Immersing yourself into the language right away is good is a good start, but sometimes you have to understand the basics, which would definitely help for you not to be totally lost. Start with common words such as to be or to have. You can also memorize specific phrases to use in different circumstances. One subject that I strongly recommend you to monster is introductions, so appreciate how to make yourself known when meeting people for the first time. And later you can progress into more complicated grammar and sentences