioned above, youll be much busier when school startsmeaning less time to focus on your college admissions tasks. Aside from the time constraints, you also dont want the stress of college essays to interfere with your grades and classwork. Beginning the initial stages of your essay now will make the entire application process less stressful, and, in turn, ease your workload once school is underway. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Singing Lessons Manchester

Singing Lessons Manchester Where Can You Find Singing Classes with a Voice Coach in Manchester? ChaptersTake Singing Lessons in a Manchester Music SchoolToning Your Vocal Cords with a Voice CoachIn Single Notes: Elements of Singing LessonsLearn How to Sing with a Private TutorManchester, also known as Cottonopolis for its history in the fabrics industry, has a sizzling hot other side.Affectionately referred to as Madchester, it is the hub of a music and cultural scene that developed in the late 1980s, when the music industry was trying to find its new direction.After the short-lived disco era, the global music scene floundered between acid rock and the so-called alternative rock, which currently dominates the airwaves (alongside rap).Manchester is credited as the driving force behind the British Indie music scene, as alternative music was called before it became mainstream.Famous names whose music roots  lie in Manchester include: The Verve, The Outfield, and Simply Red.The BeeGees, who grew up in Chorlton, achieved worldwide acclaim with their soundtrack to the movie celebrati ng disco, called Saturday Night Fever.These are just a few of the acts who proudly call themselves Mancunians.If we were to list everyone whose origins, musical or otherwise, are in Manchester, that would comprise the sum total of this article.We are much more interested in helping you find your voice by pointing you to the many opportunities for learning how to sing in Manchester.At RNCM you can study classical or contemporary music Source: Wikipedia Credit: Rept0n1xRoyal Northern College of Music.RNCM, as it is affectionately called, is an internationally renown music conservatory that, in its current incarnation, is only a little over fifty years old.Don't be fooled by that relatively short life! This institution has a substantial history of providing singing and music lessons.In fact, it was established more than a hundred years ago, as the Royal Manchester College of Music. Only recently did it merge with the Northern School of Music, changing its name to reflect the union.Toda y, RNCM is one of the world's leading conservatories, polishing such talents as: Jon Cristos, Mary Ann Kennedy, and Barry Banks.Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, former Master of the Queen's Music, is also an alumnus!Should you wonder about the formal tone such an institution might engender â€" what if you don't want to sing opera? - let us reassure you:The Royal Northern College of Music is acclaimed as one of the most diverse and modern music schools.Of its six areas of specialization, one of them is Popular Music!With a teacher to student ratio of roughly 1:3, you can be sure to get the attention you need to cultivate your singing voice.You will learn everything from breathing to performing, with lectures on good posture thrown in.Many of the staff also serve as vocal coach with their Junior RNCM program, a Saturday music school for the aspiring young musician.The Philharmonic Choir of ManchesterThis is an already-formed choral society that regularly performs in and around Manchester.Wha t makes them so unusual is that you do not have to be a classically trained vocalist to join them!All you need is a sincere desire to lift your voice in song and the ability to attend rehearsals regularly.Where is the learning, you ask?Because members of this choir are seasoned performers, they are not averse at all to sharing singing tips and offering vocal coaching.You could say that the body of that group is in fact a band of singing teachers.Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned performer with an extensive repertoire, the Philharmonic Choir of Manchester welcomes you.Perhaps the best part of their programme is that they do not require you to audition as a condition of joining them.Originally a mixed choir from Friends of the BBC Philharmonic, they have been helping aspiring singers develop their ear and singing techniques for more than thirty years.If you have never felt inspired by formal instruction, why not join this fun group of informal voice teachers for singing exercis es, and to increase your vocal range?Joining a choir is a good way to practice your singing Sourece: Pixabay Credit: Erdmann_EuToning Your Vocal Cords with a Voice CoachPerhaps you are a