VOA Learning English Podcast

Voice of America launched its Special English service in 1959, making this one of the oldest English teaching programs in the world. The podcast version carries that decades-long tradition forward, offering news and feature stories read at a deliberately slow pace — about one-third slower than standard VOA broadcasts. Reporters use a core vocabulary of roughly 1,500 words and avoid idioms, giving beginning and intermediate learners a realistic chance of understanding real news content without getting lost. The programs are designed by certified American English teachers and cover a wide range of subjects. You will find segments on American history, science, health, economics, education, and everyday life in the United States. The format varies across different shows within the Learning English umbrella — American Mosaic covers people and culture, the Education Report tackles study-related topics, and Explorations gets into science and technology. All of it is delivered in that trademark measured pace that has helped millions of people around the world build their comprehension skills. What makes VOA Learning English different from most podcasts on this list is that it is a government-funded news service, not a commercial product. There are no premium tiers, no upsells, no membership fees. Everything is free, and the content is rooted in real journalism rather than manufactured scenarios. The rebranding from Special English to Learning English happened in 2014 to encompass a broader range of teaching materials, but the core philosophy has not changed. For learners who want to practice their English while staying informed about world events and American culture, VOA provides a uniquely trustworthy and accessible resource.