As you prepare for your trip abroad, one of your biggest questions may be, “Do I need to know the language?” Even if you are participating in a program where you will be learning the language, It will help you feel more comfortable if you take some time to study before you go abroad.
There are many accessible resources you can use to learn a language, including getting language books, CDs and DVDs from your local library, video store or bookstore. There are also many incredible resources available online, and it can be overwhelming figuring out which source is the best from all that is out there.
AFS-USA has compiled a list of resources which will help you learn the language of the country you will be visiting. Please note that these are supplementary resources; we encourage you to continue to do your own research and utilize your library, bookstore and video store!
Multi-language Resources
- Palabea: (http://www.palabea.net) A language learning network that provides video, audio and writing opportunities to learn a new language.
- LiveMocha: (http://www.livemocha.com) A language learning community, complete with games and interesting exercises.
- BBC Languages: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages) The BBC provides free audio and video languages courses, as well as cultural tips and stories.
- Internet Polyglot: (http://www.internetpolyglot.com) Polyglot is a games and exercise-oriented site that uses fun tools to help language retention.
- 12 Essential Phrases in 36 languages: (http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix)
- Language Learning Community: (http://www.busuu.com)
Arabic
- Madinah Arabic: http://www.madinaharabic.com/index.htm
- Free Arabic Podcasts: http://www.arabicpod.net
Bahasa Indonesia
- Bhasa Kita: http://www.bahasakita.com
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=10141&adv_search=true
Catalan
- 12 Essential Phrases: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/catalan.html
Chinese
- Free Chinese Podcasts: http://chinesepod.com/?a_aid=9f400033&a_bid=a40cade6
- Chinese Learner: http://www.chineselearner.com
- Free Chinese Lessons: http://www.freechineselessons.com
- Beginner: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/Chinese
- Shared learning activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=9&adv_search=true
Czech
- 12 Essential Phrases: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/czech.shtml
Danish
- Shared learning activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=12&adv_search=true
Flemish
- 12 Essential Phrases: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/flemish.shtml
French
- Free French Podcasts: http://frenchpod.com/?a_aid=9f400033&a_bid=8841142c
- Beginner to Intermediate: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/French
German
- Goethe-Institute Site: http://www2.goethe.de/z/50/linaleo/start2.htm
- BBC German Language Learning Site: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/german
- Shared German Language Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/german
- Beginner: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/german
Hungarian
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=10984&adv_search=true
Icelandic
- 12 Essential Phrases: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/icelandic.shtml
Italian
- Free Italian Podcasts: http://italianpod.com/?a_aid=9f400033&a_bid=4af8dbc2
- Beginner: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/Italian
- Shared learning activities: “>http://www.quia.com/shared/Italian
Japanese
- Beginner: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/Japanese
- Shared Learning Activities: : http://www.quia.com/shared/japanese
Latvian
Norwegian
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=10762&adv_search=true
Portuguese
- Beginner: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/portuguese/
- Shared learning activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=10782&adv_search=true
- Recommended by AFS Brazil: huuhilo/portuguese”>http://www.saunalahti.fi/huuhilo/portuguese
- Grammar and Phrases: huuhilo/portuguese/”>http://www.saunalahti.fi/huuhilo/Portuguese
Russian
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=84&adv_search=true
Spanish
- Free Spanish Podcasts: http://spanishpod.com/?a_aid=9f400033&a_bid=1e0f2ada
- AFS Costa Rica Language Learning Site: http://afs.or.cr.z.m6.net/Varios/flash.text/Curso/Curso.html
- Test your Spanish (Quiz): http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish/gauge
- Pronunciation, Grammar, and Verb Drills: http://www.studyspanish.com/freesite.htm
- Beginner to Intermediate: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/Spanish
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/Spanish
Swedish
Turkish
- Shared Learning Activities: http://www.quia.com/shared/search?category=114&adv_search=true
More to come!
- Dutch
- Finnish
- Malay
- Maori
- Swahili
- Thai