bit dubious about your tone quality. Maybe you have no time to matriculate with a world-renown conservatory.What if you can't commit to a rigorous rehearsal schedule?If that is the case, you could take voice lessons with a coach.Singing Lessons ManchesterJonny Black trained in musical theatre and voice at the renowned Central School of Speech and Drama in London.Since then, he has spent more than twenty years in music, even fronting the 90's rock band, Dupe.His wealth of experience, coupled with classical training makes him the ideal vocal coach for all of your singing needs.Whether you want to belt out a show tune or develop the resonance needed to fill a large concert hall, this is the voice coach for you.An experienced instructor for both male and female voices, he works with aspiring singers of all ages, one on one or in small groups.From classical to contemporary, show tunes to lofty arias; if you want to learn how to sing better, Mr. Black may well fit the bill.Maunder's School of MusicActive in the music industry for the past twenty years, Neil Maunder now puts his name to an unrivaled experience in vocal training.His voice training school, located in the heart of Manchester, teaches vocalists as young as five years old.If you live in Nottingham, check out singing lessons there.His method is not unconventional: he has taught music in general and singing in particular in schools, colleges and, when requested, in private lessons.Besides helping you refine your vocal techniques, his voice coaches can instruct on:Jazz and BluesRockPopSoul and FunkCountryOf course, if you are hoping to join the Christmas Cantata this year, you may have to work a bit more intensively, no matter how qualified your singing teacher is.If quickly building confidence to sing Christmas carols is yo ur aim, Maunder's teachers will keep you from straining your voice.Their goal is for you to find singing success.As a confident vocalist, you could progress to advanced classes and even sing with others who enjoy the same musical style as you.Even if you don't have a lot of time to refine your diction and delivery, Maunder's will be there to help you hit the high notes, on evenings and weekends.A good voice coach will teach you how to breathe and push notes out Source: Pixabay Credit: ColiN008In Single Notes: Elements of Singing LessonsIf you harbour the same wish as so many others, who want nothing more than to express themselves in soaring vocals â€" a la Shayne Ward, there are a few technical aspects to singing that you must master.Breath control: being able to sustain a note requires you pushing air from your diaphragmby contrast, softer, more wistful notes should have a breathy quality to themFinding your pitch: You may well aspire to sing in a full-lyric soprano, like Charlott e Churchthat would not be physically possible if you are an alto!Cultivating a vibrato: Ed Sheeran is a fine example of this vocal quality, so necessary for a rich tone in singingEar training: Mandy Harvey is an exceptional singer who has internalized this skill so well that now, completely deaf, she is still able to sing angelic melodies  as well as more peppy, contemporary adult rock numbers.Any good music teacher or vocal coach can teach you music theory and help you develop your technique, but s/he cannot give you passion, so vital to learning to sing.However, a qualified singing coach can help you cultivate that fire, all while uncovering and developing your singing abilities.Learn How to Sing with a Private TutorWho are we kidding? This is Madchester: you could throw a rock and hit a singer/musician!Not everyone who sings and knows musical theory is capable of, qualified to be a voice teacher. That is why it is essential to find the right guidance: the coach in tune with your voice and singing needs.Superprof tutors are proficient at giving vocal lessons, both in the Manchester area and via Skype.Whatever style of music you wish you work on, a Superprof tutor can take you from warm up exercises and how to breathe, through rhythm and pitch, to exercises for strengthening vocal cords.You can take lessons in their home or in your home.You could also take singing lessons online.Many Superprof tutors offer their first lesson for free: a great incentive to opt for singing lessons online!Are you doubtful of the efficacy of this method?Brett Manning, the American voice coach whose pupils include Taylor Swift and Leona Lewis, has met with astounding success in packaging a full programme to learn singing.It is curtain time: calling all Mancunians who want to start singing!And for the non-Mancunians out there: find out about learning to sing anywhere in the UK, whether you live in Bournemouth, London, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast or Cardiff!

