Have you ever found yourself wanting to talk about your interests with an English-speaking person, but felt like you were missing the right words?
Have you ever wanted to start a conversation about something you care about, but people spoke too fast and you struggled to keep up?
Does your English course cover everything – except what actually interests you?
These are some of the most common frustrations for adult learners of English.
And very often, these issues lead to a loss of motivation and stalled progress – before you’ve even built the vocabulary you need to entertain a satisfying conversation.
So how can we stop feeling “not good enough”?
Simple: by practising.
Yes, I know – it sounds obvious. But finding the time (and the motivation) isn’t always easy, especially when life gets busy.
So… what can we do?
Well, I’ve got a few ideas.
To help you, I’ve put together a list of free (or almost!) resources that can make a real difference in your daily listening and comprehension practice.
Together with the Kiwi team, we’ve organised them from the least demanding to the most challenging – so you can choose what works best for you.
Just to be clear: none of the platforms mentioned below are our sponsors; all of these resources are used by our team to learn different foreign languages.
SOCIAL MEDIA
How much time do you spend on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, or Pinterest?
Let’s be honest… probably too much.
But this “bad habit” can easily become an advantage if you use it to practise a little every day.
If, like me, you open Instagram several times a day, why not turn that time into an opportunity to expose yourself to authentic, targeted language?
For example, if you love cooking, why not follow food creators who post entirely in English?
I personally enjoy watching content creators who focus on British cuisine (I know – it sounds like a contradiction, but trust me, you might be surprised!) or who explore traditional dishes from New Orleans and the southern United States.
Want to make a Chicago-style deep dish pizza or a pumpkin pie for Halloween? Just search for a recipe or video on YouTube – in English, of course! – and take some time to really understand the vocabulary and expressions used.
This way, you’re not only exposed to natural language (whether British or American), but you also build specific vocabulary related to your interests – in the exact context where you need it.
NEWS
Keeping up with what’s happening in the world is a great way to always have something to talk about with your English-speaking friends.
That said, discussing current events in a foreign language isn’t easy – especially if you’re just starting out.
Still, using this kind of resource is incredibly useful at any level.
Luckily, many English-language news outlets offer free websites with audio, video, and written content to help you learn vocabulary related to your interests – politics, sports, entertainment, and more.
News presenters usually speak with a neutral inflection and a clear tone of voice, which makes them easier to understand. Many platforms also provide subtitles – very helpful if you struggle with certain accents or if you’re still a beginner.
These sites are great not only for their written content, organised by topic. Major broadcasters (think BBC, NBC, CBC, or ABC) also offer entire sections of their website entirely dedicated to audio programmes, podcasts, and live news, thus catering to every type of learner!
Although the vocabulary used by journalists can feel quite different from everyday English, there’s no doubt that listening to the news is a powerful way to expand your vocabulary.
And the best part?
You can personalise your learning by choosing the accent and style you prefer: British, American, Canadian, or Australian.
This level of personalisation makes learning more effective, because it immerses you in topics you genuinely care about.
SPOTIFY
Spotify offers an even more personalised and content-rich experience – a real goldmine for language learners.
Even with the free version, you can access hundreds of podcasts and shows on virtually any topic.
From true crime to cooking, from literature to economics, there’s truly something for everyone.
For example: do you love history, but only care about late 17th-century British history? There are podcasts dedicated entirely to the history of Cromwell and Charles II!
Just like with news content, having so much choice means you can select the accent, pace, and difficulty level that suit you best.
The only problem? Too many options!
Spotify is a fantastic ally for improving your listening skills without giving up the topics you love.
NETFLIX (and other streaming platforms)
Okay, these are not exactly free…
But watching movies remains one of the best ways to stay engaged, immerse yourself in the language (without overthinking every single word), and expose yourself to natural – or at least realistic – English while still enjoying your favourite content.
Watching a movie entirely in English might seem overwhelming, but there are a few strategies you can use to make the experience both more enjoyable and more productive.
Want to learn how to watch movies in English without struggling? Check out our article.
LANGUAGE TANDEM
This last resource is probably the most demanding in terms of both time and energy, but it’s also the one that can bring the greatest benefits for the learner.
This option, often called a “language tandem” (from the language exchange platform with the same name), involves two learners – usually native speakers of each other’s language – who take turns speaking and listening in each language.
Often, on the official Tandem website or in various Facebook groups, you can find native speakers interested in practising with you.
And if you can’t find someone nearby, you can always meet online via Zoom, Google Meet, or a WhatsApp video call.
This kind of practice offers many advantages: it improves your listening comprehension, helps you speak in a natural and authentic way, and opens the door to new cultural connections, making learning more complete and engaging.
Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.
So yes – there are plenty of ways to practise English every day, even for free.
The key is to choose resources that fit your lifestyle, your interests, and your energy levels.
Start small, stay consistent… and let language-learning become part of your everyday life.
