The best Business English courses online

Do you feel comfortable and confident when speaking English at work? Can you say all the words you need when you need them? Or are you constantly searching for words and worrying about making mistakes?

If you answered yes to that last question, I can imagine you might feel like your current English level is holding you back at work. Maybe you don’t speak up as much as you would like in meetings, or maybe you don’t volunteer to give presentations or meet with clients.

When faced with any of the challenges above, just know that you’re not the first person to feel that way and wonder what you can do about it. The very first English course I taught in the Netherlands was actually a Business English course.

Let me tell you a story about an engineer I had in that class named Arthur.

Arthur was taking an Advanced Business English course because he felt uncomfortable in meetings at his company. He told me that he didn’t have the confidence to speak in English in large groups and that felt self-conscious that other were negatively judging his poor English language skills.

At that time, I wasn’t overly culturally aware. I had only been living in Europe for about 3 months and had just moved from Spain to Amsterdam. In Spain, I had been teaching General English and Academic English courses. This course Business English course in the Netherlands was my first time teaching professionals. 

After Arthur told me about his struggles, I told him something that I thought would make him feel better, but also something that at the time I thought was true.

I said something like: 

“Well Arthur, I understand why you would feel that way, but you really shouldn’t. You speak so much better English than I speak Dutch, and I’m sure most other English speakers you meet feel the same way. So there’s no need for you to worry too much about your English not being perfect.”

What Arthur said back to me would change the way I approached teaching English forever. He said, in a direct and almost sharp way only a Dutch person can:

“Lucas, I don’t care if my English is better than you’re Dutch. What I care about is that if I can’t speak English well enough to express myself in my company meetings, they’re not going to listen to me. They’re going to listen to my colleagues who can speak English better than me. And then they will get more projects, get promotions, and ultimately become more successful in the company than me. That’s what I care about.”

That really hit me. Hard.

Not only did I instantly realize my ignorance, but I also realized the true goals of all 10 people in that class. 

They didn’t want to be good at English “for a non-native speaker.” They wanted to be as good of English speakers as they could be. 

They wanted excellence. Or as close to it as they could get.

With this newfound knowledge and understanding, my motivation for teaching the course shot through the roof. I wanted to help these students achieve excellence. I made it my mission to make this the best possible Business English course they could take.

And all of our hard work, theirs and mine, paid off. By the end of that 10-week course, every person in that class was speaking English at a level miles above what they were before. And the difference was easy for me to see.

At the end of that course, another student, Rolf, told the class that he felt the course was so valuable, he considered it to be like a “mini-MBA in English.” That praise makes me proud to this day.

It guided me as I taught all of my further Business English courses, and it helped me to create the online Advanced Business English course that I offer now. So I’m proud that I can offer you the tool to chase excellence that I provided to Arthur and his classmates.

My Advanced Business English course

It’s a 12-week online course I designed using the hybrid-learning model, that way you can maximize your speaking time during your lessons while still getting the same high-quality, easy-to-understand teaching. 

You’ll also get a new set of vocabulary words each week, along with various practice exercises and a quiz for each lesson. Each week after doing your online lesson and homework, you’ll speak for one hour with a teacher who will guide you through speaking sessions where you can practice the skills you’ve learned and will correct your mistakes.

By the end of this course, you will have no problems speaking English in international settings at work, conferences, meetings, presentations, or interviews. And hopefully 12 weeks from now I’ll be adding your personal review to the list with Arthur and Rolf’s.

What is a Business English course?

A Business English course is a specialty English-language course designed to help you improve your communication skills, and confidence, and develop English proficiency for the workplace. With so many options available, deciding which course is the best fit for you can be challenging.

Just in case you don’t like my Business English course offering, I’ve compiled a list of the nine best Business English courses to consider. These courses are selected based on their quality and popularity among English learners like you. I will briefly introduce each course and discuss its specific features.

Advanced Business English by the Weaver School

Advanced Business English by the Weaver School is the best for those who want to improve their English communication skills in a business context and advance their careers in a global marketplace.

One of the unique features of this course is its focus on developing effective language-learning habits that will last for years. The course is based on the most proven neuroscience behind adult language learning and uses various techniques to help learners build these long-term habits. 

