When it comes to staying motivated with language learning, a challenge could be just the thing to keep you going. But not all challenges are right for all language learners. With that in mind, here’s 6 challenges for language learning.

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The Best Language Challenges for All Learners at Any Level

Before we get started, you can enjoy this episode in the way you prefer. We’ve got a video version and the podcast below. So pick your place and let’s go!

The Video

The Podcast

Why Take a Language Challenge?

We often start language learning with a real boost of motivation. We make relatively fast progress (helped in part by the fact that everything we learn is new – you learn 1 word, you know 100% more than yesterday.)

But most language learning doesn’t look like this. Most of the time, we’re peacefully moving forward in phases of steady growth. If we want some speedy gains – that little boost – then a challenge is a great way to make that happen.

The Speak 28×28 Challenge

Ideal for: The quieter language learner who’s struggling with the will to speak.

What It’s All About: This exclusive Challenge is inside my program Language Life and helps you develop a Solo Speaking Habit.

Throughout a series of Daily Video Lessons & Speaking Prompts, you’ll develop not only a newfound confidence when speaking the language you’re learning, but also a newfound love for it.

How Much It Costs: Included in Language Life, which is my full program to help you become fluent in any language on demand.

How to Sign Up: Click the button below to join Language Life and get access to the Speak 28×28 Challenge!

The italki Language Challenge

Ideal For: Independent language learners looking for a motivational excuse to get speaking.

What It’s All About: A few times each year, italki host their Language Challenge. The premise is simple: set a goal for hours of lessons to complete by the end date, take those lessons with italki tutors.

Different goals offer different perks. For example, there might be some extra coupons or vouchers available for those feeling brave enough to opt for the higher goals.

How Much It Costs: Varies. Depends which tutors you find and learn with. Prices range quite a bit depending on location, experience, and qualifications of teachers.

How to Sign Up: Sign up to italki, get $10 credit free*, and look out for the next Language Challenge.

The Fluent in 3 Months Challenge

Ideal For: The first time language learner who needs some skin in the game to get it done.

What It’s All About: Formerly the Add1 Challenge, the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge is run primarily by Shannon Kennedy (who also co-hosts Women In Language with me and Kerstin!) with Fluent in 3 Months.

It’s all about the support and structure to get speaking in 90 days. You’re required to post videos at regular intervals throughout (day 0, 30, 60, and 90) and there’s optional mini challenges in between to keep you busy too.

There’s such a huge community behind each Fluent in 3 Months Challenge that you’ll never be alone.

I’ve actually taken the challenge twice myself – back when it was the Add1 Challenge. In 2015, I used it to help drive my Japanese forward. And in 2019, I joined again right before a trip to South Korea with Shannon, the main host of the challenge.

Here’s my final Japanese video:

And here’s my final Korean conversation after a 90 day boost:

How Much It Costs: $297. If putting money down on the line is going to give you enough skin in the game get you learning then it could well be worth it.

How to Sign Up: Sign up for the next challenge or register your interest here.*

The Language Learning Reading Challenge

Ideal For: The book-loving language learner who’s after some motivation to read more language-related books.

What It’s All About: Shannon of Eurolinguiste has hosted this challenge for a number of years now.

Every month, you get a new book suggestion to guide you towards picking something new to read that month.

Examples from the 2023 list include ‘Read a book inspired by a true story (in your target language)’ and ‘Read a book by an author from a country that you haven’t read any of their authors before’.

There’s always lots of wiggle room with the prompts, which means this challenge works well for learners of any language at any level.

How Much It Costs: Totally free!

How to Sign Up: Nothing needed in advance. Simply join in! There’s a Facebook & Goodreads community you can join. Check the blog article here for info on the current challenge.

30 Day Language Challenges

Ideal for: The curious language learner who wants to discover more but doesn’t know where to focus first.

What It’s All About: Ever felt a pang of linguistic overwhelm as you try and decide what to do next for a language you’re learning? This one’s for you.

There’s plenty of choice too. From specific language challenges to general options that work for all.

How Much It Costs: Often free!

How to Sign Up: There’s lots of different 30 Day Language Challenges out there. I recommend checking Pinterest and typing ’30 day language challenge’ in the search bar to get started. Or, check this one from Eurolinguiste.

Your Own DIY Challenge!

Ideal for: The headstrong language learner who answers to no-one but themself!

What It’s All About: If none of the above are right for you, why not create your own challenge?

This way, you get to decide the focus. Ask yourself – what is it you’re particularly struggling with right now? What’s your weaker skill? And what can you do to improve it?

Perhaps it’s a daily challenge like the 30 Day Challenges. Maybe it’s something with a bigger end goal and check ins en route like the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. Either way, you get to decide.

If you’re after some inspiration, search “language challenge” on Google Images or Pinterest to see a whole host of previous challenges people have created for themselves and others.

How Much It Costs: Free!

How to Sign Up: I mean, you get to decide that.

Whichever challenge you choose, have fun exploring your options and making some speedy progress with your languages!