About the School
italki is an international online language learning platform founded in 2007. Today it connects over 10,000 teachers and millions of students worldwide. The main focus is on individual English lessons, but other languages are also available. Teachers undergo moderation, and students can leave reviews, helping to choose the best.
Programs and Formats
italki offers several learning formats:
- Individual lessons with a professional teacher — certified educators working with structured programs (General English, Business English, IELTS Preparation, etc.).
- Conversation practice with a native speaker (Community Tutor) — informal conversations to improve speaking skills, without a strict program.
- Exam preparation — IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English, and others.
Lessons are conducted online via video call (Skype, Zoom). Lesson duration is typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes. You can book lessons as needed, without subscriptions.
How Much It Costs and What's Included
Prices are set by the teachers themselves. Costs range from $5 to $50 per lesson (45-60 minutes). The average price for a lesson with a professional teacher is $15-25, with a community tutor — $10-15. Trial lessons are often offered at a discount or free (depending on the teacher). Payment is per lesson, with no subscriptions. Purchasing lesson packages (e.g., 5 or 10 lessons) may give a discount.
Why Choose italki
- Flexibility: you choose your teacher, time, and lesson frequency.
- Access to native speakers: practice the language with people from the USA, UK, Canada, and other countries.
- Wide selection: thousands of teachers with different specializations and prices.
- Transparency: reviews and ratings help make an informed choice.
- No subscriptions: pay only for the lessons you take.
What to Consider Before Choosing
- Teacher quality varies: although moderation exists, the level of Community Tutors may be lower than certified professionals.
- No unified curriculum: you are responsible for your learning plan unless you follow a structured course with a teacher.
- Language barrier: at beginner levels, it may be difficult to explain your needs to a teacher who doesn't speak Russian.
- Internet dependency: connection quality affects the lesson.
Overall, italki is an excellent choice for independent and motivated students who want to practice the language with real people and flexibly plan their learning.