A free trip sounds like a lot of fun. But working when you’d rather be sightseeing or lounging by the pool doesn’t sound fun at all. Actually, that sounds like a business trip.

Many jobs involve traveling. You might need to go to another city, state, or even a different country to attend an important meeting, visit a client, or work on a project.

Business trips can be tiring, especially if you have to take a lot of them and are frequently separated from your family because of your job. But every once in a while, taking a trip on the company dollar can be fun, especially if you get to visit an exotic location.

Jeff is about to go on his first business trip. Hear him talk to Amy about what to expect. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Hello!

In the northern part of the U.S., the summer is an exciting time of year. In states like Oregon, Washington, Michigan, New York, Connecticut and Maine, the weather can make life miserable during the winter, but the summers are very beautiful. Many people in Northern states spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer and they plan special events for the summer months.

I will soon take part in a very special summer event. Listen to my conversation with Miguel to hear more about it. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“I believe that you can catch more flies with honey.”

—Ebaby!’s Dominique, speaking about giving her daughter something nice -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

When movies first came out, they didn’t have sound. So stars like Charlie Chaplin became famous by using their hands and eyes to act.

Over the last 17 years, Rowan Atkinson has become famous with a similar technique. Although his movies have sound, his character, a child-like man named Mr. Bean, speaks very rarely.

Since so many of Mr. Bean’s jokes are non-verbal, the movies are just as funny when translated into other languages. Listen to Kevin tell Beren about Mr. Bean’s success abroad. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Tests don’t have to be scary. It seems like a lot can go wrong, but as long as you prepare and stay calm, you’ll be OK. And it’s no secret that being well-prepared helps you stay calm.

American students lose sleep over the SAT, which determines what colleges you can get into. People who live in other countries and want to study in the US have to do well on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or the TOEFL.

When you study for a test, it becomes a big part of your life. You think about it a lot and you might even dream about it. It’s on your mind so much that when you talk about the test to other people, you forget that they may not have taken a test in years.

Amanda’s Chinese cousin is studying for the TOEFL, but she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Watch as Jason fills her in. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Are tests easy for you, or do exams make you freak out? Some people have no problem taking and passing tests. They are able to go to an exam without feeling nervous, and they stay calm during the test. They push through the difficult parts and excel. Sometimes, people like this don’t even need to study. They can ace their tests with very little practice.

On the other hand, most people feel nervous before a test. The most difficult tests are final exams. Many people psych themselves out before a big test. They think about it too much and become more nervous. Feeling this way might give them sweaty palms. This is normal for many people, but it isn’t fun. Some people even feel sick before big tests. They might breathe too much and hyperventilate.

Jessica is nervous about her final exams, but Romeo is calm. Learn his secret in today’s English lesson about taking exams. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

“Blossoming, a beautiful thing that happens in springtime.”

—Ebaby!’s Andy, speaking about new growth -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

What makes you happy?

American singer Pharrell Williams produced a catchy song in 2013 that took the world by storm. Williams’ song “Happy” has topped the charts in over 20 countries, proving that people all around the globe are looking for ways to genuinely celebrate and enjoy the good things in life.

“Happy” was featured in the movie Despicable Me 2, and the song also has a 24-hour music video that allows the song to loop while people all over the world dance to the tune. It’s undeniably a song that millions of people love. However, like most popular music, “Happy” has also been overplayed. While many people still love it, others are tired of hearing it.

Learn Brian and Marni’s opinions about “Happy” in this English lesson about popular music. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Each year, spring brings an explosion of color. From blossoming trees to tulips of every shade, flowers create a sense of joy and new beginnings. Many people like to plant flowers in their gardens. Others like to fill their homes with pretty blooms, or surprise that special someone with a bouquet. But you won’t see Jason planting any rose bushes or bringing buds home from the flower shop. Hear him explain to Amy why he thinks flowers are more trouble than they’re worth. -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com

Who should be the breadwinner in a family? The father? The mother? Or both? In the past, men were often the breadwinners. They went to work and brought home money. Women took care of the children and the house. A woman like this was called a stay-at-home mom.

In our times, there has been a role reversal. Many women work, and some men are willing to stay at home with the children. A man like this is called a stay-at-home dad. Being a stay-at-home mom or stay-at-home dad is not for everyone. Staying at home all day can make a person feel stir crazy. For some people, though, it’s the perfect lifestyle.

Jordin and Andy are talking about stay-at-home dads. Listen to today’s English lesson to find out what they think! -- View this and other great English lessons at www.englishbaby.com