Looking ahead, so to speak

In a clever ploy to avoid facing how many New Year's resolutions went unmet this year, I'm looking boldly ahead to 2010 with equally ambitious plans. A top priority is learning a new language and what better way to motivate myself than to visit a country where that language is spoken. A few companies book language classes overseas. BridgeAbroad features many schools in South American and also has a teach and travel ambassador program where you teach English in a foreign city and get room and board free. Cactus Worldwide combines 4 hour language classes with sightseeing and restaurants to test your new language skills. World Link Education has shut down its programs in Asia, but still offers classes in France, Spain, and Italy.

On a more practical note, Long Beach Public Library has an online language program available free through its website. All you have to do is log in with your library card