| Before going on your next vacation or business | | | | First is online. There are endless websites that can |
| trip abroad, consider learning some of the | | | | help you start learning a particular language. offers |
| language that is spoken where you're going. You | | | | free online words and phrases with audio that you |
| can get started learning easily and relatively | | | | can use to pick up the basics. is also an excellent |
| inexpensively. Learning the local language can | | | | source with some more in-depth tutorials for |
| enhance your travelling experience, sometimes in | | | | many languages. You can also do a search on any |
| ways you never thought of. | | | | search engine for "learn spanish" or "learning |
| You can begin with just a few greetings and | | | | chinese" or any other language, and you will find |
| phrases, progress to a more 'survival vocabulary' | | | | many sites with free tutorials. |
| level, or if you really like, you can go ahead and | | | | There are also loads of commercial products to |
| spend months studying the language in-depth. In | | | | help you learn a language, many designed for the |
| any case, if you find you like speaking and learning | | | | traveller. There are books, tapes, cd's, videos and |
| the language, you can always expand on what | | | | software products. In some cases, there are |
| you've learned at first and further your study. | | | | combination packages that can be very |
| Why learn the language? For one thing, it is easier | | | | comprehensive. The Pimsleur line of audio tapes |
| to deal with the local people if you speak even a | | | | and cd's are ideal for a simple, pain-free |
| little of their language. Don't assume everyone | | | | introduction to a language. The Living Language line |
| speaks English. Numbers, greetings, directions and | | | | of book and tape combo's are also relatively |
| simple questions are not very hard to learn and | | | | inexpensive and effective. RosetteStone, Teach |
| are very useful. The locals will appreciate the | | | | Yourself, Transparent Language and many others |
| effort on your part, and in fact, you may receive | | | | provide products for whatever medium you are |
| slightly better treatment than you would | | | | most comfortable with that can get you started |
| otherwise. In a perfect world that wouldn't be | | | | learning a language. |
| true, but every little bit helps. | | | | Another possibility is a class or tutor. The personal |
| Improving communication with the locals is | | | | interaction between people is what language is all |
| important. By learning some of the language, you | | | | about, so for many people, this is the best way |
| reduce the possiblity of miscommunication. | | | | to begin learning a foreign language. You can also |
| "Please," "Thank You," "How much is that?," and | | | | go one step further and take a 'learning vacation.' |
| "Where is ..." are all easy to learn and can go a | | | | This is an immersion class or learning tour in the |
| long way toward friendly encounters. These | | | | country you are going to. |
| phrases can be very handy for all the times you | | | | Just about anywhere you go it will benefit you to |
| go to restaurants, buy something, take a taxi etc. | | | | learn the local language. Learning a language for |
| Travel is simply more fun when you speak the | | | | travel will broaden your horizons and present you |
| language. It's all part of the adventure. Learning | | | | with a growing list of opportunities for your |
| the country, the people and the culture will | | | | future. The bottom line is to enhance your travel |
| expand your possibilities. By learning another | | | | and just have fun. Learning even a little of a new |
| language you can increase your social contacts | | | | language will make travelling easier and more |
| and travel opportunities. Work, study and even | | | | rewarding, with minimal risk on your part. You |
| retirement abroad all become more possible. | | | | may even find it enjoyable enough to continue |
| So, how do you go about starting to learn a new | | | | your study further. If you can improve your |
| language? There are lots of different sources you | | | | travelling experience, and add a valuable life-skill in |
| can use to get started. | | | | the process, then why not do it? |