This was a game-changer

While I had traveled before, nothing compares to the experience of studying and living abroad for several months. You not only get to see the culture of the town where you're living, but you get an appreciation for the differences that exist in this world, and it forever expands your point of view.

I had learned Italian previously, but there is an instant gratification to learning something and then going out into the world and using it that very same day. My recommendation is that you force yourself to have five solid conversations with strangers each day. Not only will it strengthen your language skills, but speaking to someone in their native tongue is empowering and enlightening.