Language

I've travelled enough to know that it's helpful to know at least a bit of local language from the country visited.  For one thing, the locals appreciate at least some effort being put forth.  So, I'm going to learn some Turkish before I visit.  Right now, I know two words:

Merhaba: Welcome
Bocek:  insect; bug; beetle (This happens to be my friend's last name)

Here are the options I've found for studying Turkish here in Portland:

1.  Audit a class at Portland State University - I confess I was very excited about the idea of auditing a class. I know people who did this when I was in Undergraduate and I thought it was supposed to be cheap.  Well, I was wrong. For some reason, they charge you the same tuition and fees to audit a class as they do to take the class for credit. I'm not paying $600+ for one class that I don't even get credit for.

2.  Purchase Rosetta Stone - I can't tell you how many people have recommended this option to me. I'm considering it particularly because it's not as expensive as it used to be.

3.  Take a class at the American-Turkish Cultural Center here in Portland - I love this idea, but I have yet to hear back from them as to how much the classes cost and other such details. 

4.  Mango for Libraries - A friend of a friend passed this information to me.  It's going to be my first stop because it's free.   Looks like something I can do from home via the computer. 

5.  Talk to Turkish people in Turkish - This will happen after I've at least learned the alphabet and have learned a few things. Fortunately, through my tango network, I've met a couple of Turkish people here in the states who have been more than happy to help me. 

I think my goal will to be through at least a level 2 speaker. I want to know a bit more than just the basics.

Op...one more for me to check out, sent by a friend currently living in Istanbul and studying Turkish:
Pimsleur  Will be checking it out soon!