Language learning resources

Use these free resources to learn English and prepare for a language test.

New: Check out our French learning resources at the bottom of the page.

ReallyEnglish

Best suited for:

  • Candidates with beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels in English.

  • Candidates who would like to improve their English to increase their chances of being matched with an opportunity.

  • Candidates who would like to prepare for interviews with employers.

  • ReallyEnglish is an online platform and mobile/tablet application offering tailored English learning material. This includes general English courses and specialized English courses that can help any learner at any level.

    Visit Reallyenglish.com.

    • Academic English: a self-study course at B1 level for learners who need to improve their listening and reading skills in preparation for further study in English, or for international exams such as IELTS and TOEFL

    • Business Speaking: a self-study and blended learning course designed at B1 - B2 level for learners who want to improve their spoken communication skills in a variety of business contexts

    • Practical English Starter: a general English course for A1 level learners that will help improve basic language skills and boost confidence

    • Practical English: a general English course for elementary to advanced level learners that helps students improve their core English skills in the most efficient way possible

    IELTS Preparation: The IELTS programme will help you develop key IELTS test-taking strategies, increase your vocabulary, and improve your skills across listening, reading, writing and speaking with realistic IELTS test material. It includes the following:

    • IELTS Foundation (A2)

    • IELTS Trainer 1 (B1)

    • IELTS Trainer 2 (B2)

    Information obtained from Reallyenglish.com.

  • You can do so by filling out the form below.

Coursera

Best suited for:

  • Candidates with beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels in English.

  • Candidates who would like to improve their English to increase their chances of being matched with an opportunity.

Talent Beyond Boundaries has partnered with Coursera for Refugees to bring our candidates access to world-class education. Coursera offers a wide range of courses that will help you be more competitive in the international job market. Explore available courses now.

For IELTS test prep, we recommended Coursera’s IELTS Preparation Specialization.

 English for Freelancers

Best suited for:

  • Candidates with intermediate English or above who would like to improve their English to increase their chances of being matched with an opportunity.

This free mobile app created by the British Council is not only helpful for freelancers learning English, but all job seekers looking to work in an English-speaking environment. The course combines English language learning with techniques for handling more complex situations, improving your soft skills and your intercultural communication.

IELTS preparation

Best suited for:

Note: You can also speak with Talent Beyond Boundaries to get access to ReallyEnglish’s IELTS prep courses.

  • A playlist exploring the structure of the test and going into the details of each section. Click here to watch.

  • A set of text-based and video-based guides to help you familiarize yourself with the computer-based version of the IELTS. Click here to access.

  • A free online course offered by the British Council to walk you through everything you need to know as you prepare for the IELTS test, including test structure, test strategy, and practice tests. Click here to register.

  • IELTS practice tests are a great way to test your knowledge and practice your skills before taking the test.

    Here are some practice tests you can take:
    - Reading practice
    - Writing practice
    - Speaking practice
    - Listening practice

  • Practice tests you can take for free as you prepare for your computer-based IELTS test. Click here to access.

    Note: When you get to the part that says ‘confirm your details,’ Click -> ‘my details are correct.’

  • A downloadable, full-preparation guide that you can use without an internet connection. Click here to download.

  • Another downloadable, preparation guide that you can use to study and practice without an internet connection, although some parts require an internet connection. Click here to download.

  • Free IELTS mobile apps from the British Council that allow you to learn English flexibly. Click here to check them out.

PTE preparation

Best suited for:

  • Candidates with intermediate English or above who would like to prepare for the Pearson Test of English (PTE).

  • Candidates who have received a job offer.

  • Candidates who are preparing for their visa application.

  • PTE Academic measures your English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in a single, short test. To learn more about the test and its structure, click here.

    • Scoring - Scoring method and comparison with IELTS and TOEFL

    • PTE Online Handbooks - Produced by the PTE test makers, this page contains basic information about the test and Pearson’s policies. Visit this page to learn about the test.
      Item description

    • Preparation guide by Pearson - a guide that outlines useful tips that help you get ready for the test

    • Exam English - Website with practice questions for most sections of the test

    • Collegedunia - Reviews the basic structure of the test, features practice problems at the bottom of the page. Designed for students in India but still helpful.

    • PTE Exam Preparation - A couple practice problems.

