The first step in choosing the best language courses is to determine what language you want to learn and why you want to learn it. Some language courses will focus on functional, day-to-day speech, while others will be more thorough and teach you the grammar basics from the beginning. If you are looking to learn a little bit of the language for an upcoming trip, for example, you may want to choose language courses that teach you as much functional phrases as possible in a short amount of time, but if you want to learn the language for long term use, you may want to consider a series of courses that start with the basics and work up from there.
Look into language courses at a local community college, if there is one nearby. See if they offer courses on the language you are considering learning, and be sure to research the cost of each course. College courses can get expensive, so be sure you can afford the coursework. Determine what your educational goals are before enrolling, and choose a program that will give you the language learning that you need for your purposes. It is important to research who is teaching the language courses as well: look for instructors who are native speakers of that language, and be sure they can also communicate effectively in your native language.
Some language courses are complete immersion courses, meaning once you step into the classroom, you are bound to speak only the language being learned. You will leave your native language at the door, and you will work to communicate only in that foreign tongue. This method works well for some students, and it may be jarring and confusing for others. Such courses are usually reserved for upper level and experienced students, while lower level classes will combine both the learner's native tongue and the new language being learned. Be sure to choose the method that works best for your learning style.
Self-directed language courses have become increasingly common, and you may purchase a computer program and accompanying reading material that will guide you through the language learning process. Such courses will work best for people who are good at self-directed learning, but if you are a learner who needs face to face interaction and guidance, such coursework may be difficult for you. The advantage of such programs is that it can be done at your leisure, at any time of day, whereas some classes at a community college will take place at a certain time every day. If you need more guidance but still need a flexible schedule, consider online distance learning courses.
