Hey students! Are you new on Italki and you aren't sure if you should find a free language exhcange partner or a paid Italki teacher? Here are some tips for you: - Language exchange partners are free, so you get to practice the language you are learning without having to pay for lessons. Language exchange is a nice way to make a friend from abroad and create an environment of cultural exchange while you practice. However, there are some downsides to language exchange partners: 1) there might be a lack of commitment and you may fail to meet often since it isn't a formal lesson, 2) a language exchange partner, especially one that isn't a native speaker, won't help you correct your mistakes and won't be able to spot your weaknesses accurately in order to help you learn faster, 3) with a language exchange partner, you won't do exercises that you can correct; and 4) you may advance slowly since you can't pin exactly what your weaknesses are and you won't know how to improve. - Teachers on Italki offer paid lessons, so you should never message an Italki teacher for free language exchange, since that's not possible. However, paying for lessons offers you a sense of commitment since you know the teacher will show up whenever you book a lesson in order to teach you something new. Teachers can also point your weaknesses, correct your mistakes and plan lessons according to your own particular needs. With a teacher, it is sure that you will advance faster and improve your language skills. However, if you do have free language exchange partners, it is always recommended that you do book lessons with a teacher as well. The goal is practising the language as often as possible, but having someone to guide you and help you with all of your questions is a bonus that will definitely improve your learning process. I hope these tips were useful & happy learning!