Learning English programs use a limited vocabulary and short sentences. They are read at a slower pace than VOA's other English broadcasts. Our broadcasts were formerly known as Special English.

A short video explaining a word or term used in news stories

Learning English is VOA’s multimedia source of news and information for millions of English learners worldwide. Learning English began as Special English, which Voice of America launched in 1959. Special English newscasts and features were a primary fixture of VOA’s international shortwave broadcasts for more than half a century. In 2014, our line of products was expanded to include more English teaching materials, and the service became known as Learning English.

New developments in science, space exploration, environment and technology

How Americans use English grammar in everyday conversation.

A short video explaining an expression used in American English

Arts & Culture is our weekly program about music, pop culture, society and life.

Innovations and trends in education in the United States and around the world.

As It Is takes a daily look at issues in the news in the United States and around the world.

Learn English as you read and listen to news and feature stories about health, medical and lifestyle topics.

Do you have a question about English? Go ahead and Ask a Teacher.

Words and Their Stories programs explain idioms and expressions that many learners of American English find difficult to understand.

U.S. History explains the history of the United States. Each report tells how the country and its people have developed.

Classic short stories that introduce American literature to intermediate English learners.

The day's hottest issue in social media.

Are you an English learner? Do you have a smartphone? Great! You can learn English "on the go" with content published on www.learningenglish.voanews.com ( We do not own any of our content. Not in any way affiliated with VOA )

George Washington. Abraham Lincoln. John F. Kennedy. Millard Fillmore? Some U.S. presidents are better known than others. “America’s Presidents” tells each of their stories: when they lived, what they were like, how they governed, and why Americans remember them.

Learn English as you read and listen to a weekly show about developments in science, technology and medicine. Our stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

Learn English as you read and listen to a weekly show about education, including study in the U.S. Our stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.