A handbook for Peace Corps volunteers gives ideas and suggestions for improving second language learning. Chapter one answers some of the most common questions about learning foreign languages, including the best age and means for language learning, avoiding mistakes, dealing with the inability to understand a message, the time needed to master the language, what makes some learners more successful than others, and strategies for learning languages. Chapter two outlines basic strategies used by successful language learners to manage their learning, such as experimenting with the language, recognizing and learning from errors, evaluating progress, and self-encouragement. Ways to organize language learning, including setting goals, deciding on skills priorities, keeping a notebook, scheduling learning, and focusing attention, are the subjects of chapter three. Chapter four gives helpful hints on how to retain vocabulary, grammar, and concepts in a new language. The fifth chapter covers strategies for learning with an instructor or by independent study, and the final chapter presents ways to continue learning the language in specific situations on the job. (Author/MSE)