What is italki and How Does it Work?

Key takeaways:

• italki is an online platform connecting learners with native-speaking tutors for 1-on-1 language lessons across 150+ languages
• Choose between professional teachers (certified educators) and community tutors (conversation practice with native speakers)
• Lessons cost $3-$60/hour based on teacher experience and lesson type
• Book lessons on your schedule using italki Classroom (built-in video tool) or Zoom

What is italki?

italki is the leading online platform for personalized language learning that connects students with tutors for one-on-one lessons.

Since 2007, the platform has connected over 5 million learners with more than 20,000 teachers across 150+ languages.

The platform works differently from language learning apps. Instead of following pre-set lessons or gamified exercises, you work directly with a real person who adapts each lesson to your goals, corrects your mistakes in real time, and helps you practice speaking from day one.

You can find teachers for popular languages like Spanish, French, Japanese, and English, or less common ones like Icelandic, Swahili, and Tagalog.

italki uses a pay-as-you-go model with no subscriptions or long-term contracts. You choose tutors based on teaching style, availability, and price, then book lessons when it suits your schedule. Some learners stick with one tutor for years, while others explore different teachers to practice various accents or approaches.

Ready to become fluent in any language? Find your perfect match from qualified Spanish tutors, French tutors, Japanese tutors, English tutors and more

How does italki work?

You create a free account, search for tutors by language and preferences, book a trial lesson, then meet your teacher via video for live practice.

Here’s the process:

1. Create your free italki account

Sign up takes less than two minutes. You can use email, Google, or Apple login.

2. Search for teachers

Use the Teacher Search page to browse tutors by language. Filter by price range, availability, whether they’re native speakers, and teaching style. Each teacher has an intro video where you can hear their accent and teaching approach.

3. Book a trial lesson

Most teachers offer discounted trial lessons, often 50% off their regular rate. This gives you a chance to see if their teaching style fits your learning goals before committing to regular lessons.

Trial lessons typically last 30 minutes, letting you test chemistry and approach without a big investment. You can book upto 3 trial lessons.

4. Meet your teacher

At your scheduled time, you’ll join via italki Classroom (the built-in video tool) or Zoom, depending on what you and your teacher prefer. Your lesson materials, chat history, and feedback all save to your account automatically.

5. Practice and progress

After your first lesson, you can book more sessions with the same teacher or try someone new. Many learners schedule weekly lessons and practice between sessions using the italki Community features.

What is italki used for?

Most learners use italki for conversational practice with native speakers, building confidence to use their target language in real situations.

Beyond general conversation, italki supports specific goals:

• Exam preparation – Prepare for IELTS, TOEFL, DELE, JLPT, TOPIK, and other standardized tests
• Accent and pronunciation training – Work with tutors who identify and correct specific sounds
• Business or travel language – Learn vocabulary and phrases for professional contexts or upcoming trips
• Cultural understanding – Learn idioms, slang, customs, and and everyday culture directly from native speakers
• Language maintenance – Keep skills sharp when you can’t practice in daily life

What types of teachers are on italki?

italki offers two types of teachers: professional tutors (certified teachers with formal training) and community tutors (native or fluent speakers focused on conversation practice).

Professional tutors

Professional tutors have language teaching certifications and formal training. They can explain grammar rules, design structured curricula, and prepare you for standardized exams like the DELE, JLPT, DELF, or IELTS.

These teachers typically charge $15-$60 per hour depending on their experience and credentials. They’re your best choice if you’re preparing for an exam, need structured lessons with clear progression, or want detailed grammar explanations.

Community tutors

Community tutors are native or fluent speakers who focus on conversation practice. They don’t have formal teaching certifications, but they offer authentic speaking practice and cultural insights.

These tutors typically charge $3-$20 per hour. They work well if you already know basic grammar and want to improve fluency, practice before a trip, or maintain a language you learned in school.

Many learners use both: a professional tutor once a week for structured learning, and a community tutor for extra conversation practice.

Protip: Book trial lessons with 2-3 different teachers before deciding. Teaching style matters more than credentials alone.

How much do italki lessons cost?

italki lessons cost between $3 to $60 per hour depending on the teacher’s experience, credentials, and lesson format.

Several factors affect pricing:

Teacher type and experience

Community tutors charge less ($3-$20/hour) because they focus on conversation rather than structured teaching. Professional tutors with certifications and years of experience charge more ($15-$60/hour).

