Hosted by / Sponsored by: The French Tutorial

Course of Study: French

Course Link: Take this course

Description: This would be a great site to check out, especially if you are heading out to France for the summer. The French Tutorial offers choice selections of web based learning materials that suit your interests. The lessons are broken into chapters and offer step-by-step guides to the language that include audio files, printable materials and even exams. You’ll get interactive tutorials that offer a personal approach to the structure and dynamics of the language.

You may choose from a standard, personal or deluxe lessons depending on your level and preference. Be sure to read carefully the registration process and only select items that are designated as free.  Enjoy and Vive la France!

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Krypos.org

Course of Study: Greek

Course Link:  Take this course

Description: Anyone who dreams of a Greek cruise should have one thing mastered before going: the Greek language. Here’s an opportunity to learn both the modern and ancient Greek language completely free. With a vast collection of 105 audio files, Krypos.org offers a range of lessons for the beginner to advanced level learners. Choose from any skill level and tap into a beautiful and historical language.

Each of the audio lessons run about fifteen minutes each. You’ll have access to tutorials and notes, collaborative tools to help you learn and various language resources. Registration is required to use the site and donations are kindly requested, but this is completely optional because the lessons are free.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: StudySpanish.com

Course of Study: Spanish

Course Link: Take this course

Description: The best way to learn a new language is to actually use it in conversations. That’s the goal of StudySpanish.com, a website that offers lessons and activities aimed at making the language more accessible. The site boasts over a thousand pages of materials, including myriad resources, lessons and downloadable extras.

There’s no one place to start. But, if you’re new to the Spanish language, then the best place to start is the Beginner Spanish lessons. Others may choose the Intermediate Spanish or Advanced Spanish. The site offers resources, such as, audio files to help with correct pronunciation, quizzes, drills and even a word of the day feature.

Anyone who’s serious about taking their studies further may want to explore the travel or study abroad opportunities. All you have to do is sign up as a free student member with your email and you’re all set to begin learning this popular romance language.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: I-Cias.com

Course of Study: Arabic

Course Link: Take this course

Description: Here is a course that teaches grammar, how to write basic sentences and words and how to count in Arabic. The lessons use sounds in mp3 to aid you in learning the Arabic language, so you have a clear understanding of proper pronunciation. Since there are many dialects in the language, the site makes a note that the lessons follow the Standard Modern Arabic, or MSA, without the dialects

With a total of ten lessons to choose from, you may start at beginner’s level if you are brand new to Arabic, or you can go to the more advanced levels if you want something more challenging, or just want to refresh your memory.  The site suggests that anyone new to Arabic start at the very beginning, before learning any Arabic writing. Be sure to check your computer settings to access the mp3 files for the lessons.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Deutsch-Lernen.com

Course of Study: German

Course Link: Take this course

Description: Learning another language should be simple and fun and something you enjoy. Deutsch-Lernen.com may be just what you’re looking for if you want an interactive beginner’s course in German. You can become familiar with words and grammar through different levels of exercises and practice tests. It’s simple and you can practice any time you want.

The course starts with ten lessons where you begin to build your knowledge of the rules of the German syntax. The site includes study tips to help you use what you’ve learned and as you improve, you can progress to the advanced lessons, which are divided into twenty-four different lessons and each lesson includes three practice exercises. There’s also a category in orthography, where you may want to learn about different and interesting facts of the German language. You can laugh at the jokes, as long as you know how to read them.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Centro Studi Italiani

Course of Study: Italian

Course Link: Take this course

Description: Explore one of the most popular and beautiful languages through a new website aimed at making Italian easy to learn. The Italian Electronic Classroom is designed so you can expand your knowledge of the language as the website continues to grow.  Learn about Rome, famous painters, opera singers, and wine. Or, try challenging games and crossword puzzles. You can even get a Pen Pal (remember those?) and converse in Italian.

Since the website is really a work in progress, you’ll have the opportunity to refresh your knowledge often, learn more and even offer suggestions for improvements as the website is continuously updated. Check back every now and then and test yourself to see what and how much of the Italian language you’ve really learned. Take a look at the link to the City College of San Francisco for more opportunities to register for online Italian courses taught by Professor Georgio Spano.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: BBC

Course of Study: Russian

Course Link: Take this course

Description: In this course offered by BBC Languages, you get to learn the Russian language in a fun and creative way. The course follows fictional characters, Chris, from London, and Irina, from Moscow, as they fall in love in the heart of Russia. While you try to guess the meaning of the word or sentence to follow the drama of their lives, you’ll learn the language as you watch a Russian love story unfold.

After the experience of the soap opera, take some time to read some facts, learn the alphabet or listen to mp3 clips of Russian words and phrases. If you’re really brave, go a few steps further and try reading the BBC Russian news website.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Utah State University

Course of Study: Chinese

Course Link: Take this course

Description: This course from Utah State University offers an appreciation and understanding of how to speak and write the Chinese language. Taught by professor, Li Li, Ph.D, the main concentration of the course is on pronunciation and Chinese character writing. Begin with reading and writing in Lessons 1 through 7 and then follow up with practice exercises and the language lab and you should be well on your way to speaking Chinese.

Lessons are approximately one hour long, which you will take four times a week until completion. The course includes video lectures and supplementary materials online. Technical requirements include Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player and Adobe Reader.

Texts

Beijing Language Institute, (1993). Practical Chinese Reader Elementary Course: Book I. Boston: Cheng & Tsui Company

Chu, M. M. (1992). Practical Chinese Reader I: Patterns & Exercises. Boston: Massachusetts, Cheng & Tsui Company

Teng, S. H. (1993). Practical Chinese Reader I & II: Writing Workbook. Boston: Massachusetts, Cheng & Tsui Company

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Elpenor’s Lessons

Course of Study: Greek

Course Link: Take this course

Description: There is something very satisfying in learning a language through the words of myths and legends as you become lost in the texts of ancient worlds. Elpenor’s lessons take you on a journey through the life and times of the ancient Greeks as you study its language through poetry, philosophy and theology. Discover Homer’s The Odyssey or Plato’s works as you begin to learn this beautiful and complex language.

Elpenor’s lessons begin very simply and as you progress and gain experience, you may wish to try more complicated lessons. The website offers many resources, such as audio files and a library, to help you as you navigate the lessons at your own pace. More guidance is available with Elpenor’s blog at the University of Wisconsin, which you can also access on The Greek Word website.

Hosted by / Sponsored by: Carnegie Mellon University

Course of Study: French Language

Course Link: Take this course

Description: Carnegie Mellon offers an introductory course in French Language through the Open Learning Initiative. Divided into 15 lessons each, you can start with French I and progress to French II as you learn and master the fundamentals of the language.

You’ll begin each lesson with vocabulary and grammar recognition before you proceed.  The interactive videos even use French actors to add authenticity to the self guided materials and you’ll always have access to a tutor for assistance.

Each lesson takes approximately one week to finish and the suggested completion time for the entire course is about 30 weeks (or 2 semesters).