Why learn French ?

Whether you're looking to pick up a few useful phrases before you go on holiday or want to become more than just another tourist, to get more out of your travel it helps to know a few phrases.

But doesn't everyone speaks English?

No! Especailly if you're going off the beaten track. A winning smile and hand gestures will usually get you by, but if you were never very good at charades it always helps to be prepared.

Rocket Languages

Rocket French offers a free six part trial introducting you to basic French. We've tried it, and particularly like this program because it has been designed to be effective and easy-to-follow. It's interactive and useful for complete beginners and those who want to improve their existing skills. It's completely free, all you need to do is register your email address!

You won't get spammed and your information be passed on to any third parties. If you find that the Rocket French free trial has worked for you and want to learn more, then you can always upgrade to the complete course. Go to Rocket French

Here's what one of their users said:

"I moved from England to France in June 2004... I tried Rocket French and found that its structure was exactly what I was looking for, I have now been using Rocket French for nearly a year and have been involved, as a user, in its progress. Now through this course my French has improved rapidly and I'm able to hold conversation with the local people. I have no hesitation in recommending Rocket French to any person, at any level of French, as an excellent way to learn and improve their French." Keith Ross BERSON, FRANCE

Michel Thomas

We also like Michel Thomas for his unconventional teaching style, no books or homework and hypnotic voice. Listen to him teaching other people and pick it up from there. Michel Thomas believes "there's no such thing as a bad student--just a bad teacher".

It's a little on the pricey side and there's no free trial to see if this type of learning style suits you. He does however, have cheaper introductory courses, but if you want to go any further you're going to have to shell out. Go to Michel Thomas at Amazon.com

Rosetta Stone

A well-known name in the the world of language learning. The main difference with this product is that it immerses you in the language, no explanations and no definitions. We found jumping at the deep end a little disconcerting but got used to the style after a few tries.

This is not a quick vacation fix, and should probably be for someone who is serious about spending both time and money on learning a language. This is reflected in the very expensive price tag. Go to Rosetta Stone