Learning a language requires consistency and finding fun ways to integrate it into your daily life.
Here are 7 detailed tips to help you stay on track while immersing yourself in English!
1. Switch your phone and computer settings to English
One of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in English is by changing your phone and computer settings. Every time you unlock your phone or navigate through your apps, you’ll see English vocabulary in action. When I was learning French, I switched my phone settings, and within a few weeks, I knew how to say “download,” “send,” “open,” and “type” without even trying! This trick helps you reinforce vocabulary in a practical context because you’re repeatedly exposed to words you already use every day.
Have you tried switching your phone settings to English yet? How many new words have you picked up?
2. Listen to English radio in the background
Listening to English radio, like LBC Radio, is a fantastic way to surround yourself with conversational English and different accents. You don’t need to understand everything—just let it play while you’re cooking or doing chores. When I was learning German, I did the same thing. At first, it was a blur of words, but gradually I started picking out phrases and repeated expressions. This kind of passive listening helps your brain get used to the rhythm and flow of the language without the pressure of understanding every word.
What’s your favorite English radio station or podcast to listen to in the background?
3. Keep a mini-diary in English
Writing a mini-diary every day is a great way to practice forming sentences in English. It doesn’t have to be long—just a few lines about your day, how you’re feeling, or even something you learned. My native language is Serbian but I became bilingual pretty early in life. And for as long as I can remember, I have written my diary in English. Writing daily has helped me think in English and keep up my fluency, especially when I wasn’t living in an English-speaking country. I believe keeping a diary is incredibly beneficial for many reasons and so combining that with writing in a language you want to practice is a winning combination.
What do you like to write about in your diary? Do you notice improvements in your writing over time?
4. Find a study buddy
Learning with a friend makes the journey more fun and keeps you accountable. Even if your buddy is learning something completely different, like playing an instrument, you can still motivate each other. Set a time each week to check in on your progress. For example, if your friend is learning to play the guitar and you’re improving your English from B2 to C1, you can encourage each other by sharing your weekly wins and challenges. Accountability keeps you moving forward!
Do you have a study buddy for your English learning? What motivates you to keep each other accountable?
5. Watch a favorite show in English with English subtitles
Love watching TV shows or movies? Turn your entertainment into a learning opportunity! When I was learning Greek and Hebrew, I watched the same movie a few times—first with English subtitles, then with subtitles in the language I was learning, and finally without subtitles. You can do this with your favorite English shows too. This way, you’re combining fun with learning, and because you’re familiar with the plot, it’s easier to pick up new words and phrases.
Which TV show or movie are you currently watching in English? How much more do you understand with each viewing?
6. Combine your hobbies with English learning
If you’re passionate about a hobby, why not learn more about it in English? Whether it’s cooking, photography, or fitness, there’s likely a book, YouTube channel, or online community in English that can help you develop both your skills and language. For example, I bought a calligraphy book in Spanish to practice my Spanish while learning calligraphy. The best part? You’re combining your interests with learning, so it doesn’t feel like extra work!
What hobbies do you love, and how can you start learning more about them in English
7. Find a language coach
Sometimes you need a little extra support to keep progressing, and that’s where a language coach can help. A coach can pinpoint areas that need improvement, help you create a personalized study plan, and answer any questions you have. They can also help you stay motivated by tracking your progress and giving you feedback. Whether you’re just starting or trying to reach fluency, having someone guide you can make a big difference!
Have you ever worked with a language coach? What was your experience like?
The key is to make language learning relevant to your life. Find ways to be exposed to English every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes. What other fun ways can you think of to immerse yourself in English? Share them in the comments!
