Support Us Button Widget
Culture

10 ways to learn a new language in Austin

You’ll be fluent in no time.

January 17, 2023 • 
London Gibson
A group of people sitting around a table studying.

Live the Language offers small in-person Spanish classes and group trips to Mexico City for an immersive experience.

Photo courtesy Live the Language

¿Hablas español? ¿Quieres hablar español?

If you answered yes — or if you had to open a tab for Google Translate — we have just the list for you. Whether it’s Spanish or Japanese, here are 10 ways to broaden your horizons and learn a new language in ATX.

Note: Prices vary depending on program and level of experience.

Live the Language | Spanish
Founded by a mother-daughter team in 2005, this business offers small-sized classes for adults and children, summer camps, and guided trips to Mexico City.

Freestyle Languages | Spanish, French, Italian, English
Take a placement quiz online to gauge your fluency before jumping into online or in-person courses with this Austin-based group.

Austin Public Library | 100+ languages
Access on-demand video courses, review resources curated by librarians, and download talking picture books for kids at your trusty neighborhood library.

Austin Sign Language School | Sign language
Learn ASL at the Texas School for the Deaf, the oldest continually operated public school in the state.

The Language House | Spanish, French
Converse with other learners in small, private group classes separated into levels ranging from beginners to advanced speakers.

Asian American Cultural Center | Chinese, Japanese
Learn Chinese for Traveling or dive deep into conversational Japanese at this North Austin facility — the organization also offers classes in Chinese cooking, art and culture, and wellness.

The Austin Central Library

The Austin Public Library offers resources to learn 100+ languages.

Photo by ATXtoday

German-Texas Heritage Society | German
Kids and adults can learn the language online or in-person at several locations across Austin.

JASGA Austin | Japanese
Fast-track your Japanese learning with this organization’s conversation boot camp.

Austin Spanish Academy | Spanish
Students of all skill levels are welcome at these classes for day-to-day Spanish communication.

Lexody - Austin Language Exchange | Spanish, French, Chinese, Italian, German, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Hindi, Arabic
This free app connects language learners with native speakers in their city to exchange tips and practice conversation.

More from ATXtoday
A black-and-white photograph featuring Lorne Michaels standing confidently with his arms crossed on a television studio set. The foreground includes large camera equipment and operators, while the background reveals additional crew members and an elevated viewing area. The studio lighting and detailed machinery emphasize the bustling production environment.
“Saturday Night Live” creator donates archive to Harry Ransom Center
Lorne Michaels’ archive of prominent films, the famous comedy sketch show, and early works will go on display this fall.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A plane flying over Austin-Bergstrom International Airport at dusk.
Travel and Outdoors
Fly away on one of these nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
You’ll never have to deal with a layover again, because these are just a few of ABIA’s nonstop flights, which will take you to over 100 cities in the US and abroad.
January 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
An elegant spread of vibrant dishes from Ema restaurant, featuring a variety of colorful plates, including salads, roasted vegetables, and entrees artfully arranged on patterned and decorative tableware. The meal includes fresh bread, appetizers, and cocktails, all displayed on a light wood table.
Food
12 restaurant openings to look forward to in 2025
Austin’s food + beverage scene is growing — here are a few new restaurants coming to the Capital City this year.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Thousands of people gathered at Zilker Park, flying kites, in front of the Austin Skyline.
Events
How to navigate our community events page
Never again wonder how to browse for cool events in our city or how to upload your own.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Sarah Leonhardt
The pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock with rainy clouds overhead and a lake surrounding the rock.
Travel and Outdoors
Land acquisition will double the size of Enchanted Rock
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a parcel of land adjacent to the park famous for its massive pink granite dome.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A rendering of a modern community hub featuring a light rail station adjacent to an H-E-B grocery store. The scene includes a paved plaza with people of various ages and backgrounds engaging in activities such as walking, cycling, and sitting at outdoor tables. A sleek light rail train is visible in the background, along with parked cars and lush greenery that frames the area. The architecture of the H-E-B store combines contemporary design with natural materials, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Trees provide shade, contributing to the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment.
City
Peek inside the future of light rail in Austin
Austin’s first light rail project is slated to open in 2033, featuring a bridge over Lady Bird Lake and planned connections to the airport.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Outdoor vintage market stall featuring a mannequin adorned with a straw hat decorated with colorful feathers, a turquoise necklace, and a vibrant patterned shawl. A woman in a white hat and red dress browses the display of eclectic items, including lanterns, brass decor, and textiles. The scene is set under a white tent with a backdrop of trees against a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Your guide to Round Top Antiques Shows in 2025
Here’s where to shop for hidden gems, eat fabulous food, and rest your head at these one-of-a-kind festivals in the Texas countryside.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Three women playing an interactive arcade-style game in a dimly lit room with vibrant neon colors. One woman in the foreground, wearing a red tank top, engages with a console featuring illuminated buttons. A large pixelated LED wall displays colorful patterns, while a timer with '53 seconds' and heart icons are visible on a scoreboard in the background, adding to the dynamic, futuristic atmosphere.
Wellness
Sober-friendly activities in Austin
We’ve found 15+ things to do in ATX that aren’t eating or drinking alcohol.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_Waterloo_amp_concert
Culture
ATXtoday’s collaborative Austin playlist
Looking to localize your music library? Start with this playlist or add a song or two from your favorite Austin-based artist.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A small outdoor micro gallery painted light blue with a clear acrylic roof. Inside, miniature colorful artworks are displayed, including illustrations and paintings, with one piece propped on a tiny easel. The setting features greenery and a residential background.
Culture
How to find a Free Little Art Gallery near you
At these 10 miniature art galleries in the Austin area, you can take a piece of art or leave one for your neighbors to love.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi