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.

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.

How Americans use English grammar in everyday conversation.

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

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

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

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 )

New developments in science, space exploration, environment and technology

A short video explaining a word or term that viewers are likely to hear in the news. Each video offers an example from broadcast news stories and an explanation that often include additional meanings that occur in other contexts.

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.

The day's hottest issue in social media.

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

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

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.

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.

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 news and feature stories about health, medical and lifestyle topics.

A short video explaining an expression used in American English