These techniques include encouraging mistakes and giving clear feedback, spaced repetition, active recall, and automatic feedback on homework exercises. This approach ensures that you improve your English language skills in a sustainable way that will make sure your improvement lasts long after you finish your course.

The course also uses a "blended learning" approach. You will receive grammar instruction as a video lesson with an accompanying PowerPoint presentation every week and 15 new vocabulary words along with flashcards.

The highlight of the course is that you can practice your speaking skills for 100% of your live lessons with your teacher. You will discuss relevant business-related topics while your teacher corrects your mistakes and gives precise feedback on how you can improve.

If you want to improve your communication skills in a business context or advance your career in an international workplace, our Advanced Business English course has everything you need to succeed.

Course features:

We recently launched an improved learning dashboard that offers a wide range of features to help students get the most out of their courses. 

• Updated vocabulary words: You will be provided with a comprehensive range of business-related vocabulary to help them communicate more effectively in a business setting. These flashcards will automatically be available to you in Quizlet so you can study these words as flashcards.

• A guided practice section is designed to help you develop your language skills by providing you with various exercises and activities that focus on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The guided practice makes sure that you understand the grammar before you start the rest of your homework.

• A free practice section that provides you with more opportunities to practice your language skills and make guided mistakes. This section includes a variety of exercises and activities that allow you to apply the language concepts you have learned in contexts that you might face in the real world. You’ll get automatic feedback when you submit your homework exercises so you can see what you got wrong and why. You don’t have to wait for a teacher to grade your homework and send it back to you.

• Weekly quizzes allow you to measure your progress and evaluate your understanding of the course material. The quizzes are designed to test you with instant feedback on your performance, making it easy to identify areas where you need to improve. We also do some tricky things with your dopamine system, giving intermittent rewards in the form of “bonus points” and annoying signals when getting a question wrong.

• A progress tracking feature that enables you to track your progress towards fluency. This feature gives learners like you a clear understanding of your language development. It helps you stay motivated and engaged in the learning process.

Overall, the Advanced Business English course by the Weaver School will provide you with a comprehensive and innovative approach to language learning that helps you improve your business English skills and develop effective language learning habits that will last for years. The course's personalized feedback, innovative learning techniques, and consistent testing are just a few benefits that make it stand out among other courses. 

When you’re to start your path towards English fluency, just sign up for a free account and register for your course.

Business English Course for ESL Students by Udemy

This online course, offered by Udemy and called Business English Course for ESL Students, is intended for students who are not native English speakers and wish to improve their English proficiency in a professional setting.

The course covers various topics, including business vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and communication skills, such as giving presentations, negotiating, and composing emails. This class is appropriate for students at all stages of learning English, from complete novices to proficient speakers.

Course features:

The price is one of the best aspects of Udemy's Business English Course for ESL Students because it is reasonably priced. The course's price is affordable, making it available to students who need more financial means to enroll in more costly classes.

In addition, the course is intended to be as adaptable as possible, enabling students to learn at their own pace and according to their own timetables. This function is beneficial for working professionals who have many other obligations besides their studies but still need to make time for them.

On the other hand, you could find the class difficult or decide that you would instead learn a language through a more individualized method. The students are responsible for setting their own pace throughout the course, which may be better suited for students who want more structure and direction in their educational pursuits.

Udemy's Business English Course for ESL Students is an outstanding option for those who are not native English speakers but wish to develop their language abilities in a professional setting.

Business English by EF English Live

EF English Live is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of language courses, including Business English. Business English by EF English Live is a course designed to provide learners with a flexible and personalized online learning experience. 

Course features:

The adaptability of the learning environment is a major component of Business English by EF English Live. The course is flexible enough that students can study at their own pace whenever it is convenient for them. This is a good feature for working adults juggling school with other obligations.

The fact that Business English by EF English Live takes a fresh approach to teaching the language is another one of its many advantages. The course incorporates several methods, such as interactive video lessons, live sessions, and individualized feedback, to assist students in learning and retaining the language. This method assures that students gain proficiency in the target language and acquire the abilities necessary to study independently.

