Say What? Learning Languages on the Road (For Free)

Every traveler has had a “wish I could speak the local language” moment. More often than not, communication with non-Anglophiles in a foreign land is reduced to gestures and grins (unless you paid especially good attention in French class). Communicating without relying on words is part of the travel experience. So is overusing the two local expressions that you happen to remember from that phrasebook you thumbed through at Barnes and Nobles.

Is going beyond the basics in foreign language a realistic goal for one who has a limited amount of time and money to travel?

Sure, checking yourself into language boot camp at a local University is one way to go. Going through several hours of language study before heading out for some practice with the locals is a proven method for success. But what if the tuition is beyond your means?

Patching together a self-teaching curriculum is possible, and can be cheap; it can even be free if you know where to look. Language web sites like FSI, Omniglot, and the UCLA language program offer free lessons and links to other free resources. Many local libraries have hard copies of Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone languages courses, or they offer free access to online versions. All you need is a library card and a bit of motivation.

With resources in hand, thrifty travelers can then head of to their chosen destination with the basics in their head. In most places (save Paris, perhaps), locals will be happy (or at least amused) by your attempts. It is easy to glean tidbits about vocab and grammar. How far you want to take your learning experience is up to you. And all that money you would have spent on tuition can go to extending your stay.