Much is heard about Immersion, but few actually know about the learning process that revolutionized education as a whole. The word “immersion” comes from Latin, and has the meaning of “to immerse, sink, plunge, etc.” – and this is exactly the purpose of this teaching-learning method. A dip in the foreign language.
Now: what is, effectively, this “Immersion Program”? The initiative, in practice, seeks to create a space for the unique presence of the foreign language being learned, that is, the simulation or insertion in an environment of predominance of the language – such as an exchange, for example. In this circumstance, the classes are more frequent, intense and objective.
ADVANTAGES OF IMMERSION
Immersion programs are usually more advantageous than the traditional method of learning the language, given the fact that it provides direct contact with the language and its cultural aspects, predominantly marked by more dynamic classes and in a short time. Made for those who feel communicatively blocked and need that ‘gas’ to gain the much-desired communicative trust.
Furthermore, research shows that learning in this type of program is more targeted and of higher quality than other methods. With daily and long-term classes, the student reaches a stage of “good fatigue” – through which the possibility of progress and effective absorption of the content is revealed, making fluency achieved in less time and more easily.
TIPS DURING YOUR IMMERSION CLASS PERIOD
Many strategies can be adopted in an attempt to take full advantage of an immersion process, regardless of how long it lasts. These alternatives and strategic keys are shown as an additional resource to enhance fluency in the language and advance in level. Remembering that the student should not only depend on the moment of the class itself and be limited to homework. Below are some tips on how to enjoy 100% of your day, always being in touch with the language studied:
- Configure your cell phone and computer for the learning language;
- Listen to podcasts and music in other languages;
- Watch series and movies with subtitles in the language you are learning (ideally watching without subtitles!);
- Make notes on lists (eg market, ‘to do lists’) in the language you are learning. If you have a diary or diary, try writing it in another language too;
- Agree to talk for a few minutes or hours of your day with your friends/family in the language you are studying;
- Use applications to keep written and oral communication up to date. Tandem (https://www.tandem.net/pt-br) for example, is a language exchange app (available for iOS and Android) that connects language learners with native speakers. Members can seek out language exchange partners to chat via text or voice chat. Another option is HelloTalk (https://www.hellotalk.com/), with exclusive audio communication. But if you just want to ask questions about expressions and slang, HiNative (https://hinative.com/pt-BR) is a solution for you.
OUR IMMERSION PROPOSAL
Many argue that the only way to make an immersion that works and makes sense is to take a trip or get out of your daily routine, but the truth is that the percentage of people with the time available for this, as well as resources, is scarce. , so that the most satisfactory way is to implement a process of “Simulated Immersion” that consists of intense and constant teaching of classes and the insertion of the new language in your routine, regardless of where you are or what other activities you carry out during the process of learning.
Aware of personal and customized needs, for over 30 years Auding has been offering Immersion programs (in 7 languages) in private and group format, without the student having to renew their passport and pack their bags.
Oh, and very soon we will start promoting our Immersion groups (Online and In-person)!
Contact us to better understand this methodology and follow our channels!
Written by Italo Medeiros Decottignies.