Lesson length

Most lessons run 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Longer lessons sometimes cost slightly less per minute.

Trial lesson discounts

First-time lessons with a new teacher often cost 50% less than regular sessions. A teacher who normally charges $20/hour might offer trial lessons at $10.

Package deals

Some teachers offer discounts when you buy multiple lessons upfront. Instead of paying $20 per lesson, you might pay $18 if you buy a 10-lesson package.

The italki Community features (language exchange, writing corrections, discussion forums) are completely free. You only pay for scheduled video lessons with teachers.

Ready to start speaking with confidence? Find your teacher and book a trial lesson starting at $3.

How do you book your first lesson on italki?

Search for teachers on the Teacher Search page, watch intro videos, read student reviews, then select a time slot and confirm your booking.

Step-by-step booking process:

1. Go to the Teacher Search page and select your target language
2. Apply filters: price range, availability, native speaker status, and lesson type
3. Watch teacher intro videos to hear their accent and teaching approach
4. Read reviews from other students to understand their teaching style
5. Check the teacher’s calendar and pick an available time slot
6. Choose your lesson length (30, 45, or 60 minutes)
7. Select italki Classroom or Zoom as your video platform
8. Purchase italki Credits if you haven’t already (more on this in the FAQ)
9. Confirm your booking

You’ll receive an email confirmation and calendar invite. The lesson appears in your student dashboard where you can enter the Classroom at the scheduled time.

What to expect in your first lesson:

Your teacher will introduce themselves and ask about your learning goals. They’ll assess your current level through conversation, then explain how they can help you improve.

Most teachers ask what you want to focus on: conversation practice, grammar, pronunciation, or exam preparation. This helps them plan future lessons around your specific needs.

Don’t worry about being nervous. Teachers work with beginners every day and know how to make you comfortable.

What languages can you learn on italki?

You can learn 150+ languageson italki, from widely spoken languages like Spanish and English to less common ones like Icelandic and Tagalog.

Popular languages include:

• Learn Spanish
• Learn English
• Learn French
• Learn Japanese
• Learn Chinese (Mandarin)
• Other popular options include German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Less common languages are also available: Welsh, Yoruba, Farsi, Hindi, Swahili, Hebrew, and dozens more. If people speak it, you can probably find a teacher for it on italki.

What is italki app?

The italki app is the mobile version of the platform, available for iOS and Android devices, letting you take lessons and access community features from your phone or tablet.

The app includes everything from the desktop version:

Lesson features:

• Browse and book teachers
• Join video lessons through italki Classroom
• Access lesson history and saved materials
• Message your teachers
• Manage your schedule

Community features:

• Find language exchange partners
• Post questions and get answers from native speakers
• Write in your target language and receive corrections
• Complete exercises and challenges

The app works well for taking lessons while traveling or when you don’t have access to a computer. Video quality stays consistent as long as you have stable internet.

Download from the App Store or Google Play. Your account syncs automatically between mobile and desktop, so your lesson history and messages appear on both.

What is italki Classroom?

italki Classroom is the platform’s built-in video learning tool where students and tutors meet for lessons, featuring screen sharing, lesson recording, and built-in chat.

You don’t need to download any software on desktop. The Classroom runs directly in your web browser when you click “Enter Classroom” from your lesson page.

Key features:

• Video and audio See and hear your teacher in real time with clear video quality.
• Screen sharing Teachers can share their screen to show PDFs, slides, or websites. This makes grammar explanations and vocabulary lessons more visual.
• Built-in chat Type questions, links, or vocabulary during the lesson. The chat saves automatically so you can review it later.
• Lesson recording Your notes, corrections, and homework assignments stay linked to your account. You can review them anytime after class.
• Private note-taking Jot down new words or phrases during class. These notes save automatically to your profile.

Most tutors offer a choice between italki Classroom and Zoom. You pick whichever works better for your device when you book.

The Classroom works on the italki mobile app too, so you can take lessons on your phone if needed.

What is an italki lesson like?

An italki lesson is a live video conversation with your teacher, typically lasting 30-60 minutes, where you practice speaking and get immediate feedback on your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Lessons are interactive, often using shared documents, whiteboards, or other digital tools.

Typical lesson structure:

Warm-up (5 minutes) Your teacher asks about your week or reviews what you practiced since your last lesson. This gets you comfortable speaking.

