I love reading how others learn languages. I'm learning Portuguese and I use a website called Lingq. (
LingQ - The future of language learning). There's a free version or paid versions. I used the free version for ages and then moved up to the first paid version. The person who set up the system is fluent in 10 languages, most of them learned after the age of 25 (very inspiring for me being a 40 something!). Basically the system is based on listening to natural speech and reading the text at the same time until you start to absorb what is being said. There's no pressure to speak until you feel ready. I find it incredibly helpful.
My general tips are to use your target language at every opportunity - for example I have my facebook in Portuguese and my mobile! Listen to the radio online, keep a dictionary or target language book with you at all times so you can dip into it, listen to music sung in the language you want to learn, watch films, read your favourite novels in your target language, talk out loud to yourself - listen to your accent! Find someone who you can talk with on or offline. Join a forum about something or someone you absolutely love - love and passion are motivating factors! I absolutely adore the Portuguese language, the culture, the people. Study every single day is better than a longer session each week - use the leitner flashcard system as it works with your own level of recall.
I hope those tips help
