Decide which languages you want to tackle and arrange them according to how closely they resemble your native tongue. For example, if you are a native English speaker and want to learn Chinese, Spanish, French, and Arabic, then it is advisable to start with Spanish and French first because they are within the same language family. Also, once you learn one language, adding another will not seem as hard.
Buy language materials for each targeted language. Since you want to learn a new language every year, a wide variety of language materials should be used. Rosetta Stone is good for establishing foundations, but you will need to also listen to dialogues in that language. There are many websites that teach languages through podcast methods. This is becoming more and more popular with language learners. For example, if you want to study Mandarin Chinese, it is recommended to first use a beginner's textbook along with listening and pronunciation tools so that you can master the sounds of Mandarin. Once you have done this, signing up at a website like chinesepod.com can greatly benefit being able to speak the language in a natural, up-to-date way.
Set reasonable goals for yourself, such as a new word amount per day. Since the goal is toward proficiency within a year, you should at least be at the advanced level before nine and a half months of studying. If is a language very similar to your native language, you should aim for completing the elementary level in two to three and a half months. If it is a language far different from your native tongue, you may have to take three to five months to complete the elementary level. Test yourself with proficiency tests during each level of elementary, intermediate, advanced, and proficient.
Register for classes, find a tutor, or a native speaking language partner. This all depends on your personal preference, financial situation, and locational circumstances. If you cannot leave your home country, then finding a tutor or taking classes is your most viable option. Take accelerated classes as well, because if you want to learn a language in a year, you will need to be at the advanced level after eighth months of studying. Finding a language partner has the best value financially and personally. Many websites offer ways for language learners to connect and teach each other.
Find a method for studying that works best for you. Flash cards are a good way to remember words. Syntax takes time getting used to, and making diagrams of where nouns, verbs, objects, and adjectives and adverbs are properly placed in the targeted language is a solid method. Grammar patterns and conjugations a lot of times need to be memorized, and repetition along with visual learning is usually most helpful.
Study for multiple hours a day. If you are a Westerner studying an Asian or Middle Eastern language, you will have to devote nearly a full-time schedule towards learning that language in a year. Luckily, in today's technological world, you can study almost anywhere.
Live the language. If you are not in a country where that language is widely spoken, then find native speakers to practice. Also, repeating things in that language every chance you get can help ingrain words into your mind. For example, every time you say something in your native tongue, think about how to say it in the language you are learning, and repeat it to yourself.
Prepare to take a fluency test once you have reached the advanced level. Since a year is the time frame, you will want to master the language at elementary level after four months, then take another four months for the intermediate level. The last four months should be set aside for newspaper and story reading of the language, advanced speaking and listening exercises, including test preparation.