Main lesson (20-45 minutes) The focus depends on your goals. Some lessons center on conversation about specific topics. Others work through grammar exercises, pronunciation drills, or reading comprehension.

Teachers adapt to your learning style. Some students like structured lessons with homework. Others prefer free conversation with corrections as they go.

Wrap-up (5 minutes) Your teacher summarizes what you covered and might assign homework or suggest topics for your next lesson.

After the lesson:

You’ll see your teacher’s notes in your account. Many teachers write down new vocabulary, grammar points you struggled with, and suggestions for practice.

You can message your teacher between lessons if you have questions. Most respond within 24 hours.

Find tutors who speak your native language

For beginners, learning is easier when you can ask questions in your own language. italki lets you search for bilingual tutors fluent in both your target language and your native language.

This is especially helpful for complex grammar explanations. When you’re stuck on a confusing point, your tutor can clarify in your language before guiding you back to practicing in your target language.

Popular tutor categories include:

Learning English:

• English lessons for Spanish speakers – Your tutor speaks Spanish and can explain English grammar in Spanish when needed
• English lessons for Chinese speakers – Your tutor speaks Chinese and can clarify English concepts in your language
• English lessons for Korean speakers – Tutors experienced with Korean learners’ specific needs
• English lessons for Japanese speakers – Teachers who understand challenges Japanese speakers face with English
• English lessons for French speakers– Bilingual tutors who explain English concepts in French
• English lessons for Arabic speakers – Tutors familiar with Arabic speakers’ learning patterns
• English lessons for Russian speakers– Teachers who can switch to Russian for complex explanations

Learning other languages:

• French lessons for English speakers – Your tutor speaks English and can explain French grammar clearly in English
• French lessons for Arabic speakers – Teachers who can clarify French explanations in Arabic
• Spanish lessons for English speakers – Your tutor speaks English and can explain Spanish concepts in English
• Spanish lessons for Portuguese speakers– Teachers who can explain lessons in Portuguese when needed
• Japanese lessons for English speakers – Your tutor speaks English and can break down Japanese concepts in your language

Find tutors who fit your location and schedule

One of italki’s biggest advantages is connecting with tutors who understand your local needs and timezone. While all lessons take place online, many learners prefer teachers familiar with their city’s cultural context and schedule.

Someone booking French classes Montreal might prioritize Quebec-specific vocabulary and expressions. A professional searching for Spanish classes NYC could need early morning or late evening slots that work around a Manhattan commute. And learners signing up for Japanese classes Chicago may want teachers in Central timezone who understand Midwest business schedules.

location cta Spanish Chicago, French Toronto, Japanese NYC

What is italki Community?

The italki Community is the free section of the platform where learners can find language exchange partners, ask questions, write for corrections, and connect with other students.

You get access to these features without paying for lessons:

Language exchange Find partners who want to practice your native language while you practice theirs. You might help someone with English while they help you with Spanish.

Questions and Answers Post questions about grammar, vocabulary, or culture. Native speakers and other learners provide answers. You can also answer questions in your native language to help others.

Notebook Write journal entries, essays, or practice texts in your target language. Native speakers read your writing and suggest corrections, often explaining why something sounds unnatural.

Exercises and prompts Complete writing or speaking exercises posted by teachers and community members. These give you practice topics when you’re not sure what to write about.

Discussion forums Connect with other learners studying the same language. Share resources, ask for study tips, or find conversation partners.

The community features work well between paid lessons. They give you free ways to practice and stay engaged with your target language.

Is italki legit?

Yes, italki is a legitimate language learning platform that has operated since 2007 and connected over 5 million learners with qualified teachers.

The platform verifies teacher identities and requires professional tutors to upload teaching certifications before they can offer lessons. Student reviews are public and unfiltered, so you can see real feedback before booking.

Signs italki is legitimate:

Established history – Operating for 15+ years with millions of lessons completed, italki has maintained consistent service without controversies.

Payment protection – You purchase italki Credits before booking. If a teacher doesn’t show up, you get an automatic refund

Teacher verification – All teachers verify their identity. Professional tutors submit teaching credentials that italki reviews before approval

Public reviews – Every teacher has ratings and detailed feedback from real students, helping you make informed decisions

Responsive support : If issues arise with lessons or payments, italki’s support team typically responds within 24–48 hours.

