Quick Take
The real decision isn't just which language you want to learn; it's how you like to study. These four complete courses span very different formats and price points. The most expensive option is a Japanese boxed set that pairs books with audio CDs and covers beginner through advanced material. The most affordable is a French course built around 40 lessons on three audio CDs. In between, you'll find a hardcover English as a Foreign Language course, plus a two-DVD collection that covers both Spanish and Hebrew. Your routine and your tolerance for different media matter more than any single feature.
At a Glance: Price Comparison
| Product | Price | Bar | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Language Japanese Complete Edition Beginner-Advanced Box Set Books & CDs | $49.99 | Books + Audio CDs | Learners who want a structured course from beginner to advanced | |
| Living Language Complete Course Basics: French 40 Lessons on 3 Audio CDs Bl3 | $17.50 | Audio CDs | Auditory learners on a budget | |
| Complete English as a Foreign Language Beginner to Intermediate Course: Learn to | $37.99 | Hardcover | Readers who prefer written study | |
| Learn Spanish & Hebrew Fast - Complete & Comprehensive Language Course on 2 DVDs | $22.00 | DVDs | Learners who want audio-visual content in two languages |
Decision Matrix
- If you want a single course from zero to advanced: The Japanese boxed set covers beginner through advanced levels, so you won't need a follow-up.
- On a tight budget and learn by listening? The French CD course gives you 40 lessons for the lowest price, and it's portable.
- Prefer reading and studying at your own pace? The hardcover English course is a traditional textbook with no discs.
- Want two languages in one purchase? The DVD collection covers both Spanish and Hebrew on two discs.
Product Notes
Living Language Japanese Complete Edition Beginner-Advanced Box Set Books & CDs
This is the only set here that combines physical books with audio CDs, and it's the most complete in terms of level span. The boxed set is designed for beginners and advanced learners alike, so it can serve as your sole resource for a long while. It's Brand New, and it comes as a quantity pack with book and CD formats, giving you both a visual reference and listening practice. The main limitation is the price: at $49.99, it's the highest-priced course in this group, and that investment only makes sense if you're serious about Japanese.
Living Language Complete Course Basics: French 40 Lessons on 3 Audio CDs Bl3
If your goal is to start speaking French right away without a big investment, this audio CD course is the most direct option. It contains 40 lessons spread across three discs, so you get a solid amount of content for a very low price of $17.50. The set is in Very Good condition. The trade-off is that it's audio only; there are no books or written exercises included. You'll need to supplement if you want to learn to read or write French, and the course likely targets "basics" rather than advanced proficiency. For commuters and auditory learners, though, it's hard to beat.
Complete English as a Foreign Language Beginner to Intermediate Course: Learn to
This hardcover from Sandra Stevens is the only traditional textbook in this group. It's in Like New condition, so it's essentially a clean copy, and its size-roughly 9.4 inches long, 6.6 inches wide, and over an inch thick-suggests a substantial amount of material. The covered range is beginner to intermediate, which is ideal for someone who wants a solid foundation without committing to advanced topics. At $37.99, it sits in the middle of the price spread. The limitation is that it has no audio component; for listening and pronunciation practice, you'll need to find supplemental materials. If you prefer silent study and note-taking, this is your pick.
Learn Spanish & Hebrew Fast - Complete & Comprehensive Language Course on 2 DVDs
This course stands out because it covers two languages in one purchase: Spanish and Hebrew. For $22.00, you get two DVDs filled with audio lessons and supporting materials, making it a digital-friendly alternative to the CD format. It's Brand New and designed to work on Windows. The limitation is that it's not a printed course, so paper-based exercises are out. It is also DVD-based, so if your computer lacks a DVD drive, you'll need to plan around that. For the price, it's a good way to get exposed to two languages through a single audio-visual resource.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a complete, structured course covering multiple levels: The Japanese boxed set pairs books with CDs and spans beginner to advanced in one package.
- For the tightest budget and audio-based learning: The French CD course gives you 40 listening lessons for a very low cost, with no printed extras.
- For traditional textbook learners: The hardcover English course offers a like-new reading experience with no audio or disc.
- For two languages in one package: The Spanish & Hebrew DVD course delivers a substantial audio-visual curriculum for both languages.
