IMMERSION TOOLBOX 🧰

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.

Teacher AI is an exciting new AI-powered tool that provides unlimited personalized foreign language conversation practice. While I think speaking with real humans using a site like italki is also important, Teacher AI provides a low-friction, anxiety-free way to practice communicating 24/7.

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.

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 is a powerful Chrome extension that supercharges subtitles on Netflix and YouTube. From 3-way interactive subtitles, to a built-in pop-up dictionary, to the ability to save words and phrases and export to Anki, this tool is a game changer!

Installing a Virtual Private Network (or VPN for short) unlocks tons of foreign language TV shows and films that are otherwise blocked abroad. VPNs also keep you safe when using unsecured Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, etc. I’ve tried many, but NordVPN is my favorite.

Pimsleur is one of the most popular self-study language learning programs on the planet. The system was developed by the late Dr. Paul Pimsleur, an applied linguist, university professor, and a founding member of the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages). The Pimsleur Approach promotes three core principles: ① Anticipation & Active Recall, ② Spaced Repetition, and ③ Core Vocabulary (approximately 500 new words per level).

Podcasts are one of the best tools for language learning: ① they are usually free, ② they cover a diverse range of topics, ③ they enable automatic syncing of new content to your device, ④ they strengthen your listening skills, and ⑤ they allow you to learn as you commute, walk, do chores, etc. There are dozens of good podcast apps to choose from, but I think that the Overcast app is currently the best option available on iOS. For Android, I recommend the Spotify app.

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.

LingQ (pronounced “link”) was co-founded by Steve Kaufmann, a polyglot who's learned 20 languages using the same input-based method the app is built upon. Learn vocabulary and grammar in context using either lessons from their extensive library or importing your own content from blogs, news sites, YouTube, Netflix, etc. LingQ currently supports for a whopping 47 languages!

The free Kindle app lets you improve your reading skills on any device (iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, etc.). Or you can get a purpose-built e-reader like the Kindle Paperwhite to reduce eye strain and more easily read in bed or on the beach. Leverage the power of the built-in dictionaries to quickly look up new words. Get the same title on Audible to follow along as you read and boost your listening skills.

Readwise Reader is a powerful read-it-later app that consolidates the functions of multiple apps in one tidy package. With the app and browser extension, you can save and highlight a wide range of digital resources, including online articles, Twitter (X) threads, PDFs, EPUBs, newsletters, YouTube transcripts, and more. I especially like the ability to tag articles and individual quotes.

You don’t need a plane ticket, new zip code, or classroom to immerse yourself in Japanese. With the right methods, materials, and attitude, you can reach a high level of fluency right at home. My book Master Japanese shows you how to create an immersion environment almost as good as being in Tokyo, even if you’re in Tacoma or Topeka.

If you want to reach conversational fluency in Japanese, you have to ACTUALLY practice speaking the language. A lot! But I know this can be uncomfortable and even downright scary for many learners. So I've designed a 30-day challenge to help you hold your first flowing Japanese conversations without fear of awkward silences, making mistakes, or running out of things to say.

Japanese Uncovered is a comprehensive story-based online course developed by polyglot Olly Richards. You will learn vocabulary and grammar naturally through stories instead of boring textbooks or ineffective rote memorization. In addition to Olly's expert guidance, you also get help from Ai Sensei, his native speaker co-teacher.

Want to get fluent in Mandarin Chinese but can't move to China? Learn how to bring China to you using the best modern tools, free online resources, and fun content that will make you forget you are studying a language. Master Mandarin shows you exactly how to learn Mandarin through immersion, right where you are.

ChineseClass101 is divided into four basic levels: Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. There are numerous resources available for each level, including audio lessons with transcripts, videos, culture classes, and more. You can access the content online, the Innovative 101 app, or your favorite podcast app.

Olly Richards' Chinese Uncovered course helps you learn the language's patterns, words, and characters in-context through the power of story. Unlike most Mandarin-language courses, you won't rely on tedious memorization and boring drills. Instead, you'll just read engaging stories and internalize the language automatically.

Short Stories in Spanish for Beginners by Olly Richards (published by Teach Yourself) includes 8 stories that cover a wide range of genres, including science fiction, crime, history, and thrillers. Read for enjoyment while your brain soaks up new words and structures in context. The book includes only the 1,000 most commonly used words, and focuses on spoken dialogue, so you can build up your reading skills and fluency fast.

Frustrated with ineffective apps, boring Spanish textbooks, and trying to memorize vocabulary and conjugation tables? Spanish Uncovered lets you naturally internalize the words and patterns of español. Instead of "studying" the language, you just read stories. And along the way, your brain gets used to new vocabulary and grammar automatically. Just like how you learned your first language as a child.

SpanishPod101 provides short audio and video lessons for fast and easy learning on the go for all levels. Listen in your favorite podcast app or access additional tools in the Innovative Language app. Choose from lessons for absolute beginners, beginners, Intermediate learners, and advanced learners. All lessons include complete transcripts with English translations and usage notes.