Is italki free?

Creating an italki account and accessing community features is free, but individual video lessons with teachers require payment.

What’s free:

• Browsing teacher profiles and watching intro videos
• Language exchange with other learners
• Posting questions and getting answers from the community
• Writing notebook entries and receiving corrections
• Learning resources and study materials

What costs money:

• Scheduled video lessons with teachers ($3-$60/hour)
• Subscription services like italki Plus (30-day free trial available)

Is italki worth it?

italki is worth the cost because learners can see measurable improvement in speaking and comprehension thanks to regular, targeted lessons with native speakers, without paying hundreds of dollars per month in a traditional language school.

Why italki offers good value:

• Flexible scheduling – Book lessons when your schedule allows. Unlike traditional classes with fixed times, you don’t lose money if life gets busy
• Personalized attention – In a group class of 10 students, you might speak for 5 minutes in an hour. With italki’s 1-on-1 format, every minute focuses on your progress
• Cost comparison – Language schools often charge $200-500/month for group classes. With italki, you could take 10-25 one-hour lessons for the same budget
• Teacher choice – Try different teachers until you find the right match, rather than being assigned to one instructor
• Learning tools and resources – italki includes an online classroom, writing boards, AI-powered tools, and a community hub to help you practice between lessons

Looking for specialized instruction? Try English tutors for Chinese speakers, English classes for Spanish speakers, or French classes for English speakers to find teachers who understand your specific learning challenges.

Is italki safe?

Yes, italki is safe to use. The platform protects your payment information, doesn’t share personal contact details with teachers, and includes features to report inappropriate behavior.

Safety features:

• Payment security – italki uses encrypted payment processing. Your credit card information never goes directly to teachers
• Privacy protection – Teachers can’t see your email address or phone number unless you choose to share it. All communication happens through italki’s messaging system
• Refund policy – If a teacher doesn’t show up, you get an automatic refund. You can also request refunds through customer support for lesson issues
• Reporting system – You can report inappropriate or unprofessional behavior. italki investigates reports and removes teachers who violate community guidelines
• Lesson control – You control your camera and can end any lesson immediately if you feel uncomfortable

Who is italki best for?

italki works best for learners who want personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, and regular speaking practice with native speakers. You’ll get the most value if you:

• Have unpredictable schedules – Shift workers, parents, and business travelers can book lessons around their availability, sometimes even on short notice
• Need exam preparation – Professional tutors tailor lessons for DELE, JLPT, DELF, IELTS, TOEFL, TestDAF and other tests
• Want to maintain fluency – Regular sessions help prevent your language skills from fading after school or living abroad
• Are preparing for travel – Practice common phrases, pronunciation, and cultural expectations before your trip
• Work in international business – Customize lessons for industry-specific vocabulary and formal communication
• Want to connect with your heritage – Tutors can help you develop confident speaking skills if you grew up hearing a language but never learned to speak it fully.

Learning a language gets easier when you have a teacher who adapts to your goals and provides immediate feedback. You control your schedule, choose your teacher, and focus every minute on the skills you want to develop.

Ready to become fluent? Get personal guidance from native-speaking tutors who make learning feel like conversation, not homework. Book a trial lesson for as low as $3, and start speaking confidently from your very first session.

FAQs

What is the point of italki credits?

italki Credits are the platform’s payment currency. You purchase credits (1 credit equals approximately $1 USD) to book lessons with tutors. Credits provide price stability across different currencies and make it simple to manage lesson payments without repeated credit card transactions for each booking.

Does italki offer group classes?

Yes. italki offers small group classes where 3-6 learners meet with one tutor at the same time for conversation clubs, grammar workshops, or exam practice. Group classes cost less per person than private lessons but run on fixed schedules. They work well as supplements to 1-on-1 tutoring for learners who want variety or prefer less pressure than full individual attention.

Is italki better than language learning apps? They serve different purposes. Apps excel at vocabulary and grammar drills. italki provides speaking practice with real people. Many learners use both together for faster progress.

How do I choose a good tutor? Watch video introductions, read reviews from students with similar goals, and book trial lessons with 2-4 candidates before committing. Pay attention to how well they listen and adapt to your level.

Can I use italki on my phone? Yes. Mobile apps are available on iOS and Android. However, larger screens make it easier to see shared materials and tutor corrections during lessons.