Based on a hypothetical situation in which second language learners must attain substantial skills in a very short time, the paper recommends intensive training not in the language itself, but in skills and strategies for learning the language. This requires achieving self-directed learning skills to: create a climate maximizing learning; identify one's own learning needs; draw realistic learning objectives from the learning needs; plan learning activities that effectively uses learning resources; locate relevant resources; carry out the learning plan; and self-monitor the learning process using appropriate measures and criteria. Each of these elements/steps in the self-directed learning process is detailed and illustrated with the case of a young woman deciding to learn Japanese on her own, for business purposes. Then the self-directed learning concept is applied to the college language curriculum, with discussion of the adjustments that must be made to accommodate the varied student population, introductory course content, and time restrictions of college instruction. Barriers to achieving self-directed learning in college language instruction are examined briefly, including logistical restrictions and learner and teacher characteristics and attitudes. A number of techniques to promote autonomous language learning are described. Contains 47 references. (MSE)