You've probably heard it many times - immersion is essential. Dangerous to sound like a cliché, but that's true. What is immersion, and what do you need to immerse yourself in the tongue fully? What is the best way to learn the language, and why is immersion necessary again?

Imagine this: A French professor in the 1880s, François Gouin, decided to learn German. Gouin had previously moved to Hamburg. The first thing he did was lock himself in his room and study. And after ten days, he went to a university class. Do you think he understands the lesson? If you are looking for tips on learning Portuguese the next – try Preply.

But Gouin repeatedly tried to cover up the studio and then dropped out all year. And he returned to France but did not speak German. What happened? What about poor Gouin? Gouin made a rookie mistake - he didn't risk it. He didn't practice in real-time, with real people in real life. No book in the world will explain all the subtleties of speaking a language. There is no amount of memorization, reading, and writing to keep you fluent. It is not enough to sit and learn!

It's about seeing what they're looking for, listening to what he hears, and learning to speak the way he says.

Undoubtedly, the most efficient way to learn the language is with help — ideally, the support of a specialized Portuguese language school. It's also crucial to experience the culture and country. Sure, you can study Portuguese everywhere, but isn't it better to do it in Brazil? By living in Brazil and befriending Brazilians, you'll be immersed in the culture.

That's why it's so crucial to find a Portuguese language school to help you build a bridge between yourself and the culture and people of Brazil!

The Best Way to Learn This Language is to Live in Brazil

Brazil is the largest Portuguese-speaking country globally - with more than 200 million inhabitants. It is also always considered an international standard, and native Portuguese speakers from all over the world like to hear the accent of Carioca.

Brazil is also an open country. Everyone is friendly and willing to talk to strangers, even if they have to use a lot of manuals! The natives love to share their culture and will love you if you want to learn more about the country. People there are always eager to make Brazil feel like your home!

Don't be Afraid to Speak Portuguese

Again, it is an essential part of immersion in contact and communication with people, especially the natives. So don't be ashamed! The best way to learn Portuguese should be to make you feel comfortable. Thanks to their friendly smiles and hospitality, Brazilians can help you feel more comfortable right away. And there's one addition: most Brazilians don't speak much English, especially other languages. Portuguese is your only option! You can't escape it!

It can be challenging to understand a native speaker. It is still essential to practice every day with friends and a teacher in a particular school - this is an integral part of immersion! So choose a place where everyone speaks Portuguese and only Portuguese.

And remember, you don't have to do everything yourself! Join the group class! You will be taking Portuguese lessons together, and you will get used to the fact that you only speak Portuguese together. It's a great way to practice in and out of the classroom.

At events like RioLIVE! You will have the possibility to face other people while exploring Rio de Janeiro and discovering Brazilian culture. All this when speaking Portuguese, always with a native language teacher. It's a great way to keep you going so you don't make the same mistake like our friend François Gouin!

Not to mention that the methodology that focuses on conversation and makes you feel comfortable is suitable! If you feel more comfortable around yourself, you will probably feel more confident in Portuguese. And a great way to get away is to have fun learning!

How to Achieve Higher Immersion

Surprisingly, it's not that hard to study in Brazil! If you intend to stay only a few months, you can quickly learn Portuguese with a standard tourist visa. You can apply for a student visa. You need to have proof of enrollment in the school here - and it can also be a language school. There is even the possibility of obtaining a student visa for six months or one year, which is enough time for you to learn Portuguese and explore the best parts of Rio and Brazil.

Online Immersion

If a trip to Brazil and trying live immersion is out of the question for you, don't worry! You can find even more ways to simulate immersion! Online lessons are an excellent choice, whether group lessons or even private lessons. You can combine both, giving you a chance to meet others and still focus on your personal goals. Find a native teacher, and you will be the best in this language.

Not only that, of course! It would help if you also found a way to connect with culture. There are good movies, series, and books for that. And there are plenty of options - something for everyone: Dois Coelhos for action movie lovers, 3% for those who love dystopian accounts, and even The Circle Brasil if you want to relax on some chill reality TV. Some of the great Brazilian writers do not mention it.

It is also good to connect with Brazilian communities near where you live. They can grow in major cities worldwide, from Chicago to Amsterdam. And even if you don't know anyone from Brazil, you can always view meetings on Meetup and Facebook. It would help you find people who would practice Portuguese! Not to mention the myriad of apps you can download to meet Brazilians worldwide searching for a language exchange. Speaking of apps, it's important too! You need to look at the best applications to learn Portuguese so you can practice it during downtimes between work and lessons.