Italki Review: Is italki Worth It For Learning How To Speak A Language?
Italki Review: Is italki Worth It For Learning How To Speak A Language?
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Is italki Any Good?
Are you looking for an effective, convenient and affordable way to learn a new language? If so, then italki may be the perfect platform for you.
In this article we will explore how italki makes learning easier than traditional private language lessons by discussing its user interface, filters to find the right tutor for each learner's needs, and customer reviews to help people decide if a tutor is right for them.
Learning a foreign language can be incredibly difficult and frustrating.
RELATED: How Does italki Work? How To Use italki To Learn A Language Effectively.
You might not have enough time to attend traditional classes, or you might not live in a city where your target language is spoken. Traditional language learning methods are expensive and don't always offer the best results.
But is italki worth it for learning how to speak a language? Italki is the perfect solution for people who want to learn how to speak a foreign language without breaking the bank. With italki, you can find a tutor who is right for you and get conversation practice.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using Italki so you can make an informed decision about whether or not this platform is suitable for your needs.
What Is italki?
Italki is an online language learning platform that connects learners with native speaking tutors from all over the world. It offers lessons, conversation practice and other tools to help you learn a language.
On the italki platform, you can find and connect with professional teachers, community tutors and many other language partners.
How Does italki Work?
Italki is a platform that makes it easy to find the perfect tutor for your needs. You can search through thousands of profiles and filter by language, specialty, location and other criteria to find the right teacher or tutor for you.
Italki is simple and easy to use. All you have to do is create an account, select the language you want to learn and choose a tutor based on their profile, reviews and ratings.
Once you have found a suitable teacher or tutor, you can book lessons with them on the italki website. You can also browse through italki's resources and practice activities.
What Makes italki Unique?
Italki is unique in that it offers an affordable and convenient way to learn a foreign language. You can become fluent in a new language and communicate with native speakers in no time.
The platform also offers custom learning plans so you can fit your lessons into your schedule. You can even connect with other language learners on italki to share tips and get feedback.
In addition to its affordability, what really makes italki stand out is its customer reviews. Italki's users can leave comments on tutors' profiles so other learners can see if a tutor is right for them before booking lessons. This helps make sure that students find the right tutor for their needs.
Can You Become Fluent With italki?
It is the question that many language learners ask: can you become fluent with italki? The answer is yes, with dedication, practice and the right tutor.
Italki's platform is designed to help learners reach fluency in a language, not just learn the basics. The platform offers personalized learning plans so that users can tailor their lessons according to their needs and goals.
What Are Lessons Like On italki?
Italki lessons are designed to give students the opportunity to practice their language skills with a native speaker. Lessons can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each learner, and they usually involve some combination of conversation practice, grammar and vocabulary drills, pronunciation exercises, cultural activities and more.
1-on-1 Lessons
Italki offers 1-on-1 lessons with professional tutors. These lessons are the most popular option on italki, as they offer students a chance to have personalized one-on-one conversations with native speakers.
Group Class
Italki also offers group lessons with multiple learners and a tutor. These lessons are great for those who want to practice their language skills in a social setting.
The platform also allows you to find people near you who speak the same language as you so you can join a study group or chat about a common interest.
How Long Are italki Lessons?
Italki lessons typically last between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Depending on your learning goals, you can book as many or as few lessons as you need. It also depends on what the teacher offers - the amount of time each lesson is will vary among all teachers.
Does italki Provide Lesson Plans?
Yes, italki provides lesson plans for each student so they know what to expect. These are tailored to the learner's learning goals and will differ from teacher to teacher. It's important to communicate with your tutor in advance about what you would like to cover in the lessons.
Italki Lessons Themselves
Italki lessons usually start with a warm up activity. This could involve a conversation about the student's day, or a review of any concepts covered in the previous lesson.
Depending on what has been agreed upon between tutor and student, lessons can involve grammar drills, pronunciation exercises, readings, writing activities or cultural activities. At the end of each lesson, the student and tutor can review what was covered in the lesson and discuss any upcoming topics.
At the end of each italki lesson, customers are asked to rate their experience with the teacher so that other learners can make informed decisions about which tutors they'd like to work with. This helps ensure that students get a quality learning experience.
How Many italki Lessons Should You Do Per Week?
