How Much Will You Pay for a Helpful Language Tutor?
A language tutor can teach you the ins and outs of your target language, and help you achieve your learning goals faster and easier. But the pricing confuses many students. Some tutors cost $50+ per hour, others are available for less money? What’s the difference? Read on to learn more about different backgrounds, levels, and prices.
A language tutor can teach you the ins and outs of your target language, and help you achieve your learning goals faster and easier. But how much should you pay for a language tutor? There are different online teaching platforms where you can choose from a wide range of tutors with different backgrounds, levels, and prices.
For example, on italki*, one of the most popular online language learning platforms, you can find tutors who charge as low as $5 per hour or as high as $50 per hour. You can even find great language exchanges for free!.
So what’s the difference? Read this article to discover which options will be right for you.
Do I need a language tutor?
Experienced language learners agree on one thing: Learning a language with a tutor is a true game changer.
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It’s impossible to progress as much if you don’t start speaking your language at some point. And for an early stage learner, picking a tutor means working with someone who can help you bridge the gaps with ease.
Language tutor or language exchange?
I would recommend all learners to try at least one tutor, and to be clear about what you’d like from your lessons. A great tutor will ask you about your goals and tailor their service to you.
I wouldn’t recommend tackling a language exchange before you have learnt at least the essential structures and phrases of your target language (use this checklist to help you work out what to study).
Starting an exchange too early might leave you feeling frustrated, and there is a risk that you and your partner rely on the stronger language exclusively.
You do not get top quality at bottom prices
For the purpose of this article, I want to assume that you have made up your mind and you are looking for a tutor.
Now here is the part I want to talk to you about. I disagree with many other articles are telling you. Let's talk about price. Most other articles include a sentence that goes a little like this:
"Language lessons online are very cheap, you can get them for just $5 an hour."
US$5 an hour? That’s less than you pay for a drink at Starbucks. Now I know that wages and currencies vary around the world and I’m not stupid, so please don’t come commenting with the “$5 is lots of money in xyz!” argument. Your online teacher's costs are not just measured in time-per-hour. They also have a family to support, an internet connection and webcam to buy, personal development to cover. These are all part of the job, and that’s the case even if they live in the cheapest country in the world.
Self-employed language teachers will price themselves as low as they can because they really love working with you. But when they are taking on 50 students a week because the price per lesson is very low, they become mediocre teachers. If you are able to approach the exchange with a mindset that considers both payment and benefits, you will not be ripped off.
Read on to find out how to find exactly the right partner for your needs and your budget.
How To Find A Price That Works For You
In order to help you select the right language learning partnership, it is helpful to approach sites like italki* with a clear image of what you are truly looking for.
It's a good idea look beyond italki, because many of the greatest and most experienced teachers I know have their own blogs and websites. You can also try other platforms such as LanguaTalk.*
Option Number 1: The Freebie
Look for a language exchange partner and simply swap time helping them practice your native language for time practicing your target language.
Pros:
- You don’t even have to look online because many foreign students or residents in your town might be looking for language exchanges too.
- Sharing the language learning experience is very motivating and you’ll see the partner’s success just as much as yours.
Cons:
- There is a learning curve and this exchange may be frustrating at first. You have to be comfortable setting boundaries and working with rules, otherwise you become someone else’s free teacher.
- Your partner will speak the language but may not be able to explain it
- You give as much as you get, so prepare to work hard
Got a partner whose language you want to learn? Get our tips about learning a language from your partner.
And if you’re the one who wants to help your partner learn your language, here’s what I’ve learnt from having an English speaker partner (spoiler: I didn’t become his tutor!).
Option Number 2: The Super Bargain
Look for lessons under $10/hour and take advantage of the low living costs in other countries. Bear in mind these types of prices are below minimum wage in most countries, and probably this includes yours.
Pros:
- Maybe you will find a great tutor for peanuts
Cons:
- This is a trial and error technique, it often takes longer to find someone you click with, whose expectations match yours, and who is familiar with students from your cultural background
- The cheaper language teachers tend to be those supporting themselves temporarily, so you don’t get ongoing support as most cheap teachers decide to move on to another job within a few months
- This isn’t really a con from my perspective, but hopefully the tutor will soon raise their rates!
My personal verdict on this option? It’s better than nothing, but the worst of both worlds.
Option Number 3: The Professional
Hire an experienced language tutor for a minimum of $20/hour. Look for someone who is showing their expertise and commitment by having their own website, blogging about their work and knowledge and giving you a clear idea of what lessons will be like.