    • PTE Academy - Several practice problems and videos

    • PTE Pearson Study Material - Website with common repeated questions as well as practice problems

    • PTE Academic Exam - Website with some practice problems as well as examples for the essay portions

    • PTE Success - Additional practice problems

    • Pearson Official Prep App - This mobile application contains some practice questions.

    • PTE Tutorials Online - Has a good app, but beware paywall for any additional services beyond practice questions.

    • ALFAPTE - App with practice problems and a variety of study tools. However, there is a paywall for some extra features

    • PTE Full Mock Test - Video going through a full mock test offering advice and explanations. PTE’s Channel has many more resources as well.

    • Language Academy - Has many good videos for practice as well as mock tests, although we recommend sorting their videos by most popular as those videos seem to be more informative.

    • V2 LANGUAGE PTE PREPARATION - Exclusively filled with mock questions and tests.

    • PTE ACADEMIC GOLD - Videos with mock questions and answers for each test section.

    • TARGET 90 - Videos are divided by each of the question types.

    • L2 PTE - Videos divided by section and question type.

OET Preparation

These free resources from the Occupational English Test (OET) can help you get test-ready.

Best suited for:

  • Candidates in healthcare with a high level of English who would like to prepare for the Occupational English Test (OET).

  • Candidates in healthcare who have received a job offer.

  • Candidates in healthcare preparing for their visa application.

Check out the OET Study Guide

Test preparation for French-speaking Canadian immigration pathways

Best suited for:

  • The TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français) and TEF Canada (Test d’Evaluation de Français) are 2 different tests which measure your level of knowledge and skills in French for the purpose of immigrating to Canada. They are valid for 2 years. The TCF Canada and TEF Canada are taken on a computer at test centers.

  • The TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is a specific version of the TEF (Test d'évaluation de français) designed for individuals applying for immigration to Canada, particularly for the federal economic immigration programs that require proof of French language proficiency.

    The TEF Canada assesses candidates in four main language skills:

    1. Compréhension Orale (Listening Comprehension): This section tests your ability to understand spoken French. It involves listening to audio recordings and answering questions based on the content of the recordings.

    2. Compréhension Écrite (Reading Comprehension): This section evaluates your reading skills in French. You will be given written texts and asked questions related to the texts.

    3. Expression Orale (Speaking Expression): In this part, you will have a speaking test with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions, and you'll be required to respond or discuss specific topics.

    4. Expression Écrite (Writing Expression): This section assesses your writing skills in French. You might be asked to write short essays or responses to prompts.

    The TEF Canada uses a scoring system based on a scale of 0 to 450 points, and the scores are linked to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels. The CLB levels range from 1 to 12, with higher levels indicating higher proficiency in the language.

    To prepare for the TEF Canada exam, candidates can use official TEF preparation materials and sample tests provided by authorized TEF centers. Additionally, seeking guidance from a language instructor or tutor can be helpful to improve language skills and perform well in the exam.

    The TEF is officially recognized by:

    • The French Ministry of Education the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation

    • The French Ministry of the Interior

    • The Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC)

    • The Quebec Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration

    • The Swiss State Secretariat for Migration

    The TEF has different types of tests and sections. TBB will explain your options if you need to take a French language exam for visa purposes.

  • the TCF Canada (Test de Connaissance du Français pour le Canada) is a specific version of the TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français) designed for individuals who are applying for immigration to Canada, particularly for the federal economic immigration programs that require proof of French language proficiency.

    The TCF Canada is one of the approved language tests recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess French language proficiency for immigration purposes. The test is administered by the French Ministry of Education and is widely accepted by the Canadian government.

    The TCF Canada consists of four sections, similar to the regular TCF:

    1. Compréhension Orale (Listening Comprehension): This section tests your ability to understand spoken French. You will listen to audio recordings and answer multiple-choice questions based on the content of the recordings. This test is taken in the exam room and has 39 multiple choice questions with only 1 correct answer possible.

    2. Compréhension Écrite (Reading Comprehension): This section assesses your reading skills in French. You'll be given written texts and asked multiple-choice questions related to the texts. This test is taken in the exam room and has 39 multiple choice questions with only 1 correct answer possible.

    3. Expression Orale (Speaking Expression): In this part, you will have a speaking test with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions, and you'll be required to respond or discuss specific topics. You will have 3 exercises.

