Practice English with a native English speaker. Arrange your lessons so that half of the conversation is in English, and the other half is in the non-English speaker's language. Also known as conversation exchanges, this approach offers a low-key opportunity to start practicing basic conversational English immediately. Ask a family member, friend or co-worker to help you, and meet as often as both schedules allow.
Attend free classes in your community. Many places of worship, libraries and community centers offer English classes at no charge. The classes can range from beginner to advanced. Students may have to purchase their own texts or workbooks for the class. The style of the class may vary, with either an emphasis on speaking English only during instruction or using a combination of English and the native language of the majority of the students, such as Spanish.
Watch TV and listen to the radio in English. While it may be difficult in the beginning to understand what's being said, it's helpful to constantly listen to English. Many TVs have a subtitle option. Program the subtitles to English, and read along in English while you're watching. Listening to slow-tempo songs in English can also help the English language student learn new words.
Watch videos online. There are free English instruction videos for beginners on a number of websites. Follow along and repeat the phrases that are spoken (they may be spelled out on the screen as well). Wear headphones and review the videos in a quiet space so as to not disturb others. If you do not have an Internet connection, visit a public library, which should provide free Internet access.
Purchase an English language learning system, if this is within your budget. These systems can be expensive, and their results depend on the user's commitment as well as the quality of the program.