I’m biased, and here are my Pros:
- You’ll get a free consultation from most experienced language teachers and they will clearly tell you which goals you are working towards, and keep you committed
- The lessons tend to be tailored, long-term and built for you
- You’re doing a great thing because this is the way to support an experienced professional
- Professional teachers strive towards working full-time for you, so they can offer a flexible schedule and will fit the lesson times around you
For more details on how you can find that tutor that's worth your time, here is a list of questions you should ask them.
Cons? Well, we'd all love to get more free things in life.
A Tip for Ethical Teachers
For language teachers who are reading this article and excited about stepping up their business, here’s some important advice:
- Be serious and trustworthy: I would not charge a student until I know for sure that I connect with them. I don't take on each one, only students that understand my style. I don't want people to spend money on me unless I feel like I really understand what they need.
- Commit to your business: If you don’t want to be seen as some kind of fly-by-night operation, you have to show your worth to your potential student. Be worth their investment, be around and be reliable. You can’t do this without a brand and website, but it’s not as difficult as you may think.
For more information, have a look at the “Teach Languages” section here on Fluent, and in particular you should investigate the Live Lessons Course. This step-by-step course is written for language teachers who are excited to start standing out as one of the best out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Sessions With My Tutor Should I Have per Month?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. The more sessions you have with your tutor, the more you can benefit from your tutor’s expertise and feedback.
Deciding on the number of tutoring sessions will depend on your personal situation and preferences. Here are some questions to help with your decision:
• What is your language learning goal?
• How many hours do you dedicate to learning your target language?
• How frequently do you have difficulties and need your language tutor's help?
For more detailed questions. Check my blog post 9 questions to ask your language tutor. And if you want deeper guidance to help you answer the questions above and find the right language strategy for yourself, I recommend checking out the Language Habit System or talking to a language learning coach.
Should I Hire A Native Speaker As My Language Tutor?
You don't actually need a native speaker to practice with. This is so important to understand. You just need someone who's good enough or a little better than you. Sometimes it even helps not to have the native speaker, because a non-native speaker has learnt your target language too and can explain grammar and other problems more easily.
You can check my blog post where I dive into why having a native speaker as your tutor might not be necessary.
Are Tutor Lessons A Good Way To Learn A Language?
Yes, they should be part of your system along with helpful resources and input, self-motivation is important so you don't become too reliant on one thing, learn how to build your routine here.
9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning Spanish
Embark on Your Spanish Learning Journey with the 9 Best Podcasts! Dive into immersive language lessons, culture, and more with our top picks. Enhance your skills and explore the beauty of the Spanish language and culture.
Imagine what you would do if you could easily understand spoken Spanish.
You could finally travel to the Spanish-speaking countries you’ve dreamed of, watch foreign films and addictive telenovelas, or understand a paella recommendation from the menu del día on a Thursday in Valencia.
Best of all, you’d be prepared for real conversations with native Spanish-speakers. The only question is: how do you find the time to practice your Spanish listening skills?
Podcasts are a great way to add Spanish listening practice into your day-to-day life. They are free, and can accompany any part of your day: driving a car, washing your dishes, doing laundry, working out, reading, and more.
The Fluent Show
In addition to the Spanish podcasts you’ll find in this article, check out the Fluent Show. That’s my own podcast where we discuss languages, learning methods, and how to live a multilingual life.Click here to listen and subscribe.
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Then make sure you join the Fluent Language newsletter right here! Subscribe now, and every week, I'll send you handpicked language learning tips right in your inbox.
Looking For More Spanish Resources?
Click here to get my top tips for Spanish learners.
These 9 online resources are some of the best when it comes to learning Spanish.
Quick Primer: How Do Podcasts Work?
If you're curious about podcasts, but not quite sure how they work, here's what you need to know:
- You can subscribe for free to podcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- If you use an iPhone or iPad, go to the Podcasts app. If you're on a Mac, use theiTunes directory.
- On a PC or Android device, try theStitcher app for a quick and easy start.
- Subscribing means you'll always have the latest episode ready and waiting for you as soon as it's published.
Spanish Podcasts For Beginners
Castilian Spanish
Notes in Spanish is a podcast run by Marina, a native speaker from Spain, and Ben, an Englishman. Each episode is actually a conversation between the two. There are episodes dedicated to beginners as well as intermediate and advanced learners. For beginners, the hosts also go over key vocabulary, phrases, and basic grammar points both before and after their conversations.
