Want to learn Spanish? These apps and online courses are here to help. #rwanda #RwOT

There are roughly 450 million native Spanish speakers in the world and the U.S. already has more Spanish speakers than Spain. If you're looking to join their ranks, then know this: You absolutely can. Learning Spanish is like learning any language. It takes practice, a good teacher, and time — not to mention some effort on your part. And while the best way to learn Spanish is by living in a Spanish-speaking country and completely immersing yourself, taking an online class or two can get you most of the way there.

Is Spanish easy to learn?

This is a subjective question that's pretty difficult to answer. For one thing, language-learning aptitude is pretty personal. What's easy for one person may be excruciatingly difficult for another. While we wouldn't call learning a new language easy on its face, we will say that something that makes Spanish easy to learn is that you're likely to encounter many opportunities for practicing your new skills. After all, Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the world, sandwiched squarely between Mandarin and English. Read more...

More about Spanish, Online Learning, Mashable Shopping, Consumer Tech, and Language Learning

IMAGE: Lengalia

BEST FOR CERTIFICATION

Lengalia

Thorough lessons meet a dated design.

• Price: €59,99 per year (around $73) or €29,99 per month (around $36)
• Free trial: Two days
• Type: Online course
• Spanish level: Beginner through expert

IMAGE: Babbel

MOST FUN OPTION THAT INCLUDES PRONUNCIATION

Babbel

A cut above Duolingo, Babbel makes pronunciation exercises part of its course.

• Price: $26.85 for three months, $44.70 for six months, or $83.40 for 12 months
• Free trial: The first lesson of any course is free
• Type: Web, Android, and iOS apps
• Spanish level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced

IMAGE: Conjuguemos

GREAT FOR INTERMEDIATE LEARNERS

Conjuguemos

A free site to practice conjugating verbs and even learn books of vocabulary.

• Price: Free
• Type: Online course
• Spanish level: Beginner to intermediate

IMAGE: edX

BEST FOR A COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

edX

Simple and effective lessons with a variety of exercises.

• Price: Free
• Type: Online courses
• Spanish level: Beginner to intermediate

$40 from edX

IMAGE: LingoDeer

BEST FOR LEARNING AT YOUR OWN PACE

LingoDeer

It has the design of Duolingo with the structure of a course.

• Price: $11.99 per month, $29.99 for three months, or $55.99 per year
• Free trial: Try the first unit of each course for free
• Type: Website, Android and iOS apps
• Spanish level: Beginner to intermediate

IMAGE: HelloTalk

BEST FOR TALKING TO SPANISH SPEAKERS

HelloTalk

Write pen pals from all over the world with a focus on practicing languages.

• Price: Free or get VIP access for $8.99 per month, $39.99 for three months, or $89.99 for a lifetime membership
• Type: Mobile app
• Spanish level: Intermediate to advanced

IMAGE: News in Slow Spanish

MOST ENTERTAINING

News in Slow Spanish

Catch up on the news while learning Spanish.

• Price: $22.90 per month
• Free trial: Seven days
• Type: Website
• Spanish level: Intermediate to advanced

IMAGE: Coursera

BEST FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

Coursera

Get the college learning experience with Coursera's Spanish specialization.

• Price: $49 per month
• Free trial: Seven days
• Type: Online series of courses
• Spanish level: Beginner