Ever taught yourself a language?

[DemonDeac]

I'm going to be studying abroad in Rome this fall and have never taken Italian before. In lieu of taking a summer course, I'm going to try and learn the language as best I can on my on. I've been going at it so far for two days and don't think it's that bad.


So has anyone here ever taught themselves a language and then went on to use what they learned?
What was more effective?
What was least effectve?

Grazie