Stephanie W Maths, Physics and Oxbridge Admissions Tutor in London

Stephanie W Maths, Physics and Oxbridge Admissions Tutor in London Stephanie W is an engaging Oxford Physics graduate and Imperial PhD student who is tutoring Maths, Physics and Oxbridge admissions in London. On top of that, Stephanie is also a professional squash player; this lady is certainly talented! Why do you love tutoring? Partly, it’s an excuse for me to revisit interesting maths and physics concepts that I don’t meet on a day-to-day basis. And it is very rewarding watching my students improve. Last year, both the students who I guided through Oxford entrance received offersâ€" a thrilling outcome! Who inspired you in education? Lots of people. I had a great Physics teacher at school, an excellent Physics tutor at Oxford and I have two brilliant supervisors at Imperial. What else do you get up to besides tutoring? Mainly squash. I am trying to hit the top 100 in the world by the end of this year. If you had a superpower what would it be? Getting by on very little sleep. There aren’t enough hours in the day for all the things I want to get up to! What advice would you give to a parent on how to find a tutor? Tutoring is a very personal thing, so make sure you find a good fit for your child. Also think about the bigger picture. Will the tutor inspire your child and be a good role model? Stephanie is a: Maths A-Level tutor Physics A-Level tutor Maths Aptitude Test (MAT) tutor Oxbridge Admissions tutor Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) tutor UKMT Challenge tutor If you or your child needs help with Maths tuition, Physics tuition or Oxbridge Admissions tuition, then please  visit Stephanie’s profile page on the Tutorfair website to  book a lesson. Photograph from  commons.wikimedia.org  CC-by

GMAT or GRE 3 Key Questions

GMAT or GRE 3 Key Questions GMAT MBA Admissions Blog I often get asked to help our students decide between taking the GMAT and the GRE. Here are the three most fundamental questions you should be asking as you make your decision. 1. How sure are you that you want to go to business school? There is a logical argument for taking the GMAT simply because you know for sure that you want to go to business school. The rationale is that because the GRE can be used at an increasing number of business schools, but also basically any graduate program, folks that take the GMAT are clearly serious about business school, which is an attractive quality for a business school applicant to have. Of course, if business school is one of several options for you, then the GRE is a good fit. I have heard a different argument though. This argument says if you know for sure you want to go to a top business school, but your GMAT score is low while the rest of your application is strong, then take the GRE. Because business programs report GMAT scores and not GRE scores, your relatively poor standardized test performance won’t impact their reporting and rankings, and thus they’ll be more likely to accept you. I haven’t heard too many admissions consultants who subscribe to this logic, however. And I really don’t buy it either. In fact, because there is a general perception that the GMAT is harder than the GRE (I believe primarily because the quant section really is a bit harder for U.S. born individuals), my view is that students that take the GRE put themselves at a very, very minor risk of being associated with having “chosen to take the easier test. 2. Do you really struggle with math? At the end of the day, the quantitative section of the GMAT is harder than the quantitative section of the GRE. It covers most of the same topics (algebra, arithmetic, geometry, data interpretation, word problems) and a few more (e.g., statistics, number theory), but in more depth, and which more difficult questions and question types (i.e., data sufficiency). The GMAT also doesn’t allow a calculator (the GRE does, although using one on any given question is not always a good idea…), so you have to be comfortable and adept at doing math in your head to score well. While we are MyGuru actually believe that improving your skills to perform well on the math required for standardized tests is actually easier than many people seem to believe, if you really lack confidence and a foundation in math, you may want to focus on the GRE 3. Do you really struggle with verbal questions? Has reading never been your thing? The “verbal” questions used on the GMAT fall into the following buckets: Sentence correction â€" just fix the sentence Reading comprehension â€" testing whether you understand what is being communicated Critical reasoning â€" testing whether you can follow and understand complex arguments and logic The overall emphasis is on the “science of grammar”, which involves understanding rules that can be learned and applied (even by people that don’t tend to be naturally comfortable with reading and writing). By comparison, the verbal section of the GRE covers reading comprehension and critical reasoning, but then instead of sentence correction, it also covers sentence equivalence (are these sentences saying the same thing?) and text completion (what is the right way to finish this thought?). In addition to grammar, scoring well on the GRE