I got my assignment letter for French posting just 10 weeks before I had to leave. So there was no time to muck around. I had to get everything in order as well as cross the biggest hurdle, mastering the romance language - French. Like you I initially thought I could learn it for free on Internet.
I wasted two weeks trying to learn French for free on websites. But not very surprisingly there was nothing really great out there. So I started searching around. After researching all professional courses I was left with three choices, Rocket French, Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur French. The choice was fairly easy to make - Rocket French costs only 1/5th of Rosetta Stone and 1/10th of Pimsleur French. I am not against those package but paying 10 times the price for something that has only audio tapes makes no sense. There was no point doing things backward. For those prices I could have hired a personal French teacher.
Moreover Rocket French had something besides audio tracks that attracted me. It provided - Written Grammar Lessons, Vocabulary Software, Audio Software, Software For Verbs and FULL PERSONAL SUPPORT. As if that was not enough they backed it up with a 100% money back guarantee for eight weeks. This was too lucrative a offer to give up. The intelligent decision was to try it. Either, I Learn French In Eight Weeks Or I Get My Money Back. There is nothing to lose!
I think I hit a sweet spot with it. Prior to this my biggest two issues with learning French were how to master a new Vocabulary and native accent. Bingo! the software were designed specifically for these. They (you get three software) provided with proper native speaker audio clips, verbal recognition signs and I could just learn it as a game. I wished I had something similar while I was learning German. I can tell you that learning Vocabulary is a big pain.
The grammar lessons were provided in the same manner as a teacher would do. They have designed it as newsletter, so you get one topic delivered to your inbox. I used to pick them one a day, give it one hour for practice, then do some vocabulary practice with the same grammar rules. Fun and easy to learn!
If you ask me the reason I recommend it so strongly - I will say its the support they provide. You get access to email and forums that have both experts and students like you. It gives a class like ambience where you can raise your questions and doubts. You get the same kind of feedback and advice that you would otherwise get for a $50 per hour trainer.
Its over a few months since I am staying in France. I have had a good time testing my skills and evaluating the Rocket French stuff with the native colleagues. I showed it to my immediate French boss out here and he was amazed -Right now he is looking for a similar software to learn English ;).
I have had a few of my colleagues moving in the same time. They asked me the easiest way to learn French, so I thought putting up this post instead of repeating the same words to everybody. Frankly speaking Rocket French is the way to fly.
There are right now offering a discounted downloadable package for limited time (I don't understand how they are in business at such low prices). Use the link below to get the discounted version.
Click Here For Rocket French Official Site
Btw, they also offer a free six day course - Join it. Its better than most of the free stuff you get online.
Click Here For Free Six Day Course
Good Luck With Your French Learning Adventure!
