Hi Junjun! How you doing?

I always watch the videos when I'm planing to start having classes with a new tutor or a professional teacher. I may see it more than once in order to choose, sometimes I'm in between choosing one or the other....

One of the most important things for me it's the way the person speaks, the personality, I try to imagine myself at class, would I feel comfortable with that person? Learning a language is a process and feel comfortable and at a safe environment is really important for me :)

That’s a good question. Just choose someone you feel that person is on the same wave with you. Some might be too serious for you, the others too informal, third tutor may use inappropriate (in your opinion) methods. There is no perfect tutor for everyone. I have a communicative approach but not everyone feels comfortable to speak a lot, so they would choose the one, who gives more gap-fill and writing exercises.

Of course you must be sure that this person is qualified to teach the language. You can check it by the “uploaded certificates” section.

I avoid does ones, who promises to “become a native” or learn a language within one day/week or month. Because I’m learning my 5th language now and know that is a hard job and not a good that you can buy.

I hope that I was helpful.

Good luck!

i have used italki for around 5yrs now. In my profile, I specifically say that I’m learning German, only want to talk to native German speakers, and will only speak with women. I have had many men contact me that aren’t even German speakers. I block them immediately and don’t respond to them. Luckily, we can do that. You will always find creepy guys (women too) online. 😀

I always watch the videos to choose a tutor/teacher. I want to see if I can understand them or not. It would never work if we can’t communicate.

Hey Mart:) Thanks for your words! Good luck to you as well!

I watch the videos.

I have determined my goals beforehand, so I see if the tutor / teacher can meet those goals.

I check to see how well I can understand the person. If I can't understand the person, regardless of ow well they may teach, it won't be beneficial to me.

I check the availability for teaching. I have certain hours in which I am able to take classes. If the classes cannot be held during those hours, I cannot use that person.

Also, what did I take away from the initial lesson? Was it useful, and will it continue to be so? Is the teacher / tutor interested in helping me learn?

Also:

Do not give out personal information. Skype ID's will be given once the person signs up for a class. Not only is it a dangerous thing to do, it could be against the teacher / tutor rules.

Personal data sharing with a stranger is a bad idea.