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Language learning and FSI course guides

Expert insights and practical guides for FSI language learners

Discover comprehensive guides, expert tips, and in-depth analysis of Foreign Service Institute (FSI) language courses. Our articles help you maximize your language learning journey with these time-tested materials.

How you can learn a language by yourself – A Year of Self-Study

In just one year, you could be speaking fluently a foreign language - without any formal course just self-study. I will show you how in just a few easy steps.

Improving Your Listening Skills – The Essential Tips You Need

Understanding a foreign language is hard! It takes a lot of listening practice. But I have here some excellent techniques to conquer your audio comprehension.

FSI language difficulty

FSI language difficulty - want to find a language to learn that's in the easy category? Maybe you want to give yourself a challenge and learn the hardest?! These are the easiest and hardest languages for native English speakers to learn!

Which Foreign Language Should You Study?

How do you decide which language to learn? Maybe you already know - due to a love interest or a necessity at work. If not, come and explore with us which language would suit you best!

14 Reasons to Learn a Foreign Language

Wow, these 14 reasons to learn a language tell it all. If you were ever unsure about learning a language, these 14 reasons tell you why you should.

Headstart Courses – An Introduction and Study Guide

The headstart courses are different from the FSI courses, being produced by the DLI (Defense Language Institute). The format is different as is their purpose. Here is a study guide to help you best tackle the headstart courses.

My absolute favorite site for achieving fluency

I have used many language apps/websites over the years. But this one site keeps me coming back for more because it's so effective.

21 Bad Language Learning Study Habits You Should Avoid

Stop these bad language learning habits! - 21 habits you should avoid.

How to Improve Your Speaking Skills in a Foreign Language

If you could choose, would you rather be fluent, or have native-like pronunciation? What are the differences? Here's how to improve your fluency and pronunciation!

How to Use the FSI Drills for Maximum Gain

They're not fun, nor sexy, but they work! The FSI learning drills, how to use and get the most out of them.

How to Give Your Vocab Retention Skills a Boost

Learning a language requires you to learn and retain a large vocabulary. A lot of people struggle with this, but there are some tricks you can use to make this more effective.

This YouTube series accelerated my language learning from day 1

I want to share with you one of my greatest finds for learning a language. A YouTube series that has a wealth of natural street dialogue. It's very entertaining and helped me get on top of German from the very start.

How to master your first foreign language

Here I discuss the means to be a successful language learner. How do people learn languages? What traits do they have that make them succeed where others fail miserably?

My Plans for the FSI courses

Here I discuss my short-term and long-term plans for the FSI language courses, the web application development and creation of new course materials

The Pros and Cons of the FSI language courses

Taking an in-depth look at the pros and cons of using FSI language courses. Are they worth using? What is bad about using such old courses?

Differences between Basic, FAST, HeadStart, and Programmed FSI courses?

There are 4 different types of courses produced by the FSI/DLI. Basic, FAST, HeadStart and Programmed Introduction. What are the differences between these courses? Here I will explain the differences.