Last Updated on August 30, 2024 by Viviana
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When I first started exploring ways to improve my Spanish and also share my knowledge as a native speaker, I stumbled upon Italki. Like many others, I was skeptical at first. Could a platform really offer a personalized, effective, and affordable way to learn a language? After using Italki extensively both as a student and a teacher, I can confidently say that it can. In this article, I’ll walk you through how Italki works, the pros and cons of using it, and why I believe it’s the best platform out there for learning Spanish.
What is Italki?
Italki is an online language learning platform that connects students with teachers from all over the world for one-on-one lessons. Unlike traditional language schools or even some online courses, Italki offers a highly personalized experience. You get to choose your teacher based on their profile, availability, and even their accent if you’re learning Spanish. It’s a marketplace for language learning where you can find a tutor for virtually any language.
Although we know the importance of experience, we must also keep in mind that every day new teachers and new students like you join Italki, and you should be able to give them a chance.
How Italki Works
- Signing Up: Creating an account on Italki is straightforward and free. You can sign up using your email or social media accounts. Just enter to www.italki.com and used your Gmail, Facebook or your email, so simple.
2. Find a teacher
On the first page you can see some teachers, their photo, their overall rating, how many classes they take, and all their general information. You also find several filters which focus more on your needs.
You should also keep in mind that on Italki there are 2 types of classes with people
Tutors and professionals
Tutors are native Spanish speakers, but they are not professionals, that is, they did not study a university degree to teach Spanish.
And professionals, who have a diploma that certifies them as Spanish teachers, and of course, the price per hour with them is more expensive.
After choosing your teacher, whether professional or tutor, you click on their photo and it takes you to their profile, where you can see all their information and even a video of them.
Taking the Lesson: Lessons are conducted via video calls, typically using Skype, Zoom, or Italki’s own classroom feature. The one-on-one nature of the lessons allows for a highly interactive and personalized experience. You can ask questions, practice speaking, and get immediate feedback—something that’s hard to come by in a traditional classroom setting.
Review and Feedback: After each lesson, you can leave a review for your teacher, which helps maintain the quality of the platform. Teachers also give feedback, helping you understand your progress and areas that need improvement.
I have worked many times for reviews and I know how important they can be, they can help a lot, and also cause a lot of harm.
Therefore, since reviews are not mandatory, I am one of those people who if I don’t have anything good to say, I don’t say anything; and I simply ignore these reviews, and I prefer to send a private message, about the problems or inconveniences I may have had, so that they can improve it, I don’t know what you think.
Advantages of Learning Spanish with Italki
1. Flexibility and Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of Italki is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a traveler, you can fit language lessons into your schedule. Unlike traditional language schools, you don’t have to commit to a fixed timetable. You can take lessons in the morning, during your lunch break, or even late at night. The global nature of Italki means you can find a teacher available at virtually any hour.
2. Personalization
With Italki, learning is tailored to your needs. You can focus on specific areas like grammar, vocabulary, or conversation. If you’re learning Spanish, you might want to concentrate on business Spanish, travel Spanish, or even prepare for a DELE exam. Your teacher will customize the lessons to suit your goals. This level of personalization is something you won’t get with apps like Duolingo or even some online courses.
3. Affordable Pricing
Another major benefit is the cost. Language learning can be expensive, but Italki offers lessons at a wide range of prices, depending on the teacher’s experience and qualifications. You can find tutors offering lessons for as low as $5 per hour. There are also regular promotions and discounts, making it even more affordable. Given the quality of the lessons, the pricing is exceptionally reasonable.
4. Authentic Language Practice
When learning a language, especially Spanish, it’s important to practice with native speakers. This not only helps with pronunciation and accent but also with understanding cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions. On Italki, you can choose to learn with native speakers from different Spanish-speaking countries, giving you exposure to various accents, dialects, and cultures.
5. Community and Resources
Italki is more than just a platform for booking lessons. It has a thriving community of language learners and teachers. You can participate in language exchange sessions, ask questions in forums, and even join group classes. The platform also offers additional resources like flashcards, quizzes, and articles to supplement your learning.
You have the option of an instant lesson, this way you don’t have to wait for the teacher to accept or reject your request.
Disadvantages of Italki
While I’m a big fan of Italki, no platform is perfect. Here are a few downsides to consider:
1. Quality Variation
Since Italki is a marketplace, the quality of teaching can vary. While there are many excellent teachers on the platform, there are also those who may not meet your expectations. It’s important to read reviews, watch introductory videos, and possibly book trial lessons with a few different teachers to find the right fit.
2. Dependency on Technology
Lessons are conducted online, so a stable internet connection is crucial. Technical issues like poor audio quality or video lag can sometimes disrupt the flow of a lesson. While Italki provides its own classroom feature, many teachers prefer using Skype or Zoom, which may require you to switch between platforms,these kinds of problems are very common.
3. No Structured Curriculum
Unlike language schools or structured online courses, Italki does not offer a set curriculum. This can be a downside for learners who prefer a more structured approach. However, for those who enjoy a flexible, personalized learning experience, this might not be an issue, just need to use the filter, and also communicate with your teacher what do you need.
Why You Should Learn Spanish with Italki
Having used Italki both as a student and a teacher, I can confidently recommend it as one of the best platforms for learning Spanish. Here’s why:
1. Authentic Interaction
Learning with native speakers on Italki gives you the most authentic language experience possible. You’re not just learning grammar and vocabulary; you’re learning how to use the language in real-life situations. This kind of immersive learning is invaluable, especially for a language like Spanish, where context and culture play a big role in communication.
2. Goal-Oriented Learning
Whether you’re learning Spanish for travel, work, or personal interest, Italki allows you to focus on your specific goals. You can work with your teacher to design a lesson plan that targets your objectives, whether that’s improving conversational skills, passing an exam, or simply being able to order food in a restaurant.
3. Progress at Your Own Pace
On Italki, you set the pace. There’s no pressure to keep up with a class, and you can take as many or as few lessons as you like. This makes it ideal for people with busy schedules or those who need to balance language learning with other commitments.
4. Cultural Insights
Learning with a native speaker means you’re not just learning the language, but also gaining insights into the culture. This is especially important for Spanish, which is spoken in many different countries, each with its own unique customs, expressions, and slang.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Italki offers a unique and effective way to learn Spanish. The combination of flexible scheduling, personalized lessons, and access to native speakers makes it an ideal platform for language learners of all levels. While there are some drawbacks, such as the variability in teaching quality and the need for a good internet connection, the benefits far outweigh the negatives.
If you’re serious about learning Spanish, whether as a beginner or at an advanced level, I highly recommend giving Italki a try. It’s a platform that not only helps you learn the language but also connects you with a global community of learners and teachers, making your language journey a truly enriching experience.
So go ahead, sign up for an account, and start your Spanish learning journey with Italki today. You won’t regret it!
If you are planning to go to Latin America and learn Spanish there, here is information that could help you, click here