The number of italki lessons you should do per week depends on your learning goals. If you are just starting out and want to learn the basics, then one or two lessons a week is enough.
However, if you want to become fluent in a language quickly, then more frequent lessons may be beneficial. It's important to communicate with your tutor so that you can decide together how many lessons are necessary for you to reach your goals.
What Are italki Teachers Like?
Italki teachers are experienced, professional tutors who have been carefully selected by the italki team to ensure that they provide the best quality lessons. All of them have passed background checks and meet specific criteria.
Not only that, all of italki's teachers are native speakers of their target language. This ensures that learners get the most out of their lessons and get the best possible language education.
What Is The Difference Between A Vocational Teacher And A Tutor?
Professional teachers are trained in teaching skills in foreign language acquisition. They meet at least one of the following conditions:
Professional teaching experience in primary and secondary schools, universities or institutions
Earned a college degree in education
Hold a teaching certificate from a recognized institution (eg CELTA, TESOL)
Tutors may not be professionally certified to teach, but they are native speakers with a passion for language learning and teaching, and can provide conversational practice through informal tutoring to help you learn their language and understand the local environment and culture.
Italki reviewers are also educators, and italki carefully reviews and evaluates each teacher's application. In italki, both professional teachers and tutors need to be native speakers or C2 level of the language of instruction.
And all teachers need to pass italki's strict application process, including identity verification, teacher training and video interviews, etc.
How To Choose The Right italki Teacher For You?
When choosing your italki tutor, you can click on "Find a Teacher" and use the filters to narrow down the best fit. Italki has multiple screening tags, and you can quickly find a teacher that suits your learning needs according to your preferences.
For example, if you want the teacher to speak your native language so that you can communicate better in class, click "Also speak", check the language, and click "Submit" to apply the filter. Move the mouse over the language column to view the teacher's language fluency.
If you are preparing for an exam, you can also select teachers who can help you prepare by using the Category filter and selecting Exams.
Other filters include: price, availability (in your time zone), class type (business, exam, kids, etc.), native speaker status, etc. You can read reviews from previous students to decide if a teacher is right for you.
You can also check out the following on the Faculty Profile page for reference:
Teacher rating (out of 5 points)
Teacher text and video self-introduction
Teacher's Course Description
Faculty Professional Background and Credentials
Teacher's lesson statistics and student evaluation
RELATED: How To Find Your Perfect Language Tutor Online (12 Simple Steps).
Italki also strongly recommends that you click "Contact Teacher" to fill in the contact form, tell the teacher more about your class needs, discuss with the teacher your study plan, learning goals, preferences, etc., to find the most suitable teacher for you!
What Is The Teacher’s Curriculum Like? Do They Have Textbooks?
Teachers provide tailored 1-on-1 lessons for each student. Therefore, you can discuss the course structure, course format and study materials with the teacher to create a personal study plan.
Professional teachers usually have a wealth of learning resources, such as textbooks, PDFs, PPTs, and videos. You can review the instructor's course descriptions and ask if they can provide materials.
Once You Find A Teacher, How Do You Book A Class?
Once you have created an account and signed in, you can search for teachers by language and level. It's also possible to filter your results by teacher reviews, price, availability, qualifications and more.
Once you find the tutor that best fits your needs, you can click on their profile to learn more about them and their teaching style.
Once you’re ready to book a lesson, here are the following steps:
Click "Book Now"
Choose the language you want to study (if your teacher teaches different languages) and the course.
Choose the duration of the lesson. Teachers can choose the length of lessons they offer, such as 30 minutes or 45 minutes.
Choose a class time. The time will be displayed in the time zone you selected.
Choose a communication tool for class.
Send the class request and wait for the teacher to accept it. Please note that a lesson request is not booked until it is accepted.
The class time request sent by the student can be booked for a class after 2 hours, 6 hours, or 12 hours (set according to the actual class time of the teacher) at the earliest.
Lesson Packages
If you want to purchase multiple lessons at a discounted price on italki, or book multiple lessons at once, you can choose lesson packages created and provided by teachers.
Teachers can set how many lessons are included in a lesson package. Available options include 5 hours, 10 hours or 20 hours. The price of the lesson package is also set by the teacher.
