Learning a New Language

I am so excited to spend a year abroad in Italy! But what do I need to do to learn a new language? The answer is quite simple actually; I need to practice, practice, practice, and practice. I should buy books that teach me the language and study them everyday for at least 2 hours a day. I should probably invest in the Rosetta Stone, a computer software program that is said to be an excellent tool in learning a new language. It has received rave reviews so it is worth a try of course. Then I should also enroll in a class to learn the language. I could take it at my local high school or community college. Going to a class will force me to study, do work, and ensure that I learn the language because I will have to take tests and do projects. This combined with my own personal study will have to force me that I at the very least learn the basics of the language. Once I learn the fundamentals of Italian, I need to keep practicing it every day. I could annoy my friends by using Italian phrases everyday in unrelated situations, but this will guarantee that I understand how to speak like a regular Italian. Instead of using English words, I should trans;ate them to Italian and then explain to people what they mean. In this way, I will be able to determine if I know the language well enough that I can personally translate it.