No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience

No Teacher No Problem! 6 Language Immersion Software Programs that Give a Classroom Experience No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom Experience There’s no substitute for a good language teacher.…Or is there?Getting your hands on the right software might just set you free.Classroom time for learning and practice is hard to beat when you’re trying to master a language.  Yet classes can be time-consuming and expensive, so they’re not the best option for everyone.Language immersion software programs fill the void when you’re learning without a teacher. Like the CEO of the classroom, language immersion software gives guided instruction and practice sessions  that are relevant and fun.You get the structure, order and traditional framework that self-educators  often find themselves craving.Plus, you get to choose the software that targets your specific needs and interests! Advantages of Language Immersion SoftwareLanguage learning software programs take many different approaches to mastering a language. Some focus mainly on speaking and listening, while others incorporate reading and writing as well.Are you a visual lea rner? Immersion software could be the best thing for you, as it includes images and videos to match the audio components.Unlike in the classroom, where the pace is determined by the teacher, immersion software lets you go at your own pace and return to lessons you need to review. The best part is, you can do it from the comfort of your own home.Every language software program is structured differently. When choosing one, consider how you learn best, your goals and the your current proficiency with the language. This list of the best language-learning software programs will help you decide!How to Succeed with Language Immersion SoftwareReady to start with a computer-based language immersion program? There are a few things you should know before diving in. Consider this section your life jacket.Language immersion software does give a classroom-like experience, but it’s not the same as a classroom. There’s no teacher telling you what to do and when to do it. These programs require quite a bit of self-determination, so prepare to stay disciplined during the course.It may be tempting to skip around from lesson to lesson, but it’s better to resist and follow the lesson exactly. You might miss important content that’s required for lessons further down the road.In the absence of classmates, seek out an online community of language learners that use the same software to ask questions and get feedback. You’ll be surprised what you can learn from other students!No Teacher? No Problem! 6  Language Immersion Software Programs That Give a Classroom ExperienceRosetta StoneCost:  As low as $229 for five levels or $184 for three, depending on the format (online, CD or download) or length of subscription.The latest version of Rosetta Stone, perhaps the most widely known language learning software, caters to many different learning styles. The program engages students in listening, reading and speaking activities that exercise the brain and improve fluency. Beginners t o advanced learners will find a Rosetta Stone program that suits their needs.The Rosetta Stone canon offers a very broad selection of languages for any level:SpanishGermanItalianFrenchArabicChineseJapaneseKoreanPortugueseThe user experience design simply can’t be beat. Optional web tutorials give supplemental lessons with a live language teacher.FluentUCost: $20/month to $30/month.  Discounts available for year-long subscriptions.One of the best ways to become immersed in a language is to interact with content that comes from the countries where the language is spoken.  Video content is especially effective because it combines visual and audio learning with culture.FluentU gives you the opportunity to listen to a wide array of native speakers.  FluentU takes real-world videosâ€"like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talksâ€"and turns them into personalized language learning lessons.With FluentU, you learn real languagesâ€"the same way that natives  speak them. Fluen tU has a wide variety of videos, like movie trailers, funny commercials and web series, as you can see here:FluentU App Browse ScreenFluentU has interactive captions that let you tap on any word to see an image, definition, audio and useful examples. Now native language content is within reach with interactive transcripts.Didnt catch something? Go back and listen again. Missed a word? Hover your mouse over the subtitles to instantly view definitions.FluentU Videos with Interactive CaptionsUnder the Vocab and Dialogue tabs, youll find words and phrases from the video and a complete interactive transcript.Interactive Transcripts on FluentUYou can learn all the vocabulary in any video with FluentUs Quiz Mode. Swipe left or right to see  more examples for the word you’re learning.FluentU Has Quizzes for Every VideoFluentU is also flexible. You choose what you watch, when you watch it and how much you watch. Meanwhile, FluentUs algorithm tracks your learning to present you with questio ns that build on what youve already learned. Because of this flexibility, FluentU is appropriate for any level of language learner.FluentU also ticks off the convenient box. You can use FluentU online, download the the iOS app or try the Android app.FluenzCost: $218 for disc 1; $677 for all 5 discsAppearing in a set of 5 discs, the Fluenz software CDs are geared toward new learners and aim for complete understanding of all course material. Fluenz is famous for its English-speaking Sherpa character who appears in videos throughout the program. The Sherpa guides learners along, introducing and recapping each lesson.Currently offering  six languages, the program is perfect for beginnersâ€"so new learners need not worry about getting lost (the Sherpa will help you find your way). The lessons move along at a natural pace and cover a wide variety of topics. There is more than enough content to build a strong foundation in the basics of grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.Mango PassportC ost: $79 for Journey 1; $132 for Journeys 1-2; $176 for Journeys 2-3Ideal for travelers, Mango Passport covers what you need to know if you plan to spend time in a foreign country. Cultural information and travel tips are integrated within relevant and comprehensive language content. With rich screen displays and crisp, clear audio, Mango Passport is a pleasure to use.Passport is modestly priced compared to its other software counterparts. The program is offered in 17 languages (including English). It comes with MP3 audio lessons that you can add to a mobile listening device for on-the-go learning.  While Passport contains useful material and is user-friendly, note that there’s no scoring system that tells you how you’re progressing overall.Rocket Languages PremiumCost:  Rocket Languages has different packages that vary in price according to language and content, but their Premium programs start at around a hundred dollars for a one-time payment.Offering a very affordable, web-b ased portal for beginners and travelers, Rocket Languages Premium stands out for both its value and content. Rocket Languages is a go-to option for aspiring polyglots, as it offers a wide selection of languages, including:SpanishRussianKoreanGermanPortugueseJapaneseChineseArabicItalianFrenchThe lessons also come on CD, if web-based learning isn’t your thing (though at a much higher cost).Since Rocket Languages is primarily web-based, students can learn anywhere they have internet access. Additional downloadable content gives learners more content on the go. The website’s dashboard is easy to navigate. The content is well-paced, covering must-know information without being overly ambitious.Tell Me MoreCost: $199 for 3 months of web  access; DVD-ROM bundles from $299-$529Many immersion programs are designed for beginners and travelers to get their footing on the path to fluency. If youre an intermediate or advanced student in a language, Tell Me More  may be more your style. With many activities and scenarios to choose from at different proficiency levels, Tell Me More provides a customized learning experience tailored to  specific skill sets.Like a  Choose Your Own Adventure game, Tell Me More lets users select specific lessons and topics (like business and politics). This setup personalizes  the learning process. The program is rich in content and offers assessments and games that challenger learners.Now that youve got these software recommendations, youre all set to start studying. But dont leave it all up to the program to teach youâ€"theres still a few things you need to do for yourself!Do a little bit every day to stay consistent, so you don’t forget what you’ve learned.Set goals for yourself and reward yourself when you meet them.With the right motivation and persistence, language immersion software can turn you into an A+ student!