Hi Language Buddy!

I want to dive into a topic that might seem somewhat contrary to the philosophy we usually espouse. We've always advocated for the potential to learn a language remotely, no matter where you are situated. However, I feel it's essential to acknowledge another potent method of language acquisition - immersion through living in a country where the language is spoken.

Let's take my journey with Russian as an example. I began learning Russian in the summer of 2020, driven by the desire to struggle, learn, and ultimately grow alongside my fellow language learners. It was my ambition to delve into a challenging language that I was unfamiliar with so I could truly empathize with your experiences. Now, after investing considerable time and effort, I can hold lengthy, unstructured conversations in Russian without ever having set foot in a Russian-speaking country. This achievement attests to the power of remote learning.

However, this post aims to shed light on an aspect that somewhat counters that approach. I want to acknowledge the undeniable benefits of living in a country where your target language is spoken. Granted, I know folks who live in a foreign country and hardly speak a word of its language. Nevertheless, if you are committed to taking your language learning to the next level, considering some time in the country could potentially be a game-changer.

Indeed, there are limits to what can be achieved by living in a country and learning the language there. Yet, those limits are set very high. Take my experiences with Swedish and Russian, for instance. I've never visited Sweden or Russia, but I can communicate in these languages decently. Not flawlessly, mind you, but well enough to express my thoughts and be understood, which I find impressive, considering I've never been immersed in these languages in their native environments.

Many of my language learning experiences have revolved around rewarding myself with a trip to the country whose language I've been studying. A visit to Italy after studying Italian was one such reward. I partook in a week-long language course in Genoa and immersed myself in the culture and language. Every time I've traveled or lived in a country whose language I was learning - be it Spanish in Mexico or Nicaragua or Dutch in the Netherlands - I've noticed a dramatic leap in my language abilities. This surge is often more pronounced than what can be achieved through online language instruction, provided I actively seek out interactions with the natives and don't just take pictures of stuff.

So, this acknowledgment may seem contradictory to some extent, given our usual advice. However, it's crucial to recognize the potential benefits of both methods. While immersion through living in a country may be the optimal way to learn a language, online language instruction, paired with self-study, serves as an impressive alternative when travel isn't feasible. You'd be surprised by the heights you can reach from the comfort of your home.

Remember, our main goal is to assist you on your language learning journey, offering you resources and support. And if you find these posts helpful, feel free to share them with others who are embarking on their own linguistic adventures. Stay strong, keep moving forward, and remember - we're all in this together!

Happy language learning!