You can book multiple lessons directly when purchasing the lesson pack. Or, after purchasing the lesson package, go to the lesson package page to schedule lessons in batches.
When purchasing a lesson pack, at least one lesson needs to be booked. After each class confirmation is completed, one class will be deducted from the class hour package.
If you need to schedule a class in the lesson package, after logging in to italki, click My Lessons > My Lessons and Lesson Packs to view the lesson packs you have purchased. Click on the lesson package to enter the lesson package details, where you can "reserve" the courses in the lesson package.
What Equipment Or Software Do I Need To Take Classes On italki?
The platform uses a variety of technologies to provide its users with the best language learning experience, including web and mobile applications, and video conferencing software.
You need a device with a camera. Italki strongly recommends that you have headphones and a microphone for a better classroom experience.
You can visit the italki website or use the italki app (supports Android and iOS) through a browser.
When booking a course, you can choose any of the following contact methods:
italki Classroom is open to everyone and can be accessed through a browser or the italki app.
Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, WeChat and other communication tools are selectively provided by teachers according to which software they use.
If you choose other contact methods than Classroom, you may need to fill in the ID or username of the contact method so that the teacher can search for you.
After the course request is accepted by the teacher, you will see the ID of the teacher contact tool on the course details page. If the software you use frequently does not appear in the selection list of communication tools, you can ask the teacher whether to use the software.
Please note: Once the contact tool for a class or a class package is selected, it cannot be changed after the reservation is successful.
Therefore, italki recommends that you choose italki Classroom first and prepare 1-2 backup software. If needed, add your teacher as a friend on the backup software before class to avoid account or connection issues after class begins.
Italki App
The italki app is available on both Android and iOS mobile devices. The app allows users to access their italki account and purchase lessons, practice conversations with native speakers, participate in language challenges, follow teachers’ instruction notes and schedule classes.
The italki app also has a range of tools for learning such as:
My Profile: Keep track of your progress with your personalized dashboard.
Podcasts: Listen to engaging audio lessons.
Quizzes: Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes.
Vocabulary: Learn new words with flashcards and tools.
Prompt: Practice pronunciation with a built-in speech recognition tool.
Article: Read articles and improve your reading skills.
Community: Connect with fellow language learners.
Certificate: Earn certificates for your language skills.
The italki app also allows users to search for teachers according to their preferences, such as native language and language proficiency.
What Languages Does italki Have?
Italki has a wide variety of languages to choose from, with over 150 languages available on the platform. Italki offers tutors in popular languages such as English, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Hindi, Italian, and Russian.
The platform also includes many dialects and variants of different languages. For example, italki offers tutors in Modern Standard Arabic, Egyptian Arabic, Spain Spanish, Mexican Spanish, etc.
How Much Does italki Cost?
Italki is a great value for students looking to learn a language, with prices that vary depending on the type of tutor and lesson chosen. The platform offers three different types of lessons; Community Tutor lessons, Professional Teacher lessons, and Conversation Exchange.
Community Tutor lessons are the most affordable option as they are offered by volunteer tutors who are not professionally certified. Professional Teacher lessons are more expensive, but they provide a high-quality language education with experienced tutors who have been verified by the italki team.
Conversation Exchange is another affordable option and allows learners to practice conversations with native speakers in their target language for free.
italki Credit Refund Policy
If your course request is canceled, rejected by the teacher, or expired (the teacher did not accept it in time), 100% of the class credits will be refunded to your italki student wallet.
If you are unable to attend class, please contact the teacher first to ask if the points can be refunded. Once the lesson is confirmed as successfully completed , the credits will be transferred to your teacher and italki will no longer be able to process your refund request.
If the class is canceled by the teacher, you can report the problem and request credits to be refunded to the student wallet.
italki Credit Expiration Policy
The italki credit in your italki account is valid as long as you remain active on italki. If your italki account is inactive for more than twelve (12) months, the italki credits will expire.
What Are italki Credits?
Italki credits are a form of virtual currency that is used as payment for tutoring services on the italki platform. Italki credits are purchased with real money and can only be used to pay for language lessons, conversation exchanges, and other services offered by native-speaking tutors.
All purchases of italki points are settled in US dollars. When you choose to pay in other currencies, due to exchange rate changes, the displayed payment amount is for reference only.
