Introducing the basic concepts of machine translation and post-editing (PE), this paper points out that PE is growing rapidly in the language service industry, and then surveys the status quo of its application in translator training, foreign language learning, development of translation techniques, and writing. Based on this survey, this paper shows various problems of PE in language learning in terms of learner orientation, ethics and translators’ status. It is further pointed out that though researches in PE are immature and inadequate, its potential impact on learners deserves greater attention. Instead of simply boycotting PE, foreign language teachers and translation trainers should learn more about it in order to take countermeasures proactively.