In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, it can be hard to feel like you’re making the most of your time. While we all love binging Netflix and sleeping in until noon, you probably find yourself wishing that you were being a bit more productive. Maybe you’ve thought about learning a new skill or getting started on a new career path but you’re not sure where or how to begin.
Fortunately, there are tons of amazing online services now offering free or discounted classes that will equip you with brand new skills in tons of areas, including learning a new language or mastering cybersecurity. We have created a list of 8 of the best programs out there that can get you started on becoming the best and most badass version of yourself.
1. SkillShare Offers Thousands of Classes
Still trying to find your passion? There’s no better place to figure it out than SkillShare, which offers thousands of classes that cover nearly every topic imaginable, including illustration, design, business, photo & film, and lifestyle. Want to learn craft personal essays from Roxane Gay or get an introduction to the fundamentals of DSLR photography from Justin Bridges? You can do both, as SkillShare is currently offering two months of free access.
2. PCSgrades Is the Ultimate PCS Resource
Moving too often turns into a living nightmare but PCSgrades can help your PCS experience be as smooth and painless as possible. PCSgrades is currently offering free webinars available that tackle everything related to PCSing in order for you and your family to be fully prepared to navigate the post-quarantine life, including helping you find a realtor early for when lockdown is over, area guides for new duty location research, and Realogy Military Rewards, which allows you to earn $350 to $7,500 cash back when you buy or sell a home.
3. Master a Second Language with Rosetta Stone
Just because you didn’t pay attention enough during high school Spanish, doesn’t mean it’s too late for you to become bilingual. Rosetta Stone offers lessons in more than 20 languages, including Spanish, French, and German. A subscription is only $12 per month but if you are a student, you can get three months of Rosetta Stone for free. And even if your school days are behind you, they are still offering a three-day trial so you can get a head start on your linguistic journey.
4. Creativebug Lets You Express Your Artistic Side
Are you finally ready to unleash the artist that’s been inside you all this time? Creativebug offers classes in drawing, painting, sewing, and pretty much any other type of artistic endeavor you may be interested in. Subscriptions typically cost $8 per month but right now, they are offering two months of classes for free, so you can try your hand in a few different subjects or really dive deep into your passion project.
5. Udacity Equips You for the Future
If you are looking to set a career path that is set firmly in the 21st Century, you can’t do much better than Udacity. The educational organization equips students with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the world of tech. Udacity is offering one-month free nanodegrees, which includes access to classes in artificial intelligence, programming, and autonomous systems. A month usually costs $400, so this is an amazing opportunity to learn some relevant skills that could set you up for the career of your dreams.
6. Become a Master of CyberSecurity with ICSI
As the world moves increasingly online, cybersecurity is one of the most valuable skill sets a person can have. And now is your chance to become a cybersecurity expert through the International Cybersecurity Institute’s official Cybersecurity Program, which will give you an in-depth, comprehensive education on modern network security. The program costs nearly $600 but it is currently being offered by ICSI for free.
7. HomeSchoolPiano Makes Learning the Piano Easy and Fun
Learning to play the piano can seem like a daunting task but HomeSchoolPiano is the perfect companion to guide you as you try your hand at tickling the ivories. HomeSchoolPiano was created to teach people of all skill levels, even people who have never played before. A subscription usually costs $17 per month but you can currently access HomeSchoolPiano Level 1 for free until September 1, which includes video lessons that offer an introduction to piano fundamentals and live practice sessions.
8. Calm Helps You Achieve Mindfulness
Diving into the world of meditation can feel impossible without the right guidance and that’s where Calm sets itself apart. Calm is the #1 app for meditation, relaxation, and sleep, offering you the tools to mindfulness through guided meditations, relaxing music, and audio-lessons that help you get a better night’s sleep. A subscription is $70 per year but you can currently try it for three months for free. There’s no reason to not give it a try and be on your way to living a happy, healthy, and mindful life
This article is sponsored by PCSgrades.