8 Sources for Online Classes You Can Take Right Now, No Matter Your Interests

We’re about two months into the “new normal” of social distancing, and you’re forgiven if you’re starting to feel a bit…restless. Many people are using this extra time spent indoors to pick up new activities and hobbies—after all, what else are you going to do with all that extra energy? While you might not be able to sign up for an in-person cooking class or enroll in a lecture at a local university, the good news is that the internet has plenty of options for online courses. From crafting to professional development, we’ve rounded up the best places online to learn something new, no matter what you’re looking for.

Even if you can’t travel abroad right now, scratch that wanderlust itch by learning a new language. Babbel is one of the best resources for doing just that, right from your computer or phone, whether you want to become fluent or just pick up the basics. With a focus on the practical tools you need to start having everyday conversations (and an individualized approach), you’ll be saying more than “Bonjour” in no time. Magnifique! 

Buy: Babbel Language Course, $12.95 for one month

Whether you simply want to learn something new, or you’re ready to perfect your secret talent, MasterClass gives you access to the experts who can make it happen. With over 80 experts teaching courses ranging from acting to cooking (and even interior design!), MasterClass brings the world’s best teachers right into your home. Right now, you can buy two All-Access Passes for the price of one, making it an ideal gift for you and a loved one.

Buy: MasterClass All-Access Pass, $180 for one year

Have you been thinking about trying your hand at Photoshop or polishing up your leadership skills? LinkedIn Learning offers over 15,000 courses that will help make you a standout candidate the next time you pass around your resume. Receive course recommendations tailored to you and earn a certificate to tout on your LinkedIn profile, plus access LinkedIn’s Premium Career features with your subscription.  

Buy: LinkedIn Learning, $29.99/month

When it comes to learning about something new, and maybe even getting a degree in it, Coursera is a fantastic (and affordable!) online option. Featuring collaborations with over 190 leading companies and universities, including Google and Yale, Coursera offers courses and programs in everything from coding to psychology. Hundreds of the courses offered are free, while paid courses provide additional hands-on projects and quizzes, plus a certificate upon completion.

Buy: Coursera Classes, start at $39

If you’re anything like me, getting crafty might not come naturally to you. Thanks to Bluprint, learning how to quilt, sew, crochet, and even bake couldn’t be easier. These expert-led classes make learning new crafts simple and fun, and there’s a 7-day trial period so you can be sure you love it before purchasing a subscription. You could even try sewing a few DIY face masks for you and your friends!

Buy: Bluprint Subscription, $7.99/month

Turn your passion into a business or simply discover a new hobby with CreativeLive’s expert taught classes. With live classes streamed 24/7 so you can learn at your own pace, CreativeLive offers a wide range of courses that will help you hone in on your creative skills, like photography, graphic design, and even audio engineering. While a monthly subscription costs $39, right now CreativeLive is offering a discount on their annual subscription: $149/year compared to the typical price of $299/year.

Buy: CreativeLive Subscription, $39/month

You know Airbnb for its vacation rentals, but did you know they offer online experiences? While their popular in-person experiences are paused, you can explore unique activities like trigger point therapy or farm-to-table Mediterranean cooking right from home. These affordable online experiences (the cheapest one is just $1!) are a great idea for a virtual girl’s night or a stand-in for a cancelled trip. 

Buy: Airbnb Online Experiences, start at $1

Use this time to try out a new workout routine from home with Openfit. You can stream thousands of live and on-demand workouts from certified trainers around the world, and if you really want to commit to a healthy lifestyle you can even make personalized meal plans in the Openfit app. (And if you’d rather try something a bit more casual, we rounded up all the best workout classes you can take for free right now.)

Buy: Openfit, $39 for 3 months