The Best Features of italki
Find A Teacher
One of the best features of italki is its user-friendly interface. It’s easy to find and filter tutors, search for conversation partners, or book one-on-one lessons.
You can filter by language, country of origin, ratings or nationality, language proficiency level, and specialty. Those looking for a more personal experience can search for group classes and conversation partners in their desired language.
Group Class
Italki also offers group classes for those looking to learn a language with others. You can search and join group classes according to your current level, the language you're learning, and what times you're available.
italki Classroom
The italki platform offers a virtual classroom feature, which allows you to have live video conversations with native speakers from the comfort of your own home.
You can practice your language skills and learn from native teachers in a live, interactive environment, share documents, record video lessons, and access interactive tools such as polls, whiteboards, scratch pads and more.
italki Language Test
Italki offers a language test to help you understand your proficiency level in the language you're learning. The italki language test helps to determine if learners need more practice or should move on to different topics.
The results of the test are used as guidance for evaluating and matching tutors and students. This feature allows learners to find the right teacher for their language level, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring productive lessons.
italki Language Challenge
Italki offers a language challenge for those who want to compete with their friends and track their progress. The challenge consists of various tasks, such as completing different levels in the language test, reaching certain milestones in conversation exchanges, or mastering specific topics.
These challenges are designed to keep learners motivated and engaged while they learn a new language. Completing different levels of the challenge unlocks rewards, such as special discounts or access to exclusive content.
italki Podcasts
Italki offers a variety of podcasts to help learners practice their language skills. These podcasts are designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced.
They cover a wide range of topics and include audio recordings with native speakers, interactive quizzes, and helpful tips on how to learn the language faster.
italki Quiz
Italki offers a quiz feature that helps learners review and practice their language skills. The quiz includes multiple-choice questions on topics such as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
The italki quiz is designed to test learners' knowledge of the language they are learning and help them master specific topics. The results of the quiz can be used to identify areas for improvement and help the learner reach their language goals.
italki Community
Italki also has an active community of language learners and teachers. The community helps people connect, share tips and advice, and discuss common interests related to learning languages.
The italki forums are a great resource for language learners, as they can ask questions about the language or receive help from native speakers. It’s a great way to stay motivated and engage with other language learners.
What Is The Best Way To Use italki?
It’s important to set realistic goals and expectations when signing up for a course or tutoring session with italki. With the right approach, italki can be an effective tool for language learners of all levels.
First, set a goal for yourself. What are you hoping to achieve with your language learning? When do you want to achieve conversational fluency?
Second, search for the right teacher. The italki website has filters that allow you to match with teachers based on your level and language goals. You can also browse through reviews left by previous students, which will help you find a compatible tutor.
Finally, set a schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key for any language learning journey. Having regular lessons with the same teacher will help you build a relationship of trust and understanding over time, which is essential for making progress in your chosen language.
Make sure to practice regularly and consistently, as this is the key for mastering any language.
How To Make The Most Out Of italki
The best way to make the most out of italki is by taking advantage of its vast range of features and tools.
Take advantage of the resources: Use the italki app, podcasts, quizzes, vocabulary tools, articles and other resources to your benefit in order to gain knowledge of the language.
Connect with the community: Take part in conversations and join language exchange sessions to practice what you have learnt.
Read reviews and feedback: Use customer reviews and feedback to get a better idea of what each teacher offers before booking a lesson.
Have fun: Language learning should be enjoyable and engaging, so make sure to have fun while learning!
Pros
Italki helps you to reach conversational fluency.
You can practice your listening and speaking skills in the comfort of your own home.
It has a wide range of teachers to choose from, with various rates and teaching styles.
The website and app are easy to use and understand.
There is a large selection of resources available for language learners.
It provides an affordable alternative to traditional methods of language learning.
The community is a great way to connect with other learners and practice your skills.
What I Liked About italki
I found italki to be an excellent platform for language learning. The wide selection of teachers and resources available make it a great option for those looking to learn a language online.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, and the search filters allow you to quickly find the right teacher for your needs. The customer reviews are also helpful in getting an idea of what to expect from a particular teacher.
The affordability of the platform is another great benefit, as it allows you to access quality language lessons without having to pay a large sum upfront. The community also provides an excellent opportunity for language practice and meeting other learners.
