Immersion is often hailed as the most efficient and effective way to learn a foreign language. In many ways it’s true. With all the language learning methods out there nothing else comes close to having to think and interact with your environment in the language you’re learning.

Unfortunately though, most language learners wrongly assume that the only way to experience language immersion is to pack up and move to a foreign country. But not everyone can afford to spend a summer in the Czech Republic just to learn a foreign language.

Luckily, there are other ways to immerse yourself in Czech. These method are less obvious, but they are effective. In this post we take a look at five steps you can take for the ultimate Czech immersion experience, without quitting your job and catching a plane.

1) Make your digital world a Czech one

Technology is an indispensable part of modern life. We interact with phones, computers, tablets, and other electronic devices throughout the day. Why not take these interactions and use them to practice your Czech? Most devices give you the option of switching the language of the operating system. Switching your phone or laptop interface to Czech won’t make you fluent, but it will help you engage with the language in a very practical way.

Another way to make your digital life a Czech one is to check which sites you use on a daily basis, and use them in Czech also. A great example of this is the Czech version of Google. This version of the Google will allow you to search in Czech and is more likely to give results in the language as well.

You can use popular social networks like Facebook in Czech. You can even go to Czech news sites for your fill of global news. You do like podcasts? Trying listening to a couple Czech podcasts too.

2) Write out a speech or conversation in Czech

A surefire way to increase your ability in a foreign language is to write out a mock conversation or speech in that language. Pretend you have to give a speech on one of your favorite topics (it could be anything from sports, hobbies, or even your favorite movie genre).

Now take some time to write a out your fictitious speech. Inevitably you will hit some roadblocks as you encounter words you know in your native English, but don’t know in Czech. When you get stuck, research the words you don’t know (you can look them up or perhaps ask a language partner or tutor). This is a highly effective and practical way to increase your vocabulary, and it will help you practice thinking in the Czech language.

Writing a long connected train of thoughts exposes the gaps and weaknesses in your Czech. Once you know what these are, you are free to practice them and use them to continue on with your Czech speech.

This is also a great way to learn new worlds in the context of your entire speech. I always say, “content is king when you’re learning a language”, and it’s true. Learning words in the context of other words and sentences helps you surmise what new words mean. It also helps you get comfortable with how these words are practically used. Not to mention context helps you remember and recall new information more easily.

3) Practice with native Czech speakers

There are a lot of great learning resources out for anyone learning Czech. However nothing quite comes close to practicing the language with a real person. If you live in or around a large metropolitan area there’s a chance that there are some Czech speakers nearby.

Check and see if your area has any local language exchanges or language speaking groups. You’re likely to find a native Czech speaker there. If not a native you might be able to find someone who knows Czech as a second language. If you can’t make a connection locally you can search online. Just as there are language exchanges in the real world, there also online ones (most of which are free).

4) Connect with other Czech learners

Native speakers aren’t the only Czech speakers who can aid you on your language learning journey. Practicing with other Czech learners is also helpful. Don’t worry if you practice with someone who has a higher or lower level in the language than you.

If you’re the more advanced learner you can learn a lot by teaching someone else. As you help someone else understand difficult words or grammatical concepts you’ll find that you start to better understand them yourself.

If your learning partner has a higher level in Czech, they can be the one to help you overcome the hurdles you encounter as a beginner. After all what better way to to learn Czech than from someone who, as a language learner, has been in your shoes?

5) Reward yourself in Czech

At the end of a busy day we all love a little relaxation and me-time. One of the most enjoyable and effective ways to develop your language skills is to kick back and enjoy the language while doing leisure activities.

Whether it’s listening to music, watching a movie or tv show, reading a book, or even enjoying a good online video binge, even spending just an extra thirty minutes a day doing something you love in the Czech language can yield some serious long term results.

If you’re a beginner start which more basic content. You might have to start out listening to simple songs or even watching children’s shows. After awhile though you’ll be able to dive into the meatier and more engaging stuff as your proficiency increases.

Learning a foreign language doesn’t mean you have to spend your days straining over grammar rules or textbooks. Any way that you can take your learning off the page and make it more enjoyable will help you learn faster.

Final thoughts

Immersion is powerful way to learn a foreign language, and now more than ever the immersion experience isn’t limited to just world travelers.

With a little creativity, the right resources, and the internet you can experience the Czech language without ever having to leave your hometown!