Online French Conversational Classes with native speaker helped me to learn French in record time! Now I recommend this method to all learners who try to master foreign language from distance.
I wanted to be able to learn French language from anywhere and anytime. Thanks to the Online learning platforms our learning experience is changing the way we master new languages! From prices, pros and cons, to top tips, here’s everything you need to know about using the conversational language training services with native speaker
The platforms itself doesn’t offer classes, but they allow language teachers to present themselves so that international learners can choose a suitable teacher from a variety of alternatives. The opportunities for learning foreign languages are ever-increasing. It seems like there is always a new cutting-edge app or a fresh super-efficient technique out there. However, the traditional way of learning a foreign language with a teacher still remains one of the most effective ways of doing it.
This method first caught my attention due to its widespread recommendation within the language-learning community. It is particularly noteworthy that prominent polyglots and linguists, who typically promote their own resources, appear to have a universal respect for conversational language training, and endorse this method as a foundational tool. This consensus speaks volumes about its effectiveness.
Italki & its alternatives for French conversation classes with Native Speaker
Preply: Like Italki, Preply is a platform for you to find a language tutor. I’ve done a trial session on Preply and I had a great experience. I find that Preply is more focused on lessons rather than just conversations. Italki vs. Preply? Try both! You might find a tutor you love on Preply. The only downside is that you have to purchase a package of hours with one tutor, as compared to paying per-lesson like Italki.
Verbling: A website to find professional teachers, Verbling is very similar to Italki. My first impression: there are fewer teachers available on Verbling and they generally charge higher prices compared to Italki. If you have a larger budget, it’s definitely worth trying.
Cambly: Cambly offers only English lessons. They have a huge list of tutors from the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia. The app is user-friendly and it’s very easy to get started with your first English lesson. It’s definitely worth trying out both Cambly and Italki if you’re learning English.
Why you need the French speaking classes with Native Tutor
The final frontier for every language learner is the spoken fluency. Though a lot of apps and courses can get you started, they simply can’t replace the speed and effectiveness of real-world conversational practice with human. I found this to be especially true when I completed my A1 and A2 French exams in just three months, thanks to supplementing my digital lessons with sessions of conversational training. While self-paced e-learning is convenient, the absence of live speaking practice with another person can be a major barrier to advancing your skills.
In my case, I was facing an upcoming move to France for work and I knew I needed to master French fast. My solution was to integrate daily, one-on-one sessions with a private tutor into my routine. This hybrid learning strategy was designed to accelerate my progress, and it absolutely paid off. I invested €120 for a package of twenty 30-minute-Talk-Sessions, which I used alongside my €100 digital lessons (for ten e-lessons). My high hopes for a rapid three-month learning curve were met, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the process. It felt nothing like talking to a machine; instead, I was having genuine conversations with a native speaker about topics of my choosing, which made the experience more effective and fun.
One of the leading global places for language learning brings together over 5 million students and more than 10,000 teachers. This service supports learning in an extensive range of languages, from common ones like Spanish and Mandarin to less-common ones like Tagalog and Turkish. The core experience is based on private, live video sessions where you can practice speaking with a native speaker. The platform is especially well-known for its focus on conversational practice, but it also allows for more structured, needs-based lessons tailored by your chosen tutor.
I’ve been using the service to learn French, and it’s been about more than just fluency. It’s given me the chance to connect with three hand-picked teachers from all over the globe, which feels like a form of global travel without having to leave my house. A key thing I’ve discovered is the difference between community tutors and professional teachers. The latter are vetted by the platform and have formal training or extensive teaching experience. As a result, they are better prepared to offer structured lessons with comprehensive materials.
The primary difference in cost lies between professional teachers and community tutors.
While professionals are more expensive, starting at a minimum of $12 per hour, their extensive training and vetting by the platform mean they are better equipped to provide structured lessons with dedicated resources. In contrast, community tutors offer a more budget-friendly option, with rates beginning at just $4 per hour. The platform offers a range of lesson formats, including general conversation, beginner basics, and targeted sessions for reading, resume reviews, travel, or even text-based communication. Lessons can be booked for 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes, and packages are often available at a reduced rate. My advice is to always check the tutor’s profile for scheduling and availability to avoid conflicts and to ensure they aren’t too heavily booked. For conversational classes to be most effective, be sure to communicate your preference for being corrected, as some tutors are hesitant to interrupt your flow.
