I think there are many factors that contribute to a successful foreign language learner at anywhere worldwide. Among following aspects or elements, which, do you think, plays a most important role?

1. Learning atmosphere or environment.
2. Intelligence
3. Hard-working
4. High-quality teaching methods ( teachers )
5. Skillful learning ways

Replying to [Professor Carl]: I agree with Prof. Carl" the necessity is the mother of language learning." As I know most of Chinese have to learn English not because they love it, the motivation for that is it might help them find a good job. About the female language teacher, I see it from my point of view is men like female teachers while female like male teachers

Replying to [Jessica705]:

I agree with you competely. Thank you for your information here!

Replying to [Street Smart]: Yes, indeed - LOVE!
probably the most powerful factor... :) Just find a girlfriend!

...

among the factors author mentioned first - being in that country, in that environment means a lot, but it should be backed up by desire to study.

Cheers!

Replying to [Business in China]: No question on that one for me - it's motivation every time.

I was a teacher, and for my dissertation I studied 'Accelerated Learning' - all kinds of fascinating scientific (and not so scientific) ways of boosting learning. It considers things such as environment and learning styles and learning preferences and catering for 'multiple intelligences' (the idea that intelligence is not limited to logic and language as most of the IQ tests would have us believe).

But none of these things matter compared to the attitude of the student. I have seen potentially briliant students fail, and less gifted students succeed - all because of their personal motivation.

At least that means that there is hope for us all. If you are struggling to learn something (whether a language or whatever), try to learn itthrough a medium that genuinely interests you.