[OneHope]

Having done the required number of years of French in school plus two extra years (something which very few people did) I came out knowing really no French.

I was ok with this until I spent a year in Europe and realized that everybody knows two languages.

I am interested in re-learning French. My problem is that I don't have a car (making classes difficult), I don't have any money (to buy anything more than books) and I can't really live anywhere but English speaking places for the next five years.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be the best way of going about learning French. I realize that with my limitations it will be slow going but I'd like to start.

My goal is to work in third world countries when I'm done school and knowing French would be a huge asset.

[Grasshopper359]

Sorry for the late reply - it's been a bit hectic here lately, and I don't get on much.

You are in a bit of a pickle, but it's not a dill. There are online language-learning communities that don't cost anything. I was using www.myonlinelanguageexchange.com to practice Afrikaans, and it was okay. It's mostly writing, but I'm sure you could find someone who would be willing to talk. Basic membership is nada, and if you want to pull out all the stops and go gold, it's six dollars or something. There are dozens of sites like that online, so you shouldn't have any problem finding one that works for you.

[OneHope]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper359

You are in a bit of a pickle, but it's not a dill.

Haha, yeah, I know. I realize that anything will be painfully slow but better to start I guess.

[Unique]

In the meantime, how about listening to movies in french, using english subtitles to help you along? I realize it's not the best way, but you'll get used to hearing it, make out the words and just getting familiar with it.

I'm from Quebec, so my first language is french, and I didn't learn english in school (in fact I find all the english courses in high school and college almost useless). I learned by spending a lot of time with a boy who only spoke english and by reading a lot of english books. My english is far from perfect but when I compare with people who learned it strictly at school, I'm glad I learned the way I did. I do believe immersion and regular practice is the key.

[bobthecockroach]

I think anyone trying to learn any language should read almost everything on this site:
http://www.alljapaneseallthetime.com...and-to-fluency

And check out these forums:
http://how-to-learn-any-language.com/forum/

This should also prove useful:
http://links4languages.googlepages.com/french

[jeano]

I took French in college but didn't really learn it until I went to France and lived there! (Plus taking courses there, in French). I agree.... reading lots of French and watching movies in French, also the online suggestions that were given.
Bon chance!