English for Abroad

Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to improve your English while you're on the go. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home, you can find a podcast that interests you. Pick topics that pique your interest, like self-help, politics, or design. Pro tip: Adjust the playback speed if it's too fast and focus on the big picture rather than every single word.

6 Minute English

Quick and informative lessons on various topics.

99% Invisible

Reveals the hidden elements of design in everyday life.

10 Songs That Made Me

Artists share the songs that shaped their lives.

All Ears English

Tips and strategies for learning American English.

Armchair Expert

In-depth interviews with celebrities and experts.

Art Laughs

Makes learning about art fun and engaging through comedy.

Call Your Girlfriend

A podcast for long-distance besties everywhere.

Code Switch

Conversations about race and identity.

Design Matters

Insightful interviews with leading designers.

Dissect

In-depth musical analysis of contemporary albums.

Espresso English

Concise lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Freakonomics

Data-driven discussions on economics and behavior.

Global News Podcast

Clear and accessible coverage of international news.

How I Built This

Stories behind the creation of successful companies.

Infinite Monkey Cage

Humorous and insightful discussions on science topics.

Invisibilia

Explores the invisible forces that shape human behavior.

Just Break Up

Relationship advice and discussions on love and heartbreak.

Learning English Conversation

Practical conversations and everyday language usage.

Learning English from the News

Uses current news stories to teach English effectively.

Left, Right & Center

Balanced discussions on political and social issues.

Life Kit

Practical advice for everyday life.

Marketplace

Insights into business, economics, and finance.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Inspirational interviews on life and personal growth.

Planet Money

Fun and accessible discussions on economics.

Pod Save the World

In-depth discussions on global politics and policy.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Fun and insightful discussions on pop culture.

Radiolab

Explores the intersection of science, philosophy, and culture.

Science Quickly

Fast-paced updates on the latest scientific discoveries.

Science Vs

Debunks myths and misconceptions with scientific evidence.

Song Exploder

Musicians break down the creative process behind their songs.

Still Watching

Recaps and reviews of the latest TV shows.

StoryCorps

Extraordinary stories of ordinary people.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

Conversations on gender, feminism, and culture.

Stuff You Should Know

Explains how things work and explores a wide range of topics.

Switched on Pop

The making and meaning of popular music.

Ted Talks Daily

Inspiring ideas and talks from the TED stage.

Ten Percent Happier

Insights and advice on meditation and mindfulness.

The Allusionist

Fascinating stories about language and words.

The English We Speak

Explores British idioms and slang.

The Ezra Klein Show

In-depth interviews on politics, policy, and culture.

The Happiness Lab

Explores the science of happiness, from a Yale professor.

The Great Women Artists Podcast

Highlights the work of influential female artists.

The Jealous Curator

Explores the creative process and artistic inspirations.

The Modern Art Notes Podcast

Conversations with contemporary artists and curators.

The Moth

True stories told live without scripts, showcasing human experiences.

The Rewatchables

In-depth discussions on rewatchable movies.

The New Yorker Fiction

Short stories from The New Yorker, read by authors or actors.

The Vergecast

Latest news, trends, and reviews in technology.

This American Life

Engaging stories about American life, blending journalism with storytelling.

Today Explained

Context and analysis of the day's major stories.

Unexplainable

Explores unanswered questions and mysteries in science and technology.

Unlocking Us with Brene Brown

Conversations on vulnerability, courage, and empathy.

Up First

Quick updates on the day's top stories.

Where Should We Begin

Real-life couples therapy sessions with Esther Perel.

You're Wrong About

Revisiting misunderstood events and figures.

Tv Shows

If you want your English to sound more native, TV shows are the happy medium between practice and play. They give you visual context and expose you to different accents and cultures. Choose shows you enjoy to keep yourself entertained and motivated.. Pro tip: Watch with English subtitles to help you follow along and observe how characters speak. Perhaps even try mimicking their phrases to practice pronunciation!

Abstract The Art of Design

Abstract The Art of Design focuses on the art of design and the creative process, featuring different designers from various fields in each episode. For example, one episode spotlights a renowned font designer who delves into the intricacies of typography. The series provides insights into the minds of creative professionals, showcasing their work, inspiration, and the challenges they face. It covers a wide range of design disciplines, from graphic design and architecture to illustration and industrial design. Each episode follows a documentary format, blending interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and visual storytelling. This format is particularly useful for ESL learners interested in art and design, as it introduces industry-specific vocabulary and professional terminology while also providing context through real-life examples and discussions.

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown is a travel and food documentary series that explores the lesser-known culinary and cultural landscapes around the world. Bourdain's engaging narration and insightful commentary provide a deep dive into local cuisines, traditions, and social issues. The show is rich in cultural context and conversational English, making it ideal for ESL learners interested in global cultures and food vocabulary. The series' emphasis on storytelling and personal experiences offers a unique learning experience that goes beyond mere language practice.

