Book excerpt: An in situ or "on location" approach to language learning is presented for people going abroad for an extended period of time. The approach features two components: (1) the use of a mentor (native speaker who lives in the community and serves as a guide); and (2) the "daily learning cycle" of planning, practicing, communicating face-to-face, and evaluating. This approach gives the traveler responsibility for learning in real interaction situations with immediate feedback. Examples of topics covered include: benchmarks for evaluation; selection, communication with, and compensation for a mentor; hints for increasing interaction opportunities; language structures, nuance, and word clusters; cultural appropriateness; and getting a head start at home. Six detailed lesson plans are included for dining out, transportation, shopping, currency, medical needs, and figuring out meanings of unfamiliar words. Contains 49 references. (LB)