Genine Torres

So you want to learn Japanese? Great choice! But now you're facing that mountain of learning resources, conflicting advice, and the big question: “What’s the actually effective way to learn Japanese?" I've spent years researching Japanese learning methods and tracking the experiences of thousands

Let's be honest—you're not here to read a lengthy introduction about how French is the language of love or how it’ll open doors to amazing literature and culture. You’re here because you want to learn French by yourself, and you want to know

Curious about how to learn German without spending years in textbooks? You're in the right place! German might have a reputation for complex grammar and tongue-twisting words, but thousands of beginners master the basics every year using smart strategies rather than brute-force memorization. The reality is that there’

Back in 2017, I remember standing outside my friend's house in Punjab, my heart racing with excitement like a dhol drum at a wedding. Why? I'd just flown halfway across the world to surprise her on her birthday! But I had another ace up my sleeve

Netflix's "Adolescence" has rocketed to its #1 spot, racking up over 24 million views in just four days. Critics call this four-episode series a television standout of 2025, sending viewers on a desperate hunt for more shows like Adolescence to fill the void after the finale.

Watching anime and spotting words that sound suspiciously English? Yep, that's exactly what it is! Those moments when anime characters say "スマホ" (sumaho) or grab something from a "コンビニ" (konbini) are the best examples of Japanese English words in action. If you’re learning

When I worked as an ALT in Japan, I noticed how students would huddle around phones, stealing every last minute of their break time to watch their favorite anime. Their faces lit up at familiar catchphrases, laughing and mimicking characters with perfect intonation. If you love anime too (and really,

When I landed in Sumida Tokyo as an ALT, I thought I knew enough Japanese to get by. Boy, was I wrong! My first week, I embarrassed myself countless times by using the wrong version of yes in Japanese in different situations. My students erupted in laughter when I casually

Spanish has gotten quite the rep for being one of the easiest languages to pick up if you're an English speaker. And the best bit? You've got tons of resources right at your fingertips to help you nail it! My top recommendation? Spanish short stories! They&