Globalization continues to impact almost every aspect of our lives, and the global economy increasingly demands multiple language skills. Many people outside the U.S. are multi-lingual – but many Americans aren’t. For the savvy professional women, learning a second language is probably on her to do list.

Women thrive on accomplishing things that we – and sometimes others – thought we couldn’t. Learning a second language is one such a challenge, whether it’s to finally pick up those French lessons we dropped in college, learn Italian to take cooking or art classes in Florence, or master Mandarin to get in on the burgeoning professional action in China. For some, like me, picking up languages again helps demonstrate we can do it, and share love of learning and language with our kids (my twin daughters have far surpassed my Spanish fluency at the tender age of eight).

While women may well have the enthusiasm and discipline, learning a second language post-college presents its own difficulties. Few of us have the time to commit to traditional evening or weekend classes, or the patience to listen to comprehensive taped lessons that begin with Dick, Jane, and their dog Spot.

But thanks to the new wave of Web 2.0 technologies, mastering a foreign language has gotten a whole lot easier – and more fun. Among the leaders in this brave, new world of personalized learning systems (PLS) is Praxis Language, founded by three Western entrepreneurs who combined their expertise in linguistics, learning and technology to capitalize on the phenomenal growth in demand for learning Mandarin.

PLS reverses the traditional teacher-centric, one-to-many format by configuring the instruction around the learning process itself and the needs of the individual student. The result is a whole new level of sophistication and effectiveness. ChinesePod.com was launched first in 2005, followed by the award-winning SpanishPod.com in 2007 and FrenchPod.com and ItalianPod.com in 2008. And EnglishPod was released in 2009.

In addition to being downright easy to use, such educational delivery systems are – by their very nature – specifically tailored for individual use and quintessentially mobile. Mobility enables language learning via a variety of media – including the PC, iPod, MP3 player, iPhone and mobile phone, giving the user control in a ubiquitous learning environment, available 24/7, that lets her be "immersed in the moment" – any time.

All the modern language student has to do is download any of literally hundreds of self-selected, 10-12 minute lessons – cleverly disguised as entertaining mini-dramas – that come in six different skill levels. Then, when she’s ready to practice her new skills, she signs up for guided discussions or one-on-one lessons via Skype, where she can converse in real time with native speakers from around the world.

LanguagePods appeal to all types of people around the world because of their mobility, personalization and effectiveness. Allowing users to hone in on the specific situations and specialized vocabulary they need, there are hundreds and hundreds of lessons. I’ve pulled out a few to provide a taste of what’s available to the busy woman interested in picking up a second language.

• Traveling to Spain or Latin America? From the basics of how to ask and tell basic information such as name, age, marital status, phone number, nationality to useful expressions such as how to introduce yourself, how to approach someone you want to chat with, how to start a conversation or a relationship, or even what to say when a friend introduces you to someone, SpanishPod has it.

• As an international business woman, you may need to prepare for a meeting in Shanghai or Beijing. Who knew there was so much involved in a simple business card exchange in China! You’ll make a significant impression if you understand the formalities and can make an attempt in Mandarin using ChinesePod,

• As a frequent traveler to Italy, I usually rely on my friends there to help me get by, but with ItalianPod I can tap the appropriate lessons from catching the right bus  to getting out of an embarrassing situation when your cell phone rings in the middle of La Traviata at La Scala.

• Have you ever tried to say "Do you speak…?" in another language? Whether you’re in a Paris café, on a Martinique beach, or in a Morrocan bazaar, learning how to begin a conversation in French is important.

• Learning English could never be easier using mobile podcasts and choose only the lessons that suit your needs.

If you looking to learn a second language while balancing the rest of your life, LanguagePods just might be what you’re looking for.

Written originally for w2wlink.com by Stacie Nevadomski Berdan.

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