The purpose of this study is to identify the nature of language learning in ESL situations. By interviewing and observing a socially active English learner who has come to the U.S. to increase his English competence, the study attempts to get insights on what processes are involved in authentic learning. The results show that authentic learning involves (1) dialogues and asking questions, (2) Expert modelling and apprenticeship, and (3) learning culture through interactions. This investigation will be beneficial in that it will add base-line data to the knowledge pool in the authentic learning field. It will also cast important implications for better and efficient teaching in foreign language classrooms.