Find learning materials.  You can take a course to learn a new language, read books, listen to CDs, or whatever option will work best for you.  Figure out how you want to learn and prepare the materials to do so.

 Set aside time to study.  Studies show that it is easier to learn languages when study is in short, frequent bursts so plan to study for 15 minutes each day, rather than 2 hours once a week.

 Find someone to study with.  A study-buddy will make you more likely to stick to your schedule and can help you with pronunciation errors you may not notice on your own.

 When doing your homework, be precise.  Look up tenses and gender because you will not be able to in conversation.  Homework is practice for real speaking, so practice right.

 Increase your vocabulary by using flash cards.  Write a word in English on one side and the foreign language on the other.  Carry these in your book bag, briefcase or purse and quiz yourself at the dentist office or before bed.

 Be realistic.  You will not learn a new language in a month; you've been learning your first language your entire life!  Work hard and it will be no time until you are conversing like a native.

Learning A Language

 Submerse yourself in the language.  Go to restaurants from the culture, go to dinner at a friend's house who speaks the language or rent a movie.  The more exposure to a language you receive, the more you will learn.

Find a native speaker to converse with.  You will be able to practice your speaking as well as hear the language being spoken.  This will make future conversations easier.

Make it part of your daily life.  Subscribe to a newspaper, receive email with new words or buy a calendar featuring new words.  Make sure that you are coming into contact with the language daily.   

Do not give up.  If you take breaks, much of what you learned will be lost.  Continue studying every day and you will be surprised at your progress.