You can also find tutors who are more structured and goal-oriented. They will present lesson options and you can discuss your objectives with them directly. I have a tutor like this with whom I work through a grammar book. She explains the rules, and then we complete the exercises together. This personalized, structured learning style is something I really enjoy.
I’ve made it my mission to find the best tutors without spending too much. While reviews are an obvious starting point, I’ve found that they’re not always reliable since many students (including myself) are reluctant to leave negative feedback.
When choosing a tutor, many learners question how to navigate the options. You can and should choose your own teacher. Differences in nationality, teaching style, and price are all important factors. To help you make an informed decision, this guide provides a breakdown of average hourly rates by tutor nationality and a curated list of the Top 10 highest-rated English tutors online. Whether your main focus is on a tutor’s background or your budget, this guide will help you find the best fit.
You might be tempted to filter your teacher search by “native speakers” at first. I certainly was, but I’ve since changed my approach. I’ve realized that a non-native speaker with a C1 advanced level can often be a better teacher. Because they have learned the language themselves, they are more adept at explaining grammar rules and using a structured, tried-and-tested teaching method. This can be more effective than learning from a native speaker who simply absorbed the language naturally without a deep understanding of its rules.
f you’re too nervous to start with a video lesson, arrange with your tutor to begin with text messages until you feel more confident. Remember, you should never be afraid to change tutors; that’s exactly what the trial lessons are for. Always ask your tutor to send a report of what you need to review before your next lesson, as most will be happy to do so. And instead of letting them set the agenda, be sure to let your tutor know what you want to focus on. A tutor’s profile is a great resource, as it shows the number of students they’ve taught and lessons they’ve given. A high number of repeat bookings is a good indicator of their quality.
Currently, I’m finding that the available communication tools—like Skype, FaceTime, Google Meet, WeChat, and Telegram—are not as convenient as Zoom. I often use Zoom for everything else and wish it was a standard option. One of the biggest frustrations is the need to schedule lessons 12 hours in advance. It would be amazing if I could just turn on my laptop and start a lesson on the spot, a feature that some platforms used to have but removed years ago. I really hope someone brings it back! I also find the search filters limiting. I understand the reasons, but I would love to have more options, like filtering by gender or sorting by price and reviews.
The one-on-one sessions with my tutors have made conversational French feel normal to me. On top of that, my life has become more fun since I started using this service. I’ve spoken with people from all over the world—from France to Canada to Martinique—and learned so much about their lives and cultures. I truly feel like I’m traveling the world in every conversation class, and I love it. So, is it worth it? My answer is a resounding yes! I’ve been using the platform for a month now and have learned a few tricks to find the best, most affordable tutors. In this review, I’m going to share everything you need to know about the service, including how it works, pricing, pros, cons, and safety.
Having access to numerous online tutors provides great flexibility for your schedule and budget. The scheduling system is user-friendly and highlights available times, allowing you to easily book a session. When choosing a tutor, you can also consider their location if time zones are a concern. With a wide range of hourly rates available, you can easily find a tutor who fits your budget. For example, if you just want extra conversation practice, you can have a couple of sessions per month with a community tutor for around $10 each. If you need a more intensive approach and have a higher budget, you can book structured lessons with a professional teacher three times a week for about $20 each.
Conversation practice with real people is one of the most effective ways to improve your language skills, no matter your current level. This approach is particularly helpful if you’re a beginner who needs to work on pronunciation, if you lack confidence speaking to others, if your independent study has reached a plateau, if you need more speaking practice to complement your other courses, or if you want to improve your listening comprehension. Early in my language learning, my biggest hurdles were a lack of confidence and poor listening skills. While taking online lessons to face these issues might seem intimidating, the results are well worth it. Looking back, I would have used this method to tackle those problems much sooner.
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