Are you interested in learning French for travel or living abroad? If so, head over to Matador Abroad and read Thais Chalencon’s article How to: Learn French for free. In her article, Thais explains how she learned French in France on a budget, and she provides a range of resources to help you do the same.
Thais writes, ‘Having lived in France since June 2009, I can tell you that it is possible to learn French without spending a single Euro. I studied 20 hours a week, and after five months I was fluent enough to get my first job as a waitress.’
She also provides a list of resources for learning French online.
In addition to Thais’ list, I’d like to add some resources of my own that you can use to learn a variety of languages.
Italki.com
I just love Italki.com for learning languages. You can either connect with other language learners to practice your chosen language on Skype or in Italki’s classroom, or you can take classes with professional language teachers or community tutors. The rates depend on the teacher and how long your lesson will be. I’m using it now to learn Hebrew and Esperanto and I’m very pleased with the teachers I’ve chosen. I plan to take the occasional French class to brush up on my French next year.
Mango languages
Check with your local library to see if they offer Mango Languages. This is an excellent online program (free at your library) that offers about 16 languages including the usual such as French, Spanish, German and Russian as well as Greek, Vietnamese, Hindi and more.
Use the library locator link at the bottom of their homepage to see if your library has Mango.
Learn a language in the virtual world of Second Life
The virtual world of Second Life offers the perfect language learning environment. While this may not be for everyone, if you enjoy virtual worlds, have the right computer equipment and are willing to put in a little time to learn how to get around, you can not only learn, but practice a new language.
I entered this world as part of an Introduction to Archaeological Theory course I was taking through the University of Leicester and I never left. When I learned you could take language courses in-world, I signed up for an introductory Spanish course in a virtual classroom. With voice enabled and a microphone/headset, it’s easy.
Meetups and hangouts for French speakers
In addition to or instead of taking actual classes, you can hang out with native French speakers through groups on Meetup.com, or you can attend language practice gatherings or events such as those offered by the French Institute Alliance Française, which has locations in many cities including this one in New York City.
Get an international penfriend
Another way to practice a foreign language is to correspond with an international Pen Friend. It’s easy to find one through International Pen Friends (IPF) whose goal is to connect people of similar ages and interests through postal mail.
With more than 7 million members in over 251 countries, you can find plenty of letter-writing friends to practice French with (or any other language).
There is a small fee to join… and of course, you’ll have to buy stamps to mail your letters, but if you choose to do this you will be richly rewarded by learning about a new culture, making new friends, and having the chance to practice a new language.
