For the first time I traveled alone and spent a month in a country where I didn't speak the language.  Fortunately, I got by with a little phrase "Par le vous englais?" and was helped in English.

Why a month?  Well I spent a week being a tourist in Paris, Marseille, and Montpelier.  Then I spent 3 weeks participating in an Archeological International Volunteer Program in Olargues, France.  Basically, we spent 2 weeks clearing vegetation and dirt from the remains of a castle to help an archeologist draw the castle plan.

The best way to learn about a new country and culture is to take the path less traveled.  I learned more about the "real" France during my 3 weeks in Olargues (a small village), than I did as a tourist in the major cities.  So my advice is to get off the beaten path when traveling abroad.  You'll be able to enjoy things for what they really are, rather than comparing things to what you saw in postcards and tourist books.