People learn a new language for a variety of reasons. Some need to speak a second language for work. Some people may have fallen in love with someone who doesn't share the same language (strange, but entirely possible). Others learn a new language for the pleasure of being able to converse with people from other parts of the world in languages other than English.

Whatever your motivation for learning a language, there are plenty of options available to you when it comes to finding tuition. If, for example, you were looking for a Spanish course in London or a Mandarin course in London, the first place you would be likely to look would be in the local Yellow Pages, which contains adverts for hundreds of language schools across the capital. When faced with an extensive list, it makes sense to ring around a decent selection of schools in order to find the best price and hours that suit your needs. The method of teaching in one school may be completely different from in another and it is worth enquiring beforehand to make sure the lessons are right for you.

If you have very particular needs, particularly regarding flexibility and timings, it probably makes sense to seek out one-on-one tuition. The same principle applies whether seeking a French course in New York or a Portuguese course in London. While you will almost certainly have to pay extra for the privilege, the advantage is that you can take a class after work, at the weekends, or whatever time you can agree with your tutor. These courses are popular among people who need to learn a new language for business as they fit around the working week in a way that very few formal courses can match.

An alternative form of Spanish course in Chicago or Arabic course in London (to use two examples chosen at random) is the self-taught course using a CD and text book. While these courses are fine for working on basics such as grammar and punctuation, they cannot prepare you properly for conversation in another language, which is as much about understanding what is being said as about speaking for yourself.

It is worth noting that different approaches suit different learners. Some people, for instance, are only confident when working in a group. Others learn at a faster rate when taught on a one-to-one basis and nobody to hide behind during class time. If you are not sure which category you fall in, it could be worth taking one private class and one group class at a school to see which feels more comfortable and appropriate for you.