IMMERSION TOOLBOX
Communication Practice
iTalki
Use iTalki to get the speaking practice you need to get fluent from the comfort of home. Their community boasts over 3 million users and thousands of tutors to choose from, including free language exchange partners and low-cost professional teachers.
Tandem
Tandem connects language exchange partners based on language, location, and interests. Chat via audio or video calls, text, or recorded voice notes. The in-app correction and translation tools help you keep chatting even when your grammar and vocab are still a bit shaky.
HelloTalk
Just as we have to speak to get better at speaking, we have to write to get better at writing. HelloTalk lets you practice writing in a free, low-stress way by texting with native speakers around the world. Practice new words, phrases, and structures, and get instant feedback.
Video Immersion Tools
Netflix
TV shows and movies are a great way to immerse yourself, practice your listening skills, and strengthen your vocabulary. Netflix is one of the best streaming sites for language learning due to their large library of foreign content and extensive dubbing and subtitle options.
Language Reactor
Language Reactor is a powerful Chrome extension that supercharges subtitles on Netflix and YouTube. From interactive subtitles, to a nifty pop-up dictionary, to the ability to save words and phrases and export to Anki, this tool is a game changer!
NordVPN
Installing a Virtual Private Network unlocks tons of foreign language TV shows and films that are otherwise blocked. VPNs also keep you safe when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, etc. I’ve tried many, but NordVPN is my favorite.
Audio Immersion Tools
JapanesePod101
JapanesePod101 produces some of the highest quality learner podcasts and tools available with nearly 3,000 episodes for various levels (absolute beginners, beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners). Each episode includes full transcripts with kanji, kana, roumaji, and English translations, and they also have spaced repetition flashcards, kanji study tools, pronunciation and accent review tools, a grammar bank, and a free app for on-the-go practice.
Nihongo con Teppei
Nihongo con Teppei is a podcast hosted by Teppei Sensei, a popular Japanese teacher on iTalki who has taught over 8,000 lessons to date! He is learning English and Spanish himself, so he knows exactly what it’s like to learn a language and uses the same methods to teach others Japanese. Each episode of short, presented only in Japanese, and full of useful vocabulary and cultural insights. There are actually two shows, one for beginners and one for intermediate learners.
Glossika
Glossika is a website and an app developed by polyglot Mike Campbell to help you master vocabulary and grammar in context. Based on your level, interests, and performance, Glossika's algorithm will automatically repeat carefully curated sentences at just the right time to optimize memory. Every phrase includes high-quality audio recorded by a native speaker, and can be practiced in a variety of exercises to strengthen your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
ABOUT LANGUAGE MASTERY
I have been learning and teaching languages for over two decades, and share everything I've learned along the way:
-
In my free Mastery Monday newsletter
-
On the Language Mastery Show
-
On the Language Mastery blog
Get inspired and learn proven strategies to get fluent anywhere in the world.
SUPPORT LANGUAGE MASTERY
Some links on Language Mastery are affiliate links, meaning I receive a small commission from the purchase.
You pay the same price you would otherwise, while helping support me and my ability to continue writing, researching, and sharing free articles, podcasts, etc.
I only recommend resources that I believe in and have personally tested.