Atypical

Atypical is a coming-of-age drama that centers on Sam Gardner, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he navigates high school, relationships, and family dynamics. The show provides a nuanced portrayal of autism, offering insights into diverse communication styles and social interactions. The clear and straightforward dialogue, combined with emotional and often humorous storytelling, makes it ideal for ESL learners. It helps in understanding everyday language and expressions within the context of family and personal challenges. The show's portrayal of empathy and personal growth adds depth to the learning experience.

Beef

Beef is a dark comedy-drama that explores the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers, leading to escalating retaliation. The show’s sharp dialogue and intense scenarios provide a mix of everyday and emotionally charged language. The complex characters and their interactions offer insights into various speech styles and cultural backgrounds. The humor, often rooted in dark and absurd situations, helps in understanding nuanced expressions and slang. The show's exploration of human behavior and conflict adds a psychological layer to the viewing experience.

Black Mirror

Black Mirror is an anthology series that explores the dark side of technology and society. Fans of The Twilight Zone will appreciate its thought-provoking and often dystopian stories. The show’s dialogue includes a mix of technical terms and everyday language. Each episode presents different characters and scenarios, exposing viewers to various accents and speech styles. The series offers a critical look at modern life, providing both linguistic and cultural insights. Some standout episodes include "The Entire History of You" and "Nosedive." It’s perfect for advanced ESL learners interested in contemporary issues and speculative fiction.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a comedic take on police procedural dramas, following the antics of a diverse group of detectives in the NYPD. It combines humor with themes of teamwork and justice, featuring fast-paced, witty dialogue. The diverse cast and dynamic interactions offer a rich source of conversational English, making it ideal for understanding humor and improving listening skills. Phrases like "Cool, cool, cool, cool, no doubt, no doubt" illustrate casual speech patterns and enhance the learning process.

Chef's Table

Chef's Table explores the lives and kitchens of the world’s most renowned chefs, highlighting their creative processes and personal stories. The beautiful cinematography and inspiring narratives make it engaging for ESL learners, particularly those interested in culinary arts. Notable episodes include Massimo Bottura and Jeong Kwan, providing insights into different culinary traditions. It’s deeply personal and artistic, celebrating the passion and dedication of top chefs. The series offers a rich source of culinary vocabulary and expressive language related to food and creativity.

Community

Community is a comedy about a group of misfit students at a community college who form a close bond. Imagine The Breakfast Club as a TV series with witty writing and pop culture references, great for learning contemporary English. Each character has a unique way of speaking, providing exposure to various accents and vocabulary. The humor often involves wordplay and situational comedy, helping with understanding idiomatic expressions. The show’s satirical take on education and college life offers additional cultural context and makes it an entertaining learning tool.

Cosmos

Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos explores the universe and our place in it. The complex scientific concepts are presented in an accessible manner, making it an excellent resource for ESL learners interested in science and astronomy. The series covers a wide range of topics from the origins of life to the mechanics of the cosmos. It’s expansive and enlightening, offering a scientifically rich viewing experience. The clear explanations and engaging visuals make complex topics easy to understand.

Explained

Explained is a documentary series that covers a different topic in each episode, from technology to social issues. If you like TED Talks, this show’s clear narration makes complex topics easy to understand. This series simplifies and explains various topics, from science and history to culture and technology. Notable episodes like "Billionaires" and "Astrology" offer concise explanations of complex issues. It’s perfect for learners looking to expand their knowledge across diverse subjects. Each episode provides exposure to specialized vocabulary in an accessible format, enhancing both language skills and topical understanding.

Friends

Friends is a classic sitcom that follows six friends navigating life and relationships in New York City. The humor and relatable scenarios offer a glimpse into American culture through everyday situations and colloquial language. The diverse character interactions provide valuable exposure to conversational English and cultural nuances. The clear and simple dialogues and jokes are perfect for beginners to practice listening and comprehension. The show's popularity and timeless appeal make it a perfect starting point for learners looking to watch and learn in English. Iconic phrases like "How you doin'?" and "We were on a break!" are widely recognized.

Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls is a heartwarming drama series that follows the lives of Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory in the small town of Stars Hollow. The show's witty and fast-paced dialogue, filled with cultural references and idiomatic expressions, provides a rich resource for learning conversational English. The interactions between the quirky town residents and the central mother-daughter duo offer insights into American family life and social dynamics. The series has a dedicated following and emphasizes relationships and personal growth, making it an engaging and educational watch for ESL learners.

