Brushing Up On A Foreign Language...For Free!

I want to brush up on my foreign languages--my Spanish, at its highest point, was Intermediate but that was years ago. My trip to Costa Rica reminded me that those skills are buried deeply. I also took a couple of Swahili classes--more recently, during my Graduate School years, but I was only ever a Beginner.

I've been flirting around with the idea of purchasing Rosetta Stone or a similar language package, or even taking formal classes. I'm still considering that, but before I spend any money I'm going to try these free techniques:

1.) Read Online Newspapers
They’re constantly updated, culturally relevant, and can help language learners of all different levels. Following one news story over several days or weeks will also help learners refresh learned vocabulary, since the same words and phrases are likely to repeat.

2.) Learner Community Site
Check out sites like Busuu, Duolingo, and Livemocha. They're social networks for language learning--they allow you to connect with native speakers and help improve your vocabulary.

3.) Music
Immerse yourself! Listen to classic songs or ones you already know in English. Also, utilize YouTube! You can usually find songs in another language with English translations as subtext.

4.) Language Exchange Groups
Meetup.com, Facebook, even Craigslist and other such sites have lots of options for Language Exchange. Also check out mylanguageexchange.com or conversationexchange.com.

5.) Podcasts and Apps
Download to your iPod or listening device and listen regularly.

6.) Library Resources
I wouldn't be a good librarian if I didn't tell you to check your local library! Lots of public libraries have language learning software--yes, there might be a waiting list, but it might be worth it. Also check for books and other useful resources.