    4. Expression Écrite (Writing Expression): This section evaluates your writing skills in French. You might be asked to write short essays or responses to prompts. This test is taken in the exam room and has 3 exercises.

    The TCF Canada lasts for a total of 2 hours 47 minutes:

    • Listening comprehension: 35 minutes;

    • Reading comprehension: 60 minutes;

    • Written skills: 60 minutes;

    • Verbal skills: 12 minutes (2 of which are for preparation).

    The TCF Canada uses a scoring system based on a scale of 0 to 699 points, and the scores are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) proficiency levels, ranging from A1 to C2.

    It's important to note that the TCF Canada is specifically for immigration purposes to Canada, and it may have slightly different requirements and content compared to other versions of the TCF. If you are applying for Canadian immigration and need to demonstrate your French language proficiency, it's crucial to check the specific language requirements and accepted proficiency levels by IRCC for the program you are applying to. TBB can help get you accurate information.

    As with any language proficiency exam, preparation is essential to perform well. You can find official preparation materials and sample tests on the official website of the TCF or through reputable language schools and organizations. Additionally, it's advisable to consider taking a preparation course or working with a language tutor to improve your chances of success in the TCF Canada test.

    As with any language proficiency exam, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the TCF and practice using official preparation materials or reputable resources to improve your chances of success.

    You can read about the procedures for taking the TCF here.

  • The TEF Canada (Test d'évaluation de français pour le Canada) is scored using a point-based system. The maximum score a candidate can achieve in the TEF Canada exam is 450 points. The scores are distributed among the four main sections of the exam as follows:

    1. Compréhension Orale (Listening Comprehension): Maximum 360 points

    2. Compréhension Écrite (Reading Comprehension): Maximum 300 points

    3. Expression Orale (Speaking Expression): Maximum 450 points

    4. Expression Écrite (Writing Expression): Maximum 300 points

    The overall TEF Canada score is calculated by adding up the scores from each section. The total score ranges from 0 to 450 points, and it represents the candidate's overall French language proficiency level according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).

    CLB levels are used to determine language proficiency for immigration to Canada. Each CLB level corresponds to a specific score range in the TEF Canada exam. Go to this page on the Government of Canada website to check the how CLB levels correspond to different TEF Canada score ranges.

  • The TCF Canada score is presented by using CEFR levels to evaluate the level of proficiency in the French language attained by the candidate. The levels range from A1 (lowest) to C2 (highest). The levels corresponding to the TCF marks are as follows:

    • Elementary (A1) 100-199 points

    • Lower Intermediate (A2) 200-299 points

    • Intermediate (B1) 300-399 points

    • Upper Intermediate (B2) 400-499 points

    • Advanced (C1) 500-599 points

    • Superior (C2) 600-699 points

    Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels are used to determine language proficiency for immigration to Canada. Each CLB level corresponds to a specific score range in the TCF Canada exam. Go to this page on the Government of Canada website to check the how CLB levels correspond to different TCF Canada score ranges.

  • There are several free resources available online to help you prepare for the TEF exam. These resources can be a valuable addition to your preparation and can help you improve your French language skills. Here are some of the best free resources:

    TV5MONDE: TV5MONDE offers a wide range of French language resources, including interactive exercises, grammar lessons, and video content with subtitles. Their "Apprendre le français" section is specifically designed for French learners and can be a great help for TEF preparation.

    Website: https://apprendre.tv5monde.com/

    Duolingo: Duolingo is a popular language learning platform that offers free courses for many languages, including French. While it may not be tailored specifically for the TEF, it can be a useful tool to practice and reinforce your language skills.

    Website: https://www.duolingo.com/course/fr/en/Learn-French

    BBC French: The BBC's French language section provides various resources for beginners and intermediate learners. It includes vocabulary exercises, grammar lessons, and interactive activities to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

    Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z9dqxnb

    Lawless French: This website offers a wealth of free lessons, quizzes, and learning tools to improve your French skills. It covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.

    Website: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/

    Learn French with Alexa: On YouTube, "Learn French with Alexa" provides a series of free video lessons for beginners and intermediate learners. These videos cover various topics, from basic phrases to more complex language skills.

    YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/learnfrenchwithalexa

    Kwiziq French: Kwiziq offers personalized quizzes and exercises to help you identify your weak points and improve your French proficiency. While the full access may require a subscription, they also offer a limited number of free quizzes.

    Website: https://www.kwiziq.com/

    Bonjour de France: This website offers free exercises, articles, and resources to practice different aspects of the French language. It covers various levels, from beginner to advanced.

    Website: https://www.bonjourdefrance.co.uk/

    TEF resources from Le français des affaires of the CCI Paris Île-de-France:

    Additional resources:

    Remember that while these resources can be helpful for self-study, it's also beneficial to complement them with official TEF preparation materials or guidance from a language instructor or tutor.

  • Preparing for the TCF Canada test is very important to be able to pass. While official TCF Canada preparation materials might not be available for free, there are still some valuable free resources that can help you improve your French language skills and get ready for the exam. Here are some of the best free resources:

    TV5MONDE: TV5MONDE offers a range of free French language resources, including interactive exercises, grammar lessons, and video content with subtitles. Their "Apprendre le français" section can be helpful for language practice.

    Website: https://apprendre.tv5monde.com/

    Duolingo: While Duolingo may not be specifically designed for the TCF Canada, it can still be a useful tool to practice and reinforce your French language skills. It offers free French courses with various interactive exercises.

    Website: https://www.duolingo.com/course/fr/en/Learn-French

    Lawless French: This website offers free lessons, quizzes, and learning tools to improve your French skills. It covers grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.

    Website: https://www.lawlessfrench.com/

    BBC French: The BBC's French language section provides various free resources for beginners and intermediate learners. It includes vocabulary exercises, grammar lessons, and interactive activities to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

    Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z9dqxnb

    Lingoda Language Marathon: Lingoda occasionally offers language learning challenges where you can participate in free French lessons over a certain period. Keep an eye on their website or social media channels for any upcoming events.

    Website: https://www.lingoda.com/

    YouTube Channels: There are several YouTube channels dedicated to teaching French for free. Some popular ones include Learn French with Vincent, Learn French with Alexa, and Easy French.

    Please note that while these free resources can be valuable for self-study and language practice, they may not cover all the specific content and requirements of the TCF Canada test. For a more comprehensive preparation, it's advisable to consider using official TCF Canada preparation materials and seeking guidance from a language instructor or tutor.

    Additional helpful resources:

    1. PrepMyFrench YouTube Channel

    2. Propulse Training - focused on the TEF Quebec version, but still useful for preparing for TEF Canada.

  • Yes.

    Please see the course Étudier en France: French Intermediate course B1-B2.

    This course is for those with an intermediate level in French.

    Sur le cours:

    Ce cours de français de niveau intermédiaire B1/B2, conforme aux exigences du Cadre européen de Référence pour les Langues, s’inscrit dans le double dispositif “former avec le numérique”et “langue et interculturalité” mis en place par l’Université Paris Saclay. Il s’adresse à tous les étudiants souhaitant poursuivre leurs études supérieures en France. Il leur permettra non seulement d’avoir le niveau requis en français pour suivre des cours dans le système supérieur français en termes de compétences linguistiques, mais les aidera à s’adapter à leur nouvel environnement dans les meilleures conditions.

    Ce cours propose en effet une immersion dans l’univers étudiant à travers des vidéos de cours, des textes de multiples formats, de courts extraits de films et de vidéos authentiques qui donnent la parole à des étudiants français ou étrangers vivant en France. Les étudiants pourront ainsi travailler toutes les compétences (compréhension orale et écrite, expression orale et écrite, grammaire et vocabulaire), puis tester ensuite leurs acquis grâce aux nombreux quiz proposés et, chaque semaine, ils auront aussi la possibilité de participer aux débats et aux discussions organisés sur le forum.

    Découvrir la vie en France et dans le monde francophone à travers ses cultures, ses littératures, ses films, ses journaux télévisés et sa langue (standard et plus familière) et comprendre le système d’enseignement supérieur français (assister à un cours magistral, comprendre le fonctionnement de l’évaluation …) : voici quelques-uns des enjeux de ce cours. Ses objectifs sont donc langagiers, mais aussi culturels et pratiques !

    Note importante: ce Mooc ne remplace pas la passation de tests attestant du niveau B1 ou B2 tels que ceux proposés par le Ciep: TCF, Delf ou Dalf.

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