Anonymous wrote:I really empathize with the dilemma. We’re in a somewhat similar situation with German. We’ve been taking weekend classes (parents included), and I strongly recommend the Concordia Summer programs mentioned earlier (03/04/2026, 15:09). For us, that’s been the real rocket fuel—not just for learning, but for making it enjoyable, which in turn helps sustain the rest of the effort. Without that element of fun, I think it would be much harder to keep going.
Another tip that’s helped us: if your child already has a hobby or passion, try to connect it to experiences in the target-language country when budget and travel allow. For example, if they love castles, visit castles. Finding ways to make the language part of something they already enjoy can make a big difference.
Once they reach a certain level, it also becomes easier to reinforce things through fun things—movies, songs, and other media in the target language. Don't know if this is the answer but it's how we've been making our way along. Highschool will be hard when another language is required in earnest. That gives me heartburn. But we are fairly committed as long as our kid is reasonably game which she is thanks to the summer program. We watch and reevaluate every year.
It depends on the language, and what level the child is starting from. I've heard Concordia is much much better at Romance languages, Euro languages, and not so great at Asian. I'm Korean and have hesitated to send DD for that reason. Have heard the level is basically just intro/cultural exposure, which at that price is not worth it. If OP's kids are truly starting at ZERO, it may be worth it for those kids.
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