Hi there! As an experienced cybersecurity professional, I often advise young technicians looking to boost their career prospects. One piece of advice I always give? Take the time to improve your English skills.
In our interconnected world, English is the undisputed language of technology and business. Whether you‘re collaborating with international colleagues, giving presentations, or negotiating deals, strong English abilities can make a huge difference.
Luckily, thanks to online courses, anyone can now learn English on their own schedule and without breaking the bank. In this post, I‘ve compiled my picks for the 14 best online English classes covering everything from general business communication to specialized IT and cybersecurity vocabulary.
How to Choose the Right Online English Course
With so many options out there, selecting the perfect English course can feel overwhelming. Here are some key criteria I recommend keeping in mind:
Define Your Goals
First, clearly outline what skills you want to improve. Do you need to master technical terminology for your field? Feel more confident giving presentations in English? Or carry out small talk with colleagues from across the globe?
Understanding your objectives will help narrow your search.
Check the Course Syllabus
Carefully review what‘s covered in the course curriculum. A strong English course should help develop well-rounded abilities across reading, writing, listening and speaking.
For specialized courses, double check enough time is devoted to teaching industry-specific vocabulary you‘ll need.
Consider Your Learning Style
Think about what teaching format suits you best. If you like learning at your own pace, choose a self-directed course you can fit around your schedule.
Prefer more accountability? Opt for a course with scheduled live classes so you can engage with teachers and fellow students.
Vet the Instructors
The knowledge and teaching abilities of the instructors make all the difference in an online course.
Search for instructors with recognized qualifications in teaching English as a foreign language. Check past student reviews praise the instructors for their ability to explain concepts and provide helpful feedback.
Compare Cost and Support
Factor in the full cost including any hidden fees. And don‘t underestimate the value of 1-on-1 instructor support in case you get stuck or need extra help mastering more complex topics.
Reviews of the Top Online English Courses
Now, let‘s dive into my picks for the leading online English classes in 2023!
I‘ve focused on courses suiting IT professionals looking to boost their tech careers. But many also work for general business or everyday English.
For each course, I share an overview plus details on the ideal learner level, teaching format, included materials, cost, and what past students have to say.
Time to level up your English!
1. English Grammar Pro
Overview: This Udemy course offers a complete A-Z guide on English grammar rules and applying them correctly. Through concise video explainers, you‘ll cover everything from tenses to conditionals, prepositions, and more.
Learner Level: Beginner & Intermediate
Format: Self-paced video lessons
Materials: 100+ video lessons, quizzes, cheat sheets
Cost: $99.99
Study Time: 25 hours
Reviews: "Easy to follow along and remember the rules," says Tanja P. 5 stars from 780 reviews.
2. 555 English Grammar Lessons
Overview: Get started with English grammar from scratch with this free YouTube course. Video lessons demonstrate how to construct sentences, use verbs properly, and avoid common mistakes. Guidance is friendly as if an instructor is right beside you!
Learner Level: Beginner
Format: Self-paced video lessons
Materials: 555 video tutorials plus PDF resources
Cost: Free
Study Time: 50+ hours
Reviews: "Every lesson gave me more confidence," raves viewer Ploy K. 4.9 stars across 234,000 views.
3. Business Communication in Technical Fields
Overview: Already have decent business English but need to master terminology for IT, engineering, or technical sales roles? This interactive course delivers industry-specific vocabulary and communication templates to sound polished and professional.
Learner Level: Intermediate
Format: Self-paced with optional weekly webinars for live coaching
Materials: Cheat sheets, templates, flashcards plus webinars
Cost: $249
Study Time: 15 hours
Reviews: "My tech vocabulary expanded big time," says mgr Bart P. 5 stars based on 19 reviews.
4. Professional Email Writing for IT Specialists
Overview: Struggling to compose clear, professional emails? This Udemy course reveals tips and formats for crafting effective messages regardless of technical background. Learn to organize content, tweak tone based on audience, integrate visuals, and more.
Learner Level: Intermediate
Format: Self-paced video lessons
Materials: 10 core lessons plus exercises, templates, and samples
Cost: $19.99
Study Time: 12 hours
Reviews: "I write emails confidently now thanks to the templates," explains learners Pam J. 4.5 stars based on 152 reviews.
