Check all your technical requirements. Make sure you have a fast Internet connection, the right equipment and plenty of memory. Online content for language courses usually involve large video and audio files. You'll need the memory to open them and the speed to run them.
Conduct a search for online courses, such as Rosetta Stone or Berlitz. These programs operate similar to college online courses but are more intensive and the learning is one-on-one and self-paced. Choices include subscription-based (which costs the most) or CD-ROMs. They also can be a combination of subscription and CD, with software-based language learning such as Rosetta Stone, Auralog and Fluenz. These are self-paced systems that use a multiple imaging technique with audio to instruct learners at a pace and discipline you can be comfortable with.
Once you've found a program that will work for you, purchase it. A combination of Internet and subscription-based DVD/CD-ROM program for offline work would be ideal, but only you can determine what will work within your schedule and your budget.
Develop a plan, and stick to it. Learning on your own requires discipline. Set aside time every day, or every other day exclusively for learning. Find a quiet place in your house, away from noise and interruption.
Find an audio companion CD set for off-time time, or a listen-and-learn program--they make great learning opportunities when stuck in traffic. Audio can be transferred to an iPod to listen while walking, jogging or working out. Some programs are exclusively listen-and-learn, and priced as little as $24.95. Musical Brain Trainer is a more subliminal series that allows you to learn vocabulary through lyrics and songs even while you fall asleep.
Use the free Internet language sites in between lessons, such as BBC Languages at bbc.co.uk/languages/. These include short audio or video clips with practice lessons and drills, good for both teaching and learning in multimedia.
Watch daily news in the foreign language by tuning into the country's webcast news stations and reading the newspaper when possible. Stations such as such as France's Le Monde at lemonde.fr/ provide opportunities to hear the spoken language while gaining a sense for local and national culture.
Watch movies in the language you are learning. Many foreign films are available in DVD and can be rented from any movie store. They'll contain English subtitles to help you listen and make auditory connections.
Practice writing and speaking the language. When writing, check any words you're unsure about by using Microsoft Word's "Translator" option, available under "Tools" and "Language," or use translation software or a handheld electronic dictionary such as the pocket-sized iTravl.