Since Ben is also a Spanish learner, he offers a lot of useful tips for listeners while Marina often provides corrections and points out common mistakes. They speak clearly, making it easy for beginners to follow along.
Castilian and Latin American Spanish
SpanishPod101 from InnovativeLanguage covers the basic through advanced levels of Spanish. The episodes are exciting and immersive. Plus, you can find episodes for both Castilian and Latin American Spanish along with the differences between them. There are even episodes that explain some of the regional vocabulary from places like Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and Spain.
The dialogues are presented by engaging hosts in a clear, concise way covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum.
Spanish Podcasts for Intermediate and Advanced Learners
Castilian Spanish
Unlimited Spanish with Òscar Pellus uses a unique storytelling technique based on Òscar’s method of learning Spanish through exposure and repetition. Every episode includes a quick story followed by a question and answer session that encourages listeners to practice their speaking skills as well. It’s also a great option for anyone who doesn’t care for lengthy grammar explanations.
Podcast topics include various aspects of Spanish culture, including places and food, as well as social topics and situations. When necessary Òscar touches on some relevant vocabulary and grammar, but it isn’t overwhelming. The podcast is entirely in Spanish, but if you have any trouble understanding, you can download transcripts of every episode in PDF format.
Done entirely in Spanish, this podcast is meant to provide an immersive experience for intermediate to advanced learners. The host, Karo Martínez, is lively, engaging, and speaks both clearly and naturally.
There are over 100 episodes to choose from, some of which explore grammar concepts, offer tips to improve your pronunciation, or explain colloquial expressions. Other episodes talk about different parts of Spain or even how to learn Spanish with popular shows like Game of Thrones.
The Español Automático site offers episode transcripts along with additional guides and resources.
Latin American Spanish
Though this podcast is directed towards those learning Spanish for work, its main goal is to help listeners get used to and understand native, spoken Spanish.
The host, Miguel Lira, is a native Spanish speaker from Mexico and a Spanish learning coach. Each episode goes over a particular conversation exchange in Spanish, such as conversations between workers or while simply ordering coffee. Miguel, as the sole host, uses a different tone of voice for each speaker, which is both entertaining and helpful as you follow along. There are also a few episodes on cultural subjects, like The Day of the Dead in Mexico.
In addition, the website offers notes, transcripts, and other resources to help you review the conversations.
Castilian and Latin American Spanish
News in Slow Spanish is an intermediate level podcast. This podcast covers world news, grammar, and expressions and slows down all the dialogue to make it easier to process what you hear. Every episode breaks down a point on grammar and vocabulary. It also lets you choose between Castilian and Latin American Spanish.
The audio is very clear and easy to follow. On the website, there are transcripts for each episode available with grammar, expressions, pronunciation, and quizzes.
Spanish Video Resources
Yabla is a video-based learning platform with bilingual subtitles and integrated dictionaries. The subtitles are interactive, which is a really cool concept! Check out how Yabla works in detail by reading myfull review.
Yabla is great for all levels from basic to advanced. You can check out their podcast and choose between videos from Spain and Latin America for hours of entertainment.
Story-Based Shows
Castilian Spanish
Coffee Break Spanish, a podcast from Radio Lingua Network, combines Spanish language lessons with a lot of useful information about Spanish food, culture, Spanish speaking countries, and so on.
My favourite part of the podcast is the chemistry between relaxed and charismatic host Mark from Scotland (who is fluent in Spanish) and Spanish learner Kara from Scotland. Mark guides both Kara and listeners through Spanish grammar, conversation, culture, and society.
The dialogues are presented in a clear, concise way, covering many grammatical features and cultural topics. On the website you can sign up for the premium content to access spaced repetition flashcards, PDF lesson notes, and a community forum for a subscription fee.
Latin American Spanish
If you want to discover the Spanish language with a powerful dash of music and culture, then Spanish con Salsa is for you! Created by bilingual Tamara Marie (meet her in my interview here!), this podcast is perfect for people who love travel, immersion, and Latin dance.
You can learn Spanish hacks from songs like Despacito, and train your ears to understand spoken Spanish even better.
And if you want to take your Spanish to the next level, the Spanish con Salsa online course is highly recommended because it's built around learning with music - learn more about it here.*
Advanced Learner Tip: Native Spanish Podcasts
If you’re interested in a more immersive experience, there are plenty of podcasts intended for native Spanish speakers available.
