Americans Abroad - How to learn a Foreign Language on Your Own

                              If you are like many Americans, we just didn't learn to speak or learn a language at young age. Of course, those of us near Quebec
                              or near Mexico or who have parents and/or family from another country have a head start. Some of us may have studied language in
                              High School or College but to keep this intact we need to keep practicing. But whatever your background, if you are looking to advance
                              your knowledge of a foreign language, we have some advice for you below. We understand that everyone learns a language in their own
                              unique way depending on your time, your schedule and your preferred method of how you memorize best. Try this and see what you think:

Step 1: Shop around and pick an online software program to assist you.
There are many programs out there both
good and bad, but one that I think you will
like is the Rosetta Stone program. Many of
you don't realize this but this software is used
by NASA, US State Department, Universities,
schools, businesses & corporations around
the world. The thing I like best is that it
teaches you with pictures and sounds throughout the whole program and you work
your way up a few levels doing lesson after lesson.

Click here to Try it today. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Step 2: Buy a Dictionary for the language you are studying.
This may be obvious, but if you are taking a language seriously you will always need one handy. Usually, you may even need two. One comprehensive one that you will find most any word. This would be keep at your house. And the second one, would be a pocket one, that you can keep handy while your mobile.

Step 3: Buy a solid, durable notebook.
Any time you come across a word or sentence or phrase you don't know, write it down! Do this consistently and often. If you are conversing with some one and they say something you didn't know, write it down. If you are using an online software program, write down everything you don't know. This helps you place things farther into your memory. Of course, you won't remember everything you write in this book immediately. That's why you use this book to read, recite & review.

If you don't go through one, two or even 3 or more notebooks of notes, grammar tips, etc, then chances are you are not making your best effort.

Step 4: Use an online language translation service (dictionary)
There are many translation progrma out there. One is on our AnAmericanAbroad.com homepage and under the category "Tools & Guides", you will find a sub-directory called "Translation". Use this daily when you need to look up words or sentences. I used it everyday while using Rosetta Stone. If there is a word you don't know, just type it in this translation service.

However, there is a software that makes your life easier by Babylon. You install this on your computer & even your mobile phone and every foreign word that you need to translate, you just click on the word while browsing on the internet or use it with email and documents. One click will save you lots of time copying & pasting. This is dream for folks like us learning a language. Click here for more information and to download a trial copy. Over 4 million users use this to get instant translations, Download Today!

Step 5: Try and surround yourself
with people who speak this language
One of the easiest ways to keep yourself motivated and to learn more at a time is to make contacts with those who speak &
write the language you are learning. Join a local group in your city, Join an online chat room and practice, or keep yourself in that country and make sure you surround
yourself with that language. You need a place where you can make mistakes and learn from them and a place to practice.

Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice

Your purpose is to expand & grow. Don't give up. Be persistent and keep focused on your goals. And don't be afraid to make mistakes!

Good luck!

Brian

AnAmericanAbroad.com

PS: We will be adding more recommended softwares & tips for learning a language so check back from time to time. If you have any tips or recommendations, do email us.