Free Resources for Learning French on the Internet

Believe it or not, it is possible to learn a new language on the Internet for free.  There are numerous resources that claim you can learn French fast, but few are actually free of charge.  A site called about.com offers French lessons regardless of skill level.  You can learn pronunciation via the audio library.  Each site at about has its own guide which gives it a personal touch.  If you are an intermediate student or took French in high school but cannot effectively use it,  brush up with the material at this site.  Check your progress through the self-graded assessments.  Cultural aspects of the language are discussed in the guide’s blog.
 
If you have studied a language for any length of time, you know that practice is essential to retaining vocabulary and grammatical concepts.  Conversation is also essential, and communicating with a native French speaker is necessary in order to acquire a rich accent.  Find a French correspondent.  This can be via a pen pal site, e-mail, or Skype.  In addition to providing actual conversation, voice chat will prepare you for the spontaneity only immersion can bring.  You will acquire the rhythm and vocabulary only through hearing and using the language.
 
No language course is complete without reading and writing practice.  Find interactive short stories on the Internet and practice reading them.  At first, stick with bilingual stories or those with many photos to promote comprehension.  AS you progress in proficiency, try to read stories without a translation.  Make daily writing assignments in French for yourself.  Start with basics and make the assignments more difficult as you become more proficient.  Ask your correspondent to critique your writing.  You should be able to learn French, understand a new culture, and make a new friend in the process.  The best part is these options are available at no cost to you from anywhere you have Internet access.