Learn Spanish at home: Create your own immersion program without leaving your country
You must have heard that the only way to become fluent in any language is by traveling abroad to a country where this language is spoken. Well, it’s true this is going to help, imagine being sorrounded by Spanish 24-7, hearing native speakers, radio, tv…at least you’re going to pick up some words.
But not everyone has the time or money to move to Argentina or México for 4 months at least to improve their Spanish. Don’t worry you have an option, you can create your own immersion program while being at home.
Before you do that, you have to be clear about why you want to learn Spanish, if you don’t have an specific reason then it’s going to be harder to focus on a goal and you might end up quitting. If you still haven’t figured this out or don’t know where to start your Spanish journey I recommend you to read this article I want to learn Spanish. Where do I start?
So, now you know you don’t need to live in a Spanish speaking country to become fluent in Spanish, and you can totally do it from your home. Keep in mind your goal and start to take advantage of all the tools you have around you to start improving your Spanish everyday!
6 Ways to learn Spanish at home through Immersion
1.Writing
I’d say that writing is one of the best exercises to practice a language at any level, even if you’rea beginner or an advanced student. If you are used to write, to have something like a journal, then you probably won’t have any problem to get started. But some of you migh find it difficult to start filling the blank page with words, and if it’s not in your native language you have to add the fear of making mistakes. Well, let me tell you something, nobody else but you is going to read that paper (except you decide to show it to someone which is great too).
So, don’t be afraid of making mistakes, we all do. English is not my native language and one of the things that helped me the most was writing. You can do it in almost anywhwere, in your spare time, while you’re traveling, you don’t even need a pen and a paper, with your smartphone would be enough.
Writing 10, 15 min in Spanish everyday it’s already good practice and you can start seeing improvement after a few weeks.
Now, what you should write about? If you don’t have a journal start it in Spanish, start by your thoughts, interesting events that happened during your day, things you’d like to rememeber…just start writing something and then the ideas will start to show. Just write something.
This exercise is also great to measure your improvement, you can compare after some time how you wrote at the beginning and see what you’ve achieved.
I’d also recommend you to use a dictionary, not to depend on it but have it close to you. There are some good one online like WordReference and Linguee , I like the last one because it also gives you examples form real articles on the web on how to use the word you’re looking for.
In case you use your phone for writing you can download any free dictionary app.
2. Label objects in your home
This is a really great way to gain vocabulary in almost a passive way and it’s something super easy to put in practice. Get some paper, tape a marker and start labeling things on your home, like ‘vaso’ (glass) or ‘puerta’ (door). You can also use as a model a set of vocabulary labels I made for free in this eBook.
First, you’re going to learn basic vocabulary of things you use on your daily basis. The brain gives priority to stuff you use frequently, so this is a good way to memorize useful words. And it’s kinda of fun so, what are you waiting to start?
3.Hire a Private Tutor
A proffesional teacher is going to guide you and keep you motivated to learn Spanish. A native teacher is the best option since they have a better understanding of the language’s context, its use and they can give you a cultural insight as well. They’re also trained to make it easier for you to understand grammar, practice conversation and pronunciation.
The method I personally like to use when I’m teaching is the communicative approach, this allows you to start speaking right away and get rid of the fear to actually use the Spanish outside the classroom. The classes are structured on first learning a conversation from a real life scenario and from there learn the vocabulary and grammar necessary. We exercise speaking, pronunciation, grammar and listening comprehension skills.
Each of us have our own way of learning, the main thing is that you find a tutor you feel comfortable with and that can adapt to your needs.
The cons of this option is that is not free, but you’ll save a lot of time and effort. If you have the chance my advice is that you hire a native Spanish speaker teacher you can try a free class with me and with other teachers and then decide what is the best option for you.
4.Language exchange Partner
Find a language exchange partner. One of the biggest advantages of studying a language abroad is that you have the chance to get to know local people. Well you can do it as well in your hometown. There are many apps and websites that allows you meet new people in person and online, and most of them are free.
If you have time to meet them in person that is great, do it. Nothing better than practice face to face with a native Spanish speaker. The ideal would be to meet with a language partner at least once a week and better if it’s the same person. This is not always easy but if you take your time eventually you’ll find someone you can meet regularly.
If you’re busy too have a meeting in person, an online language partner is good option. You can both arrange the time and talk via Skype, Google Hangouts or even Whatsapp.
Some of the most popular sites to find language partners are Conversation exchange , this one is totally free, you can find people from all over the world and it has the option to meet in person, online or even pen pal. Then you have Couchsurfing you can join groups of language exchange and also find free accomodation at locals homes if you’re traveling.
5.Think in Spanish
To think in Spanish is an excelent form to train the brain to get it used to it. You can take a couple of minutes of your day to start doing this. At first start with short periods of time, and then extend them.
You can start your day thinking about what you have to do, in the market by mentally checking the shopping list or you can simply ask questions to yourself and reply them. Things you usually think in your language but in Spanish.
6. Watch videos or movies in Spanish
Movies are fantastic to pick up some words, idioms and even to have a cultural approach to the Latin America or Spanish culture. Besides you can choose a movie of a genre you like or about a topic you’re interested in.
If you’re a beginner and didn’t have much exposure to Spanish my opinion is that you should start by watching documentaries or movies with English subtitles. Documentaries are the best option since usually the narrator speaks slowly and in a neutral accent.
Another option is that you look on YouTube for videos in Spanish about topics you are familiar with, like cooking for example. Although if you’re an advanced student you can check some Latin American or Spanish youtubers.
I think you should start by picking 2 or 3 techniques and work on those until you feel comfortable with them. Go slowly and at your own pace, and I’m sure you’ll find some other awesome smart ways to include Spanish in your everyday life!