One great option is the Radio Ambulante podcast. Radio Ambulante is a longform journalism podcast that shares real-life Latin American stories. There are stories about language, sports, education, events, and more. Plus, there are both English and Spanish transcripts available for every episode.
Spanish Language Learning FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Can You Learn Spanish Through a Podcast?
Spanish language podcasts are a fantastic resource for learners at all levels! Click here to get my best advice for listening skill training. When you progress in your skill level, you can learn even more of the language and the cultures of the Spanish speaking world. As one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, you can find over 100,000 podcasts available in the language. Build podcasts into your language learning routine and make them part of your goals. In this article you’ll find many great ones to get you started.
How Can I Learn Spanish by Listening?
Listening is a critical skill for language learners, one of the four core skills that build your language ability: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Listen to a lot of spoken Spanish through podcasts, exchanges, and tutor sessions. If you can find a transcript, that’s even better! Soon you’ll find that you will begin to understand more and more of the spoken language, even when it’s fast.
Dedicated listening practice can be time-consuming, so it's essential to be mindful of your language learning routine to avoid wasting valuable time on unnecessary activities. For a detailed guide on how to establish a successful language learning routine, I invite you to explore my blog article by clicking here.
What Should I Watch If I Want to Learn Spanish?
While some learners enjoy kids’ television and cartoons at the start of their language learning project, you may also find easy Spanish courses super helpful. Look for videos that come with a transcript, and don’t be afraid to take it step by step. One of my favourite places to find the perfect videos that are interesting and helpful is Yabla, and you can find even more ideas on my Spanish learner page.
This article was written by Cassie Wright and me. She’s a freelance writer who loves languages. Affiliate links are marked with a *
Looking for more Spanish resources?
Discover the Power of AI: Your New Language Learning Must-Have
I’m putting it on record: AI took me by surprise. As a pen-and-paper lover who’s never too far from her language learning journal, most language learning apps have failed to capture my heart.
Sure, Duolingo has a cute owl, but I never progressed fully out of the skeptic state myself (here’s my 2020 review).
So when the latest AI tools and chatbots like ChatGPT and Google Bard became popular, I was surprised by how excited I was very very fast!
Unlike curriculum-driven apps, these new tools added the flexibility and fun that I had been missing for my languages. So today, let’s have a deeper look into into why AI is a brilliant new language learning resource, and how you can start taking advantage of it for your own language learning routine.
I’m putting it on record: AI took me by surprise. As a pen-and-paper lover who’s never too far from her language learning journal, most language learning apps have failed to capture my heart.
Sure, Duolingo has a cute owl, but I never progressed fully out of the skeptic state myself (here’s my 2020 review). So when the latest AI tools and chatbots became popular, I was surprised by how exciting it felt!
Unlike curriculum-driven apps, these new tools added the flexibility and fun that I had been missing for my languages. So today, let’s discover how you can start taking advantage of it for your own language learning routine.
Podcast Recommendation: Inside the Mind of an AI Expert and UN Interpreter
If you would like to hear more about how my language-tech obsessed friend Josh Goldsmith and I created the new AI Language Club, then hit PLAY here to listen to our podcast episode.
Join the Fluent Newsletter for More Language Learning Tips
Why does AI Work Well For Learning a Language?
AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a cutting-edge technology that enables machines to simulate human intelligence.
Computer programmers and linguists (people like polyglot superstar Judith Meyer!) have built huge datasets called LLMs (Large Language Models).
These datasets enable AI tools to understand natural language, meaning you can write and talk to it like you would in a normal conversation. There is no need to use code anymore!
AI is used in many places around us, from stock-trading software to number plate recognition in your nearest supermarket car park. You might already know ChatGPT, Google Bard and Microsoft Bing/Copilot.
And since AI is so well trained on real-life language, it is brilliant for natural communication training. Exactly what you’re looking for!
Discover Your Own Language Learning Style: AI as a Resource
AI tools are brilliant for your language learning needs because they provide you with tailored content for your level. When you chat to an AI chatbot, your learning experience can become more effective and engaging.
AI quickly lets you
🃏 create and play any game you like,
✍️ get feedback on your writing,
✅ generate instant quizzes for deeper understanding.
You can ask AI to write about any topic you’re interested in, and converse with chatbots in natural language. Writing with AI feels as easy as texting a good friend.
