Learn French quickly and on the cheap
So one of your New Year's resolutions was to pick up a foreign language.
Whether it be for a planned vacation, connection with a relative, career opportunity, picking up girls, etc. learning a new language can be daunting but rewarding.
And best yet, free.
My situation: given roughly 2 months notice for a new project manager role based out of a manufacturing town in eastern France. One of those months would be spent traveling and studying in China. Four years of Spanish taken in high school but squat French.
The goal: to become as adept at listening and comprehension as possible using after-work-hours in that short window. Pressure and deadlines are excellent motivators - and in a short time I would need to co-exist in a small town with sparse English fluency. Below are some resources I found essential.
iOS Apps
- French.
- FREE French Tutor
- SpeakEasy French Lite
Audiobooks
Podcasts
Instructional Videos
Foreign Films
- Amelie
- practically anything with Jean Reno
News Radio (intermediate)
Local Clubs & Gatherings (intermediate)
The result: Basic comprehension and speaking in only 2 months.
These skills increased greatly after relocating to France and befriending some helpful locals. Maintenant j'aime parler français!