I’m an 82 year old American who was fascinated by foreign languages as a young person. I was determined to learn several, if possible.

It proved more difficult than I imagined because I couldn’t become fluent in formal study. I know now that everyone has their own best way to learn and mine is listen-and-repeat, like a child. I became fluent in French by living with French people who spoke no English, plowing through the humiliations. It took ten years, and I had both talent and interest.

People who expect to learn a language with infrequent classes instead of 24/7 practice are going to realize sooner or later it can’t be done. How did you learn your native language? Think about it.

You will be fortunate to encounter the occasional passionate student who actually loves the language you teach and has the persistence to make progress. Anyone learning a language is also learning a culture and a vision of life.

That is actually a rare person.