As I've heard from several sources, complete immersion in your target language is one of the best ways to learn in addition to focused practice. Here are resources and ideas I've implemented to move myself further along, without travelling to a french speaking place.
Youtube - watch videos in your target language. Fun tip that has helped me enormously: create another google account, and only watch content in your target language. Only search in your target language too. The algorithm will think you're a native speaker of whatever language (e.g. Youtube thinks I'm a Frenchie) you're learning and only recommend content in said language.
Music - you can use your new google account for this too. Youtube music will give you a free month, and you can go wild listening to music in your language. I've actually discovered quite a few new songs this way en français. Try En Rouge et Noir by Jeanne Mas. You'll want to get a perm and go find a dance floor somewhere.
Radio - If you're lucky enough to have a radio station in your target language (for me it's French CBC here in Canada) keep it tuned whenever you're tidying up around the house or out driving.
Podcasts - Même chose que la radio. For example in French there are podcasts for learners (News in Slow French, Slow French with Gaelle, etc.) but also podcasts for native speakers for when you get more advanced. Podcasts are great for learning conversational tips indirectly...for example I know in french not to go "uhh" when thinking of my next point but "euuu" instead
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
Books - I started a couple years ago with children's books on topics I was interested in. I am still yet to make it through a full novel in French, though I am getting there!
Courses - I ordered a DELF preparation book for $37 that came with a CD. It is heavy on listening comprehension and writing practice. There are MANY free courses as well.
Language learning apps - there are a ton of them. I started with Duolingo years ago. I completed the learning tree, and moved onto Lingodeer. Lingodeer has been my favourite of all the apps I've tried. I bought a lifetime membership for $99 two years ago and it has already paid for itself in just my French learning. No ads, it works well, and it has practice for every aspect of language.
These are all good for listening and comprehension, but what about all-important speaking?
Friends or family members who speak your target language - if you're lucky you might have them! My mom speaks French well and we talk in French when we take the dog out together.
Local language exchange - search for local language exchange groups in your area. If none exist, you can start one or just put a post in a local group on Facebook or via paper on some public bulletin boards.
Online language exchange - Tandem is my favourite. I tried this pre-digital detox and it worked alright. The big challenge is talking with people in different timezones. Texting is no problem as it's asynchronous but video or audio calls can be tough when there is a 6 hour + difference. It is doable though, it just takes effort.
This is what I've been doing. Anyone else with stuff I forgot, feel free to chime in.