How do I know what level I am?

Selecting your level

Your level of proficiency in a language is based on what you can do with the language. Therefore for each level of classes that Immerse has, you will find Can-Do statements, or things you should be able to use the language for.

Immerse has aligned these descriptions with both ACTFL and CEFR proficiency guidelines (among others!) to make determining your proficiency level easier.

Rest assured that your live-instructor (language guide) will adapt the lesson to meet your needs while making it fun and comprehensible. Don't fret if you can't cross everything off the lists below... if you meet some but not all of the points, you're at the right level!

Foundations (CEFR: Pre-A1 / ACTFL: Novice Low-Mid) Not available for English at this time

Foundations classes are for Members who are new to the language. Members may be starting from scratch or have a few key phrases or vocab they know already. To take classes at this level, Members should be able to understand familiar words when supported by visuals, answer a few simple questions on familiar topics, and introduce themselves. They use mostly practiced or memorized words and phrases with the help of gestures. Below are some examples of statements that describe the level of this Member:

I can introduce myself when I meet people
I can ask someone for their name.
I can name a few very common objects.
I can use memorized phrases to show politeness.
I can greet people using memorized phrases.
I can recognize when greetings and leave-taking are expressed.

Foundations Classes Prepare Members to:

request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on very familiar and everyday topics, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, and simple sentences.
express basic needs related to familiar and everyday activities, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions.
express their own preferences or feelings and react to those of others, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions.
present information about themselves, their interests and their activities using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases and simple sentences.
express their likes and dislikes on very familiar and everyday topics of interest, using a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases and simple sentences

Beginner (CEFR: A1 / ACTFL: Novice High)

Beginner classes are for Members who have studied the target language before and can have basic and simple conversations. To take classes at this level, Members should be able to request and provide information by asking and answering a few simple questions on familiar topics, express basic needs related to familiar and everyday activities, express their own preferences or feelings and react to those of others. They use a mixture of practiced or memorized words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions. Below are some examples of statements that describe the level of this Member:

I can ask who, what, where, or when questions about a party
I can introduce someone else and ask related questions
I can exchange preferences with my friends about our likes and dislikes.
I can name my family members, their ages, their relationships to me, and what they like to do.
I can say how much I like or don’t like certain foods.
I can present simple information about my town or city

Beginner Lessons Prepare Members to:

request and provide information by asking and answering practiced (and some original) questions on familiar and everyday topics, using simple sentences most of the time.
interact with others to meet their basic needs related to routine everyday activities, using simple sentences and questions most of the time.
express, ask about, and react to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics, using simple sentences most of the time and asking questions to keep the conversation on topic.
present personal information about their life and activities, using simple sentences most of the time.
express their preferences on familiar and everyday topics of interest, using simple sentences most of the time.

Intermediate (CEFR A2 / ACTFL: Intermediate Low)

Intermediate classes are for Members who have been studying the target language for a while and are ready to take their fluency to the next level. To take classes at this level, Members should be able to interact with others to meet their basic needs related to routine everyday activities. They can express, ask about, and react to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics and present personal information about their life and activities. They use simple sentences most of the time and are able to ask questions to keep the conversation on topic. Below are some examples that describe the level of this member:

I can exchange information about things to do in my town.
I can ask for directions when I’m lost.
I can exchange with others some ideas about ways to stay healthy.
I can describe where I work and what I do.
I can give a few details about my favorite restaurant.
I can give simple directions to a nearby location.
I can interact to ask for clarification by asking specific questions.

Intermediate Lessons Prepare Members to:

request and provide information in conversations on familiar topics by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
interact with others to meet their basic needs in familiar situations by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
express, ask about, and react with some details to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics, by creating simple sentences and asking appropriate follow-up questions.
present personal information about their life, activities and events, using simple sentences.
express their preferences on familiar and everyday topics of interest and explain why they feel that way, using simple sentences.

Advanced (CEFR B1 / ACTFL: Intermediate Mid-High) only offered for English

Advanced classes are for Members who are able to have conversations with others in the target language, but need opportunities for more speaking practice. To take classes at this level, Members should be able to express, ask about, and react with some details to preferences, feelings, or opinions on familiar topics. They can explain why they feel a certain way using a series of simple sentences to ask and answer a variety of questions. Below are some examples of statements that describe the level of this Member:

I can participate in a conversation with someone to identify the information we need to plan a trip.
I can interact to ask for clarification by asking specific questions.
I can interact to share ideas with others about how to celebrate a friend’s birthday.
I can retell a story that I’ve read or heard.
I can give a series of reasons why a book I’ve read was appealing to me.
I can state multi-step instructions for completing a process, such as preparing a recipe.

Advanced Lessons Prepare Members to:

exchange information in conversations and some discussions on a variety of familiar and some researched topics, using connected sentences and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
interact with others to meet their needs in a variety of situations, sometimes involving a complication, using connected sentences and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
explain preferences, opinions, and emotions and provide advice on a variety of familiar and some researched topics, using connected sentences and asking a variety of questions, often across various time frames.
tell stories about work and personal experiences, using a series of connected sentences across various time frames.
state viewpoints on familiar topics and provide reasons to support them, using a series of connected sentences across various time frames.

Where do I change my level?

When you log into your account on the web app, you will find yourself on the HOME screen of the web page. To the left is where you will see a spot to assign yourself a level. Clicking the pen icon, will allow you to change your level. But if you're still unsure, try chatting with one of our incredible Language Guides during staffed "Commons" times and/or on our Discord! They would love the opportunity to give you their insight and recommend which classes best suit your proficiency level and needs. Remember that you can also take classes lower than your level for a refresher, or challenge yourself by taking a higher level class on a familiar topic!