5. Speak English Like a Pro for IT and Engineering
Overview:designed Boost your spoken English prowess with 20 hours of dedicated pronunciation and enunciation practice. Seasoned ESL instructors help smooth out accents while building fluency. Interactive peer sessions allow applying new vocabulary and communication tactics in real-time.
Learner Level: Intermediate and above
Format: Live online classes 2x week + recorded video lessons
Materials: Customizable flashcards, monthly progress reports, lifetime access
Cost: $299/month $999 lifetime access
Study Time: 5-10 hours per month
Reviews: "My confidence speaking English grew immensely," says A. Kumar. 4.8 stars based on 65 reviews.
6. Job Interview Mastery for Tech Roles
Overview: Does anxiety around using English during interviews for technical roles hold you back? This multi-media course arms you with responses for 300+ common questions, proven frameworks to organize answers, and virtual mock interviews to practice skills in a risk-free environment.
Learner Level: Intermediate
Format: Self-study + mock video interviews
Materials: 300+ flashcards, 30+ templates/frameworks, 5 mock interviews
Cost: $149
Study Time: 15-20 hours
Reviews: "Landed my dream job at Microsoft thanks to improving my interviewing skills," explains S. Lee. 5 stars based on 420 reviews.
7. IT Vocabulary Building Audio Course
Overview: Want to memorize hundreds of essential IT terms without staring at textbooks? This audio-based course makes picking up technical definitions, jargon, and acronyms totally handsfree! Stream over 50 hours of expert explanations across hardware, software development, data science, cybersecurity and much more.
Learner Level: Intermediate
Format: Self-paced audio lessons
Materials: 600+ IT terms, 50+ hours of audio content
Cost: $12.99/month or $79.99 one-time purchase
Study Time: 50+ hours
Reviews: "I listened during my commute and absorbed so much," says Alex G. 4.8 stars based on 300+ reviews.
8. English for Cybersecurity Specialists
Overview: From malware to encryption to risk analysis, this course breaks down 2000+ cybersecurity terms into easily digestible definitions. Interactive games strengthen recall while accredited instructors detail industry best practices. Gain well-rounded cybersecurity fluency blending technical precision with clear explanations for non-experts.
Learner Level: Intermediate and above
Format: Self-paced with exams + instructor support
Materials: Customizable flashcards, practice questions, lifetime access
Cost: $299
Study Time: 30 hours
Reviews: "My vocabulary went from basic to highly specialized thanks to smart repetition," explains learner Ling C. 4.9 stars based on 120+ reviews.
9. Tech Sales Fundamentals with Industry Veteran
Overview: Struggling to explain complex software, hardware, or services in plain language that connects with prospects and closes deals? Learn techniques to identify client pain points, translate tech benefits into business outcomes, handle objections, and motivate purchasing decisions.
Learner Level: Intermediate
Format: 5 live small-group sessions + 1:1 coaching
Materials: Frameworks, email/call templates, lifetime community access
Cost: $1497
Study Time: 10 hours classes + ongoing refinement
Reviews: "My demos instantly improved after taking this gem of a course," raves account executive M. Lee. 5 stars based on 65 reviews.
10. TECH Talks for IT Leaders
Overview: Want to represent your team‘s achievements to executives with clarity and gravitas? This course prepares IT managers to present technology initiatives to leadership through data-driven executive summaries, visually compelling slides, and speech-giving best practices for virtual or in-person events.
Learner Level: Advanced
Format: Self-paced video course + optional 1:1 coaching
Materials: 10+ templates, 3 full sample presentations, lifetime access
Cost: $599 alone or $899 bundled with 2 private coaching calls
Study Time: 15 hours + pitch practice
Reviews: "A must for any IT leader seeking to influence decisions at the C-suite level," explains Rodrigo S, Engineering Director at Oracle. 5 stars based on 120 reviews.
There you have it – my top recommendations for leveling up your English abilities as a technical professional in 2023!
Key Tips to Get the Most from Your English Studies
- Set aside at least 5 hours a week for your course
- Treat it like a real class – stick to assignment deadlines
- Form online study groups to practice conversing
- Immerse yourself! Read news/books, watch talks in English
- Use apps, YouTube, podcasts to reinforce vocabulary
- Don‘t be shy to ask your instructor questions if stuck
- Celebrate small wins and track long-term progress
Wishing you an awesome journey toward English fluency! Your career opportunities will expand exponentially so the effort is well worth it.
Keep climbing,
[Your Name]