Killing Eve

Killing Eve is a thrilling drama that focuses on Eve Polastri, a British intelligence investigator, and Villanelle, a skilled assassin. Their cat-and-mouse chase is filled with intrigue, psychological depth, and dark humor. The show’s diverse accents and sharp, witty dialogue make it excellent for ESL learners who want to improve their understanding of nuanced English and fast-paced conversations. The vibe is suspenseful, edgy, and darkly comedic, keeping viewers thoroughly engaged while they learn.

Love Is Blind

Love Is Blind follows singles who talk to potential love interests without meeting face-to-face in this social experiment, aiming to form connections based solely on emotional bonds. The unique format and romantic drama offer insights into conversational English, relationship vocabulary, and social experiments. It’s intriguing and emotional, and at times quite dramatic! Perfect for when you want to consume more content without worrying about advanced plots. The show provides practical examples of everyday conversational language and expressions related to dating and relationships.

Modern Family

Modern Family is a beloved sitcom that portrays the lives of three interconnected families, each representing a different facet of contemporary American family life. With its mix of heartfelt moments and humor, the show explores themes of relationships, parenting, and societal norms. ESL learners benefit from the diverse accents and slang, including Gloria's Colombian English and the kids' more youthful expressions. The episodes are quick, wholesome, and guaranteed to make you laugh. It’s perfect for understanding different American dialects and gaining cultural insights.

Next in Fashion

Next in Fashion is a reality competition series that features talented designers from around the world competing to become the next big name in fashion. Each episode challenges contestants to create innovative and trend-setting designs within tight deadlines. The show provides industry-specific vocabulary related to fashion, design, and textiles, making it ideal for ESL learners interested in these fields. The interactions between contestants, hosts, and guest judges offer insights into critique language and creative processes. The engaging format and high stakes make it an exciting watch for anyone passionate about fashion trends.

Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation is set in the Parks Department of the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. This mockumentary-style comedy provides humorous insights into local government and community dynamics. The diverse characters and relatable situations offer a rich source of everyday English and cultural references, making it a great choice for learners to understand informal speech and community-related vocabulary. Although it takes about half a season to get into, the show's optimistic tone and comedic elements make it both enjoyable and educational. Phrases like "Treat yo' self" highlight informal, colloquial expressions.

Planet Earth

Planet Earth explores various aspects of Earth's natural environment with breathtaking visuals and detailed information about wildlife and ecosystems. The clear and informative narration is suitable for improving listening skills and expanding vocabulary on environmental topics. It’s awe-inspiring and educational, providing a visually stunning exploration of nature, ideal for learners interested in geography, biology, and conservation. The documentary style ensures learners can follow along with clear and precise language, enhancing both comprehension and retention.

Shameless

Shameless focuses on the chaotic life of the Gallagher family in Chicago, exploring themes of poverty, addiction, and family dynamics with a mix of humor and drama. The show offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of American life, providing valuable insights into conversational English and slang. Its depiction of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds makes it a rich resource for understanding different facets of American culture. The blend of comedy and drama offers an engaging and multifaceted learning experience. The show's raw and unfiltered dialogue provides a deep dive into informal language and street slang.

Shark Tank

Shark Tank is a reality TV show that features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors, or "sharks," in hopes of securing funding. The show provides insights into business vocabulary, negotiation skills, and presentation techniques. The interactions between the entrepreneurs and investors offer practical examples of persuasive language and professional jargon. It's an excellent resource for learners interested in business English and entrepreneurship, as well as understanding the dynamics of investment and startup culture. Viewers will pick up on key phrases like "For that reason, I'm out" that are well-known among fans.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things is a sci-fi drama set in the 1980s that follows a group of kids uncovering supernatural mysteries. Fans of The X-Files and E.T. will enjoy its nostalgic feel and thrilling plot. The show’s dialogue includes 80s slang and expressions, offering a fun way to learn conversational English. The interactions between the diverse characters provide various speech patterns and vocabulary. The mix of suspense and adventure keeps viewers engaged while learning. The natural, youthful dialogue makes it exciting and nostalgic, perfect for understanding idiomatic expressions and slang from that era.

Ted Lasso

Ted Lasso centers on an American football coach who moves to the UK to manage a British soccer team. The cultural clash and humorous situations provide a rich mix of British and American English, offering unique linguistic exposure. The show's positive messages and relatable characters make it appealing to both sports fans and non-fans alike. It is ideal for understanding cultural differences and improving listening skills with varied accents. The series balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it engaging and educational for ESL learners.

The Bear

The Bear is a gripping drama about a young chef from the fine-dining world who returns home to run his family’s sandwich shop after a tragedy. The show’s intense and fast-paced kitchen environment exposes viewers to a wide range of culinary vocabulary and idioms. The realistic dialogue and emotional storylines make it engaging for learners. The cultural insights into the culinary industry and the depiction of Chicago life add depth to the viewing. Watching this show helps in understanding the language used in high-pressure work settings. Phrases like "Yes, chef" have even entered mainstream vernacular thanks to its popularity.

