Study buddies: please stand up if 'it' has sigificantly improved your language to any measurable degree. Please tell us tangible ways you moved forward. Deep down we professional teachers know you hope for, rather than expect improvements from buddy learning groups, especially with so many unknows. And if you're wise, and objective, you do understand that a real, professional tutor is your preferred choice every time. In my experience, language swaps between 'friends' transfer more errors and misconceptions than accuracies: This is self-defeating, demoralizing and inefficient in time. Later on, it's much more difficult to correct learned mistakes, than starting without from your current ability level. The reality is that teachers with training, experience and ethics are worth the investment. Usually, older students recognise this. Another sad catch 22 for young and old learners alike: because it would have been easier to teach them when they were young (yet financially less able to pay for it). Sadly, most learners think they have the ability to beat the odds and somehow override reality, or they feel they must stick with the herd and do it how they do it. Lack of funds often makes this simple misadventure seem unavoidable. But it's a false hope and a false dilemma. So. Break the conditioning, the herd mentality and take control by seeking a tutor to get on the right track, then share that instruction with your learning partner. This is an example smart, pro-active thinking. Find ways to pool resources if you need to - get creative. Make it your plan to rely on professionals to get you moving forward along the best route. Let us be your guide. Avoid the pitfalls which perpetuate another catch 22 of learning: stagnation. Together, this is a simple task. Work with me and other professional teachers with pedigree - and we will help you realise your language learning dreams optimally; more efficiently. Better.