verbal section requires a) a large vocabulary and b) a natural intuition with the written word. A lifetime of reading and writing is the one real key to developing a large vocabulary and general intuition about how to apply the written English language. In fact, one of the best ways to prepare for the GRE is simply to read magazines like the Economist (the same is true of the GMAT, by the way). So, if you really struggle with verbal questions and aren’t an avid reader (or perhaps English is your second language) you may want to consider the GMAT Conclusion In a previous article, we laid out some approaches for improving your GMAT reading comprehension score. The gist of that article was that, unfortunately, learning to read and comprehend significantly better than you do today can be a long, hard process. It’s not impossible, but the mix of intuition, logic, grammar, and vocabulary skills needed to understand why one answer is better than another on the verbal portion of a standardized test is actually quite complex. The key to building such skills is to read and write a lot. On the other hand, in that same article and in others on our blogs, we’ve talked about how people that are “just bad at math” actually, well, really don’t need to be. Yes, a lack of confidence and previous focus and training can lead to very low levels of math skills. But, with focused, deliberate practice, we find that many students can quickly build math skills. The same is not quite true for reading comprehension and vocabulary skills. So, in sum, if you are really strong in math but struggle with reading and writing, perhaps you lean towards the GMAT. If the opposite is true, perhaps you lean towards the GRE. But remember, taking the GMAT sends a clear message you are interested in business school, which may provide a very slight “leg up” in the admissions process. This blog article leveraged the thinking in Magoosh’s GRE vs. GMAT infographic.

6 Free Language-Learning Apps to Get Fluent on a Budget

6 Free Language-Learning Apps to Get Fluent on a Budget 6 Free Language-Learning Apps to Get Fluent on a Budget Even if you’re an absolute stranger to pinching a penny, youve surely wondered what the best way is to access language-learning resources that dont break the bank.There are so many different options available for learning a language, from classes to apps to online programs. Some are cheap, while others are wildly expensive! The trick is finding options that are fit into your budget and work for your learning style.Language-learning apps for mobile devices frequently strike the perfect balance between cost-effective and just plain effective.We are lucky to live in a moment when there are heaps of excellent language-learning apps that provide fun, convenient and portable language practice. And some of them cost nothing at all!Those free apps can pack a language-learning punch, but beware: Not all free apps are worth downloading.Wondering how to find good ones?No worries! We’ve got you covered. There are lots of amazing free apps for language learners!Let’s check some out! What Can Apps Do for a Language Program?Apps, like the devices we download them onto, are on-the-go items that offer fast, portable and uncomplicated learning.They’re right at our fingertips so there’s a potential for creating lots of learning opportunities. Schedule apps into your language program, for sureâ€"but also use apps to fill up any small pockets of spare time in your day. Waiting at the doctor’s office or in line at the DMV? Pull out your device, open an app and learn your target language while you wait. What’s not to love about that?Apps offer all kinds of options for learners. Some great things to look for are flashcards, games, reading practice, speaking exercises and quizzes to gauge progress.I’m sure you’ve heard that language immersion is the fast-track to language acquisition. Most of us can’t drop everything to immerse ourselves in another culture to learn the language, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring immersive items to our at-home programs.Apps can do that. Apps bring culture, native speakers and authentic contentâ€"via our devices!â€"to our self-styled language-learning programs. A win-win situation, for sure!6 Free Language-Learning Apps to Get Fluent on a BudgetBeelinguappiOS/AndroidBeelinguapp is an app that makes bilingual audiobooks and e-books. Its a solid option for any language-learning program!Choose from short stories, children’s stories or novels to increase your reading, listening and speaking skills.Text appears in two languages on your screen, so you’re able to follow along with ease even if youre a beginner in your target language. For added practice, consider repeating the sentences or passages. It’s a fast, easy method for increasing your speaking and pronunciation skills!If you’re looking to practice your target language while you commute or even at the gym, forget the reading practice and go for the audiobook itself. There are three options available for audio speed so if you’re a beginner, ch oose a slower speed and work your way up.FluentUiOS/AndroidLearning languages with FluentU is entertaining and engaging.FluentU offers an immersive experience using real-world interactive videos. Movie