Some students, however, may find the material to be too difficult, or they may prefer a different method. The self-paced course may not work for those who do better with more structure and direction. Moreover, one-on-one classes with a tutor may be the preferred method of instruction for some students.

If you're looking for a convenient and tailored online course to help you improve your business English, go as far as EF English Live's Business English. This course is ideal for professionals who want to enhance their language skills but have limited time due to work or other obligations because of its creative approach to language learning, tailored feedback, and adaptability. 

Business Partner by Wall Street English

Business Partner by Wall Street English is an online course that gives students more freedom and variety in their study schedules. The course is designed for working professionals who need the flexibility to learn when and when it works best for them. 

Course features:

The customized lessons in Business Partner by Wall Street English are a major selling point. Tutors are allocated to each student so that they may receive individualized attention and instruction. This individualized method guarantees students the help they require to master the target language.

In addition, the course uses a wide range of multimedia resources, such as movies, audio recordings, and digital activities. Learning a new language may be a lot of fun with the help of these materials! The course is also meant to help students hone their presenting, negotiation, and email writing skills, which are highly useful in business.

Even with this, the course may prove difficult for some students, especially those who learn best through more conventional means. Learners on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere, as the course is more pricey than many others offered online.

Suppose you're a professional looking to enhance your business English in a convenient, engaging, and individualized online setting. In that case, Business Partner from Wall Street English is a good option. 

Business English by Berlitz

Berlitz is a well-known language-learning institution that has been providing language classes to individuals and businesses for quite some time now, specializing in business language programs.

A word of honest warning here: I used Bertlitz to take Dutch lessons and my experience was less than ideal. It took weeks for them to respond to me about setting up my Dutch lessons even after I had paid thousands of dollars. 

And then after I decided I was going to move to Korea and wanted to change my language to Korean, that took them almost 3 months to do! And that included many emails that I sent to them asking for updates that never got replies.

Long story short, I didn’t end up starting Korean lessons until I was in Japan ?.

However, with all that said, I had nothing but good experiences with the actual teachers and course content at Berlitz. The teachers were knowledgeable and friendly. But overall when I consider the price I paid and the problems I experienced with the platform, I can’t give it my personal seal of approval. 

Course features:

Berlitz's Business English course is meant to be taken at the student's own pace and with as much or as little interaction with the instructor as desired. The course is given through an intuitive online system that students can access anywhere. 

The course's emphasis on practical, business-oriented communication is one of its many strengths. Students can use their newly acquired language skills in various authentic business contexts throughout the course, including presentations and negotiations. There are several benefits to taking this course, not the least: the individualized feedback and engaging learning resources it provides. 

Some students may find the course difficult or prefer a more conventional method of studying a foreign language. Learners on a tight budget may want to look elsewhere, as the course is more pricey than many others offered online. Some students may also do better with a business language course focusing on a specific topic or a more structured language study method.

Business English by Berlitz is a viable option for working adults seeking to hone their corporate communication abilities in a flexible, self-paced, and engaging online format.

Business Training training by Preply

Business English is one of several language courses available on Preply, a huge VC-funded online tutor platform company. Professionals who desire intensive one-on-one instruction in business English can enroll in their Business Training program.

Course features:

Preply's Business Training Program is a one-on-one program designed to accommodate the hectic schedules of today's working professionals. All aspects of communication, from corporate vocabulary and grammar to voice and presenting skills to bargaining and email writing, are covered in depth throughout the course.

The intuitive design of Preply's platform facilitates communication between students and their tutors, monitoring of their progress, and the scheduling of lessons at convenient times for both parties.

Preply's business English training courses introduce students to various topics for successful professional communication. The course accommodates students of all skill levels by adapting to their preferences and goals.

Yet, this one could seem pricey to sure students compared to other online courses. Those who learn well with a more controlled framework may also need help with the autonomy of “self-directed study.” Finally, this course may not meet the needs of students who do better in a classroom setting or work better in a group.

Regarding learning business English, this course is for professionals who want to enhance their language abilities but have limited time due to work or other obligations because of its tailored approach to language learning, flexibility, and thorough treatment of business English themes.

