I was in Belgium as an exchange student this year and learned French, and a bit of Dutch while I was there. I want to learn more Dutch now that I am home and yeah.

I am trying to talk with some of my Flemish/Dutch friends, and using duolingo.

you can get support from http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nederlands

you can check a lot of pronunciations at http://www.forvo.com

Films/tv series are a good way to improve your fluency. The following Flemish films/series had international releases and are available with English subtitles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZnPqAHd1_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAk_pwsEcR0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmQeECY1yww

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oRGtj0c3Wo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dDOMvwyJGA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMqhm17unOY

As is the case in reality, much of the "Dutch" that you hear in the above trailers (and in Flanders) is not really Standard Flemish-Dutch but the local provincial dialects. For example, in Rundskop (first trailer) the protagonist speaks Limburgs, the criminals in Matrioshki 2 (last trailer) are speaking Antwerps, etc.

There are no easy ways to learn a language.

There are ways to improve a language when you already know a bit.

But it will take a lot of work to become good and you need someone to correct your pronunciation and who works with you on grammar once you get enough to really speak the language.

The only real way to improve a language is to use it. Best with native speakers.

While the sites to catch up on the TV programs you have missed would be very useful, most of them do not work if you are not in the country. Or they are not free to use.

Uitzending gemist or ooit gemist are the ones to look for in Dutch.

Perhaps a dictionary to begin with. This one has robots voices: http://nl.bab.la/woordenboek Also robots on: http://www.fluency.nl with Flemish voice. Now you can talk. Then force yourself to understand Dutch or it will take much longer. Use Dutch television at Uitzending Gemist: http://www.npo.nl/uitzending-gemist There are many good shows there Perhaps you try a talkshow: De Wereld Draait Door. Pause the video and translate everything. You may want to study with subtitled video's for a start: http://www.2bdutch.nl and http://www.specialdutch.com/2007/10/17/jij-bent-zo-jeroen-van-der-boom Good Luck.

I remember answering you about residence and work permits for Belgium -

Flemings speak perfect English - There is no such thing as "duolingo" -

You can learn Dutch on the VRT website (TV News and radio programs) -

Just look for their website -

Use Skype to communicate with them - it is free -

Try to practice Dutch with them -

Of course they will want to practice their English with you...

I know that problem when I go to Belgium -

I end up speaking more English than French or Flemish -

And some speak Spanish to me . since I live since 20 years in Argentina -

Tell them to send you cartoon books in Flemish -

Such as "Kuifje" or "Suske and Wiske" -

Fun way to learn the language -