Rosetta Stone teaches foreign languages with a technique that might alarm your high school Spanish teacher: It skips translations entirely.

Instead, the app relies on a visual approach, using images to create a tighter bond between what you’re seeing and what you’re saying. Match the written or spoken phrase to one of four photos on the screen. (It’s a multiple-choice quiz!)

The cumulative effect of seeing all those French people sipping orange juice is that, before too long, you’ll be able to talk about all those French people sipping orange juice.

At about 10 minutes each, the lessons are easy to fit into your schedule. And Rosetta Stone advances you to the next lesson only after it thinks you’re ready.

For more customization, check out the Your Plan feature to select your level (beginner, intermediate, proficient) and goal (travel, career, family, fun); the app creates a personalized learning plan just for you.

Speedy learners will benefit from Extended Learning modules, micro-lessons based on a theme and available at the top of your screen. Record yourself reading a story so the app can evaluate your accent, or dig in on common phrases used when ordering a meal or getting directions. Fire it up and make your Spanish teacher proud!