👉 If you would like to go deeper into the latest lessons and tutorials for AI-based language learning, join me and Josh in AI Language Club.
3 Killer Prompts for Effortless Language Learning with AI
At this point, you might be eager to give AI a try for yourself. I’ve decided to look into the treasure box of AI Language Club and bring you 3 super effective prompts that help you get started.
Level Indicator: Many AI chatbots know what common language levels and exam scores mean, so you can tell them your level and even your gender for a highly suitable language output. For example, tell ChatGPT or Bard that you are a “level A2 French learner” and it will generate simpler text than if you tell it you are “level C1”.
Role-Play Scenarios: You can ask AI chatbots to help you play through different scenarios in your target language such as job interviews or travel experiences. Conversations with AI can help you gain fluency, improve your vocabulary, and boost your confidence.
Vocab Brainstorm: AI is a powerful tool for brainstorming lots of words around a topic you’d like to talk about. This is great for preparing language lessons with your favourite tutor or exchange partner. You can even ask for the vocab in a neat table format or export it so you can pop it into a flashcard app like Anki or Quizlet.
AI vs. Language Learning Apps: What Sets AI Apart?
While most language learning apps focus on bringing you into a course-style curriculum, using AI tools is different.
The approach of using an AI chatbot requires you to have a sense of what you want to get out of each conversation. It can be your search engine, feedback and practice tool, plus a flexible source of input that matches your level and interests exactly.
If you’re coming to language learning from zero, an app may be easier to start with for now. You'll enjoy the tracked progress as you follow the curriculum. Add AI as a practice resource (more resource tips here).
For experienced language learners, professionals, or people who want additional resources on top of an existing course, AI takes things to a whole new level. With ideas like the ones we’re sharing here and in AI Language Club (catch our free training!) you’ll have hours of language learning fun sorted.
Can AI Replace Your Language Tutor?
One important aspect of language learning is discovering and embracing your own learning routine. So while you might think that you could become fluent with the help of ChatGPT, my view as an experienced coach and teacher is this:
AI serves as a resource that complements your individual approach to learning.
You won’t be able to replace 100% of your other resources with it, but AI can enhance your language journey.
AI can’t replace the full human connection you feel in language learning
If you learn languages for human connection and intellectual achievement, you’ll always need real-life practice in your routine.
My tip is to think about where AI fits into your resource stack, and to start building it into your tutoring sessions to make them even more fun.
Is an AI Chatbot a Language Coach?
While I have seen a few marketing messages around from language apps that do use the words “language coach”, for me the answer is a clear no. A language coach is not the same as a tutor or practice partner.
In my experience, the types of language learning tips and strategies you will get from AI chatbots are generic common sense. With a good language coach, expect personalised, targeted advice from an expert who’s here to listen. They'll help with the next steps towards reliable fluency.
Click here to discover how you’ll benefit from working with a language coach
Will AI Make Language Learning Obsolete?
When you look at all the great capabilities that AI gives language learners, you might start to wonder “does anyone even need to learn a language anymore?”. The answer is in the deep connection, joy and fulfilment that comes when you make a human connection and discover other cultures.
Language learning brings people together and nothing beats the fun of experiencing other cultures for yourself
Yes, AI can make it easier to communicate important needs when you are travelling, but the most powerful results always come from the inside. It’s about who you can become when you learn another language.
Which is the Best Language for AI?
From a user perspective, the languages with the biggest datasets will be most easily available and give you the most accurate results. Most of the big AI chatbots are now able to support a large number of languages, so as a language learner you can start a conversation and even switch languages during the conversation.
It’s great for multilingual experiments like I teach in Multilingual Power-Up.
Want to learn a rare language? Click here to discover tips that will help you do it.
What are the Risks of Using AI for Language Learning?
It’s important to use well-established platforms and bear in mind that most free AI tools will use your data to train their language model. If you share a personal story, some confidential information, or a copyrighted piece of work, you may compromise privacy. Be careful and consider looking for tools that let you opt out of this training.
My view is that most language learning usage ideas (like the ones we share in AI Language Club) do not come with any bigger risks. You can generally feel safe to experiment and practice using many tools.
Enjoy your AI language adventures!
Boost Your Language Learning With AI!
Watch our webinar, How AI Can Boost Your Language Learning, to discover exciting tips, strategies, and techniques.
Language Exchange Tips for Fun and Effective Conