Get fluent through immersion. Anywhere!
🐠 Struggling to learn a language? Tired of feeling like a fish out of water?
🤿 Immersion is the key! But you don’t have to move abroad to get fluent.
👇 My free immersion guide shows you exactly how to dive in right at home.
Meet Your "Diving Instructor"
John Fotheringham
Hi, I’m John Fotheringham, a linguist, teacher, author, and the creator of the Anywhere Immersion Method™ (A.I.M.).
I've been learning and teaching languages for over two decades, and have seen firsthand what works and what doesn't. So what works best of all? Immersion. And with so many advances in technology, you can now get all the immersion you need wherever you are.
Whether you are dipping your toes into the linguistics waters for the first time or are ready to dive into the deep end of full language immersion, I will give you the support, guidance, and tools you need to succeed (and not feel like you’re drowning along the way!).
🤿 Get my best immersion tips + tools 🐠
Join my free Fluency Friday newsletter to get the tips and tools you need to get fluent anywhere in the world.
How to Learn Japanese Anywhere in the World
Once upon a time, you had to two choices if you wanted to get fluent in Japanese:
👩🏻🏫 Option 1: Take expensive Japanese language classes.
✈️ Option 2: Move to Japan.
I actually did both and had a mostly great time doing so.
But… though I think that classes can be great for those who can afford the time and tuition, and that living abroad can be a profoundly transformative experience, neither is a requirement for learning a language in the modern world.
Today, anyone with an internet connection, a little creativity, and a healthy dose of discipline can reach a high level of fluency anywhere in the world IF they design the proper immersion environment.
👉 In this video, I show you how to create a fun and effective Japanese language immersion environment no matter where you happen to live.
For links to the resources mentioned in the video, see my Immersion Toolbox.
7 Ways to Master a New Language While Juggling a Busy Life
Even if you're busier than a squirrel in a nut factory, 🐿️ it's still possible to make more time for language study and immersion. The three keys are:
Intentional scheduling,
Habit stacking.
Leveraging "hidden moments."
In this video: 👉
I spill the beans on how long it really takes to reach functional fluency.
How many hours you need to study per day to reach your fluency goals.
No-nonsense tips to fit more language learning into your life without sacrificing your health, family, or work.
Immersion ALONE is Not Enough! 3 Ways to Make Immersion-Based Language Learning Work
Some people believe that language immersion is a magic potion that automatically and effortlessly builds fluency. They assume, "Just soak in the language, and boom—fluent!"
If only it were that easy…
Spoiler alert: it’s not!
Sure, immersion is awesome! It’s way better than dry grammar drills or overpriced classes.
But it’s not a language-learning cheat code. You can’t just sit around and absorb a language like a sponge. 🧽
👉 In this video, I share:
Why immersion is essential but not sufficient.
How to make immersion more effective.
How to learn a language using an immersion-based approach without drowning in the process.
Choose your language!
I currently offer books and courses for the following languages 👇
Japanese 🇯🇵
日本語
Dive into the captivating world of Japanese and unleash a cultural kaleidoscope of ancient traditions juxtaposed with cutting-edge tech. Order off-menu sushi directly from the chef in fluent Japanese. Get directions to the best hanami viewing spots and then sip saké with new friends under the falling sakura. Or navigate the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the world's largest city. Whether you want to travel to Japan, communicate with Japanese family and friends, understand dramas and anime without subtitles, or read manga without a dictionary, my Japanese courses will help you unlock the cultural wonderland that is modern Japan. 頑張ってね！
Mandarin Chinese 🇨🇳
中文・國語・普通话
Mandarin Chinese opens doors to ancient wonders, countless business opportunities, and the ability to converse with over a billion people! Instead of just gazing upon the Great Wall of China or the towering limestone mountains above Li River, you will be able to ask questions and actually understand the answers! My Chinese courses will help you master tones, conquer characters, and build the fluency you need to fully enjoy the Chinese world. Whether you want to gain a competitive advantage in business, master a Chinese martial art, or study the deep-rooted wisdom of Chinese philosophy, it all begins with the language. 加油！
Anywhere Immersion Success Stories
What language learners have said about my immersion books and courses
Nick Hawryluk
"I never thought I’d be able to hold this many conversations in Japanese for so long. 😀 Thank you for putting the Japanese Conversation Accelerator together, John Fotheringham! And thank you for the confidence boost!"
Dennis Van Hise
"You’ve really created something special here with the Japanese Conversation Accelerator. This is exactly what I’ve been needing all this time. Thank you so much John for hosting this challenge, and thank you to everyone in this group for your encouragement and holding me accountable. It's truly been a great experience.”
Linda Busan
“I have found the Japanese Conversation Accelerator, your cheat sheets, and guidance to be of great help. I love how passionate and seriously excited you are about learning Japanese. I am a Japanese beginner, and quite proud of myself for taking action so early on in my learning process, as speaking has always been a massive problem for me when learning a language."
Angella O.
"The Japanese Conversation Accelerator is exactly what I've needed all these years. I will finally be able to speak to my Japanese family!”
Carolyn Strong
“Master Japanese is the most helpful book I’ve found in my two+ year effort to learn Japanese. This is a very comprehensive book. The author provides learners with helpful strategies to approach the learning process, which can be overwhelming unless you can figure out how to make sustainable progress continuously.”
Beidi
"I now work in the sales department of a Japanese company. The only reason why I got the job was because they were very impressed by my Japanese level for someone who recently started learning the language. It’s all thanks to your book Master Japanese. Thank you for your great work and kindness."