Overall, I found italki to be a great resource for language learning. The wide selection of teachers, resources, and affordability make it an attractive option for those looking to learn a language online.
Cons
Italki is not an accredited institution, so it may not be accepted as official proof of English proficiency for certain applications.
Some teachers may be less experienced than others, so it's important to read reviews and select the right one for you.
You may need to experiment with different teachers before finding the right one for you.
The quality of the lessons can vary depending on the teacher, so it's important to shop around.
The language exchange sessions are not always reliable, as some people do not show up or may not be available.
The customer reviews may be biased and unreliable at times.
Italki doesn’t offer any official certificates or awards upon completion. This may be an issue for some people who are looking for recognition of their language proficiency.
What I Didn’t Like About italki
My main issue with italki was the lack of reliable customer reviews. While I found some to be helpful, others were biased and unreliable. This made it difficult to find the right tutor for my needs.
Another issue is the quality of lessons, since some teachers may be less experienced than others. It’s important to read reviews and select the right teacher for you in order to ensure you get the most out of your lessons.
Finally, the language exchange sessions also proved tricky at times, as not all people showed up or were available when scheduled. This meant that I had to rely on the tutor for language practice, which may not always be ideal.
Can I Trust italki?
Italki offers an extensive array of reviews from previous students that can help you decide if a tutor is right for you. The review system allows users to rate and comment on their experience with individual tutors. This way you can get an idea of the tutor’s style and level of expertise before you commit.
You can also use the filters on italki to find a tutor that is right for you based on things like language, availability, price range, specialty (grammar, conversation, etc.), and nationality. This helps make sure that you get the best possible language learning experience.
Ultimately, italki puts a lot of effort into ensuring the trustworthiness of its tutors and platform. With user reviews and an extensive filtering system, you can be sure that you are in good hands when it comes to learning a language with italki.
Become A Teacher On italki
If you are bilingual or multilingual and would like to make some extra money, italki is a great way to do so. Teaching on italki can be very rewarding. You get the chance to help others learn your language while making money at the same time.
The process of becoming a teacher is quite straightforward and simple. Italki has a detailed guide to help you get started, as well as an active support network for questions and concerns.
How To Earn A Living Through italki
You can make a living teaching on italki by setting your own rates, offering packages or discounts that attract more students, and marketing yourself through the platform. Once you have established yourself as an experienced tutor, you can start to build a client base of regular students.
The money you make on italki depends on how much time and effort you put in. The more hours you teach, the more money you will make. It's also important to focus on building relationships with your students so that they are more likely to come back for future lessons.
Is It Worth Teaching On italki?
Italki offers a great opportunity for language teachers who are looking to make some extra money or even build a full-time living. The platform is easy to use and has built-in tools that help you market yourself as a tutor.
Your earning potential with italki is reliant on the level of dedication and effort you are willing to invest. However, once you establish yourself as an experienced tutor, it’s possible to make a good living teaching on italki.
RELATED: 15 Smart Ways To Use Your Bilingual Skills To Make Money Online.
Overall, I would recommend teaching on italki if you are looking for a flexible and rewarding way to make money online.
Are italki Lessons Worth It?
The answer depends on your individual needs and goals when it comes to learning a language. For those looking for an affordable language learning option, italki is worth considering.
With a range of features to ensure you get the best possible language learning experience, italki can be a great tool to help you reach your goals.
However, it’s important to understand that the quality of lessons may vary depending on the teacher and that customer reviews may not always be reliable. With the right teacher, you can get a lot out of italki’s platform and be well on your way to speaking a new language.
Conclusion
Although there are many language learning platforms out there, italki stands out from the rest due to its affordability and convenience.
Overall, italki is an excellent language learning platform for those looking to learn a foreign language online.
With its wide selection of teachers and resources, affordability, filters to find the right tutor, and customer reviews to help people decide if a tutor is right for them – it’s definitely worth considering as part of your language learning journey.
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Question:
So, here’s the question: Have you tried italki yet? If so, what was your experience like? Did you enjoy using italki? Did you dislike it? And if you haven’t tried italki, will you be trying their tutoring services? Let us know in the comments section down below.
P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.
Hey, I’m Mara.
I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.