Business English by Lingoda

If you want to develop your business English skills in a comprehensive, adaptable, and individualized online setting, Business English by Lingoda is a good option.

Course features:

The course is flexible enough that students can study at their own pace whenever it is convenient for them. In addition, each student has a private tutor who can tailor their feedback and instruction to their specific requirements and learning style. This individualized method guarantees students the help they require to master the target language.

All aspects of communication, from corporate vocabulary and grammar to voice and presenting skills, to bargaining and email writing, are covered in depth throughout the course. The course is designed to accommodate students of all skill levels by adapting to their preferences and goals.

The course's price may be a barrier to entry for certain students because it's higher than average for online education. Yet, the course's individualized feedback, coaching, and adaptability could be well worth the cost for certain students. However, Business English by Lingoda's self-paced, individualized method may not be suitable for students who want a more conventional framework for their language learning.

If you want to improve your English business abilities and value a tailored and adaptable learning experience, Business English by Lingoda is a good option. This course is ideal for professionals who want to enhance their language skills but have limited time due to work or other obligations because of its novel approach to language learning, personalized feedback, and extensive covering of business English themes.

Business English Lessons by Oxford Online English

Business English is only one of several language courses available through Oxford Online English. If you want to learn business English at your own pace and for free, their Business English Classes course is for you.

Course features:

Business English Classes by Oxford Online English offer a cost-free and flexible learning environment and a wide range of study resources. Presentations, negotiations, and email writing are business English skills covered in the course's video lectures and activities. 

In addition, the course materials may be accessed from any location, making it a convenient choice for people with demanding schedules who wish to advance their language abilities.

The convenience of studying Business English Courses online from Oxford Online English is a major benefit. This course is ideal for those who want to learn a new language but need more time to afford a formal class or prefer to learn at their speed. The course contents are extensive and cover a wide variety of topics related to business English.

It's possible, though, that some students will struggle with the material or prefer a more traditional or advanced curriculum. The course is self-directed, but students receive no individual coaching or feedback. In addition, students motivated to make rapid progress in their language abilities may feel unsupported by the course's self-paced format.

If you want to learn business English at your own pace and for no money, Business English Classes by Oxford Online English is a worth-considering resource. This course is ideal for people trying to enhance their language skills while juggling several other responsibilities. It is easily accessible and covers a wide range of business English themes. 

However, keep in mind that just because you don’t have to pay for the course doesn’t mean it doesn’t “cost” you anything. Whenever you invest significant time into a course, you are indirectly still costing yourself something. 

Make sure a course meets your needs content-wise before committing time to it just because it’s free.

Business English Communication Skills Specialization by Coursera

If you're looking for a comprehensive and well-structured online course that covers a wide range of business English topics and awards learners a recognized certification upon completion, Coursera's Business English Communication Skills Specialization is an option for you.

Course features:

The Business English Communication Skills Specialization is one of many courses available on the well-known online learning platform Coursera. Coursera has worked with premier universities and organizations worldwide to give learners high-quality education from anywhere in the world through its flexible and accessible approach to education.

This is a thorough program designed for students of various skill levels. Each student's needs are assessed and catered to provide a more individualized learning experience. This method ensures students get the help they need to learn the language, which is essential for building self-assurance and fluency professionally.

The course's price may be a no-go for certain students because it's higher than average for online education. Nonetheless, some students may feel that the cost is justified because of the industry-standard certification they would acquire upon completion. Also, the course is tailored to accommodate students of varying skill levels. It's individualized for each student to get the most out of their study time.

Choosing the best Business English course for you

All of these on this list are well-regarded Business English programs to boost your English skills for the workplace. There is a course on this list that is perfect for you, whether you want a course geared to your unique needs or one that provides a broad overview of business English. 

I know that mastering English for business purposes can be a daunting task. Still, with the right course, you can confidently communicate with clients and colleagues, make killer presentations, and negotiate like a pro in no time. 

Pick the right course to suit your needs and start learning as soon as you can. If you’re reading this post it means that you already have some momentum. Take advantage of it and register for a course ASAP. 

Don’t overthink it. Choose the course that makes the most sense for you and works for your budget, and then get going.