trailers, music videos, inspiring talks and news from around the globe are just some of the offerings available. With FluentU, youll get authentic content by native speakers. In addition to great language practice, FluentU also brings foreign cultures right to your device.But FluentU isnt just a video platform. Its actually an all-inclusive language-learning program that helps you have fun as you work towards fluency in your target language. Each FluentU video comes equipped with interactive subtitles. Simply click on an unfamiliar word and youll find a definition, example sentences and links to other videos that use the word in context. From here, you can add the word to a customizable vocabulary list or flashcard deck so that you can review it later.Since all the videos feature nati ve speakers, you can be assured that every time you watch a FluentU video, youre building your listening skills and improving your pronunciation.Each video also comes with a curated vocabulary list, written transcript and comprehension quiz. All of these features taken together create a comprehensive and effective language-learning program that is also incredibly fun!You can start with a free trialâ€"and after a few weeks of binge-watching videos, youll almost surely find yourself hooked.DuolingoiOS/AndroidNo discussion about free language-learning apps would be complete without mentioning Duolingo. Most language fans recognize the program as soon as they see Duo, the little green owl mascot, who sends learners reminders to practice so they reach their language goals.Duolingo offers a game-like approach to language learning. It teaches the basics using short, entertaining lessons with appealing celebrations every time you complete a task.It offers listening, reading, writing and eve n speaking practice, and although it isnt comprehensive enough to get you fluent in a language, its a fantastic way to grab some basic skills or supplement a language class.One of the most beneficial features of this app is that it allows users to set goals. It keeps track of progress, too, so as long as you open the app daily you’re sure to move toward your language goalâ€"and have fun while doing it!LyricsTrainingiOS/AndroidLyricsTraining is the perfect language-learning app for anyone who loves to sing! (Dont worry, you dont have to be a good singer for this app to provide results!) It’s a unique approach that pairs music with languagesâ€"and the results are wonderfully entertaining.Choose music in your target language and sing along. Learners can either simply listen or choose to be prompted to fill in missing lyrics. Either way, it’s a super method for learning vocabulary, practicing your listening comprehension or even picking up a bit of cultural immersion.Listening and speakingâ€"or singing, in this caseâ€"is fun with LyricsTraining. Idioms, slang and conversational phrases show up in music, whatever the language. Those points of vocabulary aren’t always readily accessible in traditional language-learning courses, making LyricsTraining an ideal supplement full of authentic language-learning materials.There is a dictionary and translation feature that’s available for most languages.Feeling bold? There is also a karaoke mode!This is an amusing addition to a language program. Honestly, using this app feels more like play than work.FlashAcademyiOS/AndroidFlashAcademy is premised on the idea that complicated grammar drills and vocabulary sheets are, well, boring.So, you wont find any of them in this app! FlashAcademy eliminates tedious or drawn-out lessons and focuses instead on fun, entertaining language experiences.Lessons are short, and theyre based on pictures and audio, offering users an immersive learning experience similar to apps like Duol ingo. You can also access flashcard review games to help you solidify your knowledge of each lesson.Once you run out of free lesson options, you can choose to upgrade to a Premium membership, which will gain you access to the full learning course for your target language. However, the limited free program provides plenty of room to get started, especially for beginning learners.ClozemasteriOS/AndroidClozemaster works best for learners who aren’t absolute beginners. Its essentially a fill-in-the-blank game in your target language, so you’ll want to have at least some idea of what the rest of the sentence means in order to have fun playing.And I do mean playing because this app is sheer fun. It’s one of the simplest ways to solidify vocabulary, encourage thinking in a foreign language and provide reading practice.Sentences are ordered by difficulty, so as your skills increase you’re able to level up. Also, the app keeps track of the number of correct responsesâ€"an ideal situa tion for anyone who wants to track their progress!Apps are designed to improve the functionality of our phones, tablets and other devices that most of us carry around with us every day.Theyre convenient, theyre functional, they make us more productiveâ€"overall, theyre the perfect way to learn languages!Download oneâ€"or a coupleâ€"of these amazing language apps to give your language program a low-cost or no-cost boost.The road to fluency is right in the palm of your handâ€"and it’s basically a free ride!Have fun and good luck!