This is the fifth update in a language learning case study. Introvert Michael Gaeta is using the Mimic Method to learn Italian by Ear. Mike just arrived in Italy for the next two weeks to rapidly accelerate his learning through immersion.
More...
full episode list
5 Tools to Leverage In-Person Immersion
In this post, I want to show some of the technology I used to maximize my immersion experience in Italy. These were for individuals (hangouts) or groups (events). Using these apps enriched the experiences I had during my two weeks in Italy.
1) Couchsurfing
Popular amongst backpackers and vacationers, Couchsurfing.com is a social platform connecting travelers with locals.
The way it works is you can stay with local host for free, usually on a spare couch. The host usually shows you around the city and brings you into their inner social life.
But it’s more than just crashing on a spare couch or bed in a guest room. The main contributing factor to the website’s success is the cultural exchange between two (or more) people.
How I used it to meet locals
Caveat: The whole sleeping-on-couches thing is not the most introvert-friendly (the couch is usually in a shared common area). So if it’s not really your thing, there are still some other great ways to use the app.
Couchsurfing also has a search function to help you look for locals, travelers, events and advice in different places.
So I searched and filtered by hosts who were willing to hang out and who also spoke the language I was learning. All it took was a quick message and voila, we’re organizing a hangout!
Speaking of hangouts, the app recently added a new “hangout” feature, which is perfect if you’re looking for a person to do something with on-the-fly.
During my time in country I was able to meet a few great people who showed me all around the city when I was in Rome and Palermo.
2) Meetup
Meetup.com is another app that helps people find local events and communities based on your interests. In foreign cities, it’s especially useful for finding Language Exchanges.
How I used it to meet locals
I used the app to search for things that were going in Rome while I stayed there. I ended up finding a language exchange that was happening in the evening.
On the site, I was able to browse current events that were popular in the area. If I wanted to get specific, I could also search by category or by keyword. Some cities are more active than others depending on where you go.
3) iTalki
As many of you know, italki.com is a platform for linking language learners with tutors, teachers and language partners. What I think is underutilized, though, is its ability to sort out people based on where they live in the world.
How I used it to meet locals
Again, I created a search filter for native speakers who were learning English and living in the city that I was visiting.
After having a few conversations with an italki language partner from Palermo, I met up with them in the city. After all, why use skype when you can do it in-person?
4) Facebook
Usually, we add friends on facebook after we meet them. While I was abroad, I used it to as a reason introduce myself to friends of my friends.
I did this by searching “friends of friends who live in…” Just put the place you want to search for.
5) Amikumu
Amikumu is a new app which lets you find and contact people nearby who want to practice a language. The concept is simple and convenient.
I wish it was something I could have used during my travels abroad. I wanted to include it here because I think it will be very useful.
If you want to start immersing yourself in another culture, it really doesn’t get any easier than this. You can learn more about it on the kickstarter page. It is scheduled to release soon.
Got any apps or tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned for the next update of my Italian Mission!
Leave a Reply