Learn 150+ Languages with Online Tutors
italki connects learners with tutors for one-to-one online language lessons across more than 150 languages. The model is different from a structured course — you choose a tutor, agree a focus and book sessions individually, which suits people who want conversation practice or targeted work on specific weaknesses rather than following a fixed syllabus.
How it works
You browse tutors by language, price and specialism, then book lessons individually rather than committing to a course. Sessions are live and one to one, so the content adapts to what you actually need — exam preparation, business vocabulary, accent work or simply conversation practice. Lessons run from 30 to 90 minutes, and Instant Lessons let you book with an available tutor immediately rather than scheduling ahead.
Professional teachers or community tutors
Two kinds of tutor, and the choice affects both price and outcome. Professional teachers hold teaching qualifications and typically follow more structured lesson plans, which suits beginners and anyone working towards an examination. Community tutors are fluent or native speakers offering conversation practice, generally at lower cost — better value once you have a foundation and mainly need speaking time. A common approach is to start with a professional teacher and shift to community tutors for volume practice.
Which variety of the language?
For several languages this decision matters more than the tutor. European and Brazilian Portuguese differ substantially in pronunciation and grammar. Spanish splits between Castilian and Latin American, French between metropolitan and Québécois, Chinese between simplified and traditional characters. Decide where you will use the language before choosing a tutor, and check tutor profiles — most state their origin.
Who does this suit?
One-to-one tuition works well for people who have plateaued with apps or classroom study and need to actually speak, for those preparing for a specific examination or interview, and for anyone learning a language with few local classes available. It works less well for absolute beginners who want structure without having to design their own learning path.
Choosing a tutor
Most tutors offer a discounted trial lesson, and taking two or three trials before committing is worth the cost. Teaching style matters more than credentials for conversation practice — the right tutor is the one you will actually keep booking with, since consistency drives progress more than any single lesson.
How it compares to Preply
Both are one-to-one tutor marketplaces. italki carries the wider range at 150+ languages against Preply's 50+, and is the only one splitting tutors into professional teachers and community tutors, which gives you a genuine budget option for conversation practice. Preply runs a single tutor tier with a more structured trial and package process. Worth comparing both for your language before booking — see our
Preply language courses.