The Expanse

The Expanse is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. It follows a disparate group of characters as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between Earth, Mars, and the Belt. The show's intricate plot and diverse cast offer a deep dive into advanced English vocabulary related to politics, science, and space travel. The dialogue includes a mix of formal and colloquial language, providing a comprehensive learning experience for ESL learners. The show's complex narrative and engaging storylines make it ideal for those interested in science fiction and political intrigue.

The Good Place

The Good Place is a comedy series that explores the afterlife and moral philosophy through the journey of its main characters. The clever dialogue and philosophical themes provide a unique blend of humor and thought-provoking content. This show is excellent for learning conversational English and deeper vocabulary related to ethical and philosophical discussions. It offers a fun yet educational approach, making complex ideas accessible through engaging storytelling. The diverse characters and witty exchanges make it a valuable resource for language learners. Key phrases like "What the fork?" provide examples of playful language in an imaginative context.

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian is a Star Wars spin-off series that follows the adventures of a lone bounty hunter in the outer reaches of the galaxy. The show blends action, adventure, and rich storytelling with minimal dialogue, making it accessible for ESL learners. The clear and concise speech, combined with the visual storytelling, helps learners understand context and improve their listening skills. The series' mix of American and British accents, along with its unique cultural references, provides a varied learning opportunity.

The Great British Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off features amateur bakers competing in a series of baking challenges, judged by professional bakers. The wholesome and friendly environment makes it an enjoyable watch, with a focus on creativity and skill in a supportive setting. It’s excellent for ESL learners interested in baking and British culture. The vibe is wholesome, charming, and friendly. The interactions are rich with specific vocabulary related to ingredients, techniques, and baking tools.

The Night Manager

The Night Manager is a thrilling drama about a former soldier who helps take down a dangerous arms dealer. Think of it as a mix between James Bond and Homeland. The show’s exciting story and international settings introduce viewers to different accents and formal English. The intense plot keeps learners engaged. Additionally, the series offers insights into global politics and the world of intelligence work, providing context for learning advanced vocabulary and expressions. The intricate storyline and diverse characters make it a rich learning experience.

The Office

The Office is a mockumentary-style comedy that portrays the everyday lives of office employees at Dunder Mifflin. It offers humorous insights into workplace dynamics and relationships, providing a rich source of conversational English and office-related vocabulary. The characters' interactions and humorous situations make it engaging for learning English, especially for understanding workplace jargon and casual speech. The show's darker humor and commonly quoted lines make it both funny and insightful. Catchphrases like "That's what she said" add to its appeal.

The One

The One is a drama that explores the consequences of finding your perfect match through DNA testing. The futuristic setting and dramatic themes provide an intriguing mix of vocabulary related to technology, relationships, and identity. It’s useful for ESL learners who enjoy speculative fiction and are interested in the impact of technology on society. The dialogue includes advanced vocabulary and scientific terms, providing a comprehensive learning resource.

The Three-Body Problem

Based on the acclaimed Chinese novel, The Three-Body Problem explores humanity's first contact with an alien civilization during the Cultural Revolution. The show's complex themes of science, technology, and philosophy provide rich material for advanced vocabulary and critical thinking. The dialogue is sophisticated, making it suitable for ESL learners who enjoy deep, thought-provoking content. The narrative's intricate details and scientific concepts offer a challenging yet rewarding viewing experience.

This Is Us

This Is Us is a heartwarming drama that follows the lives of the Pearson family across multiple generations. The show explores themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of family relationships. The rich tapestry of interconnected stories and strong character development provide extensive exposure to everyday language, emotional expressions, and cultural references, making it deeply personal and emotionally engaging for ESL learners. The conversational style includes emotional and reflective dialogues that help in understanding nuanced language and expressions.

When They See Us

When They See Us is a powerful miniseries based on the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of teenagers wrongfully convicted of a brutal crime. The show’s intense and emotional narrative provides exposure to legal terminology and formal English. The realistic dialogue and portrayal of social injustice offer insights into American legal and societal issues. The series also highlights the impact of media and public perception, adding a critical cultural perspective. Watching this show helps in understanding complex language and themes, making it a compelling educational resource.

Movies

Movies are an entertaining way to immerse yourself in English for an extended period. They provide rich storytelling, cultural references, and natural dialogue, helping you improve both listening skills and vocabulary. Choose genres you love to keep the experience enjoyable and engaging. Pro tip: Start with subtitles in English to follow along more easily, then challenge yourself by turning them off as you get more comfortable. Try repeating key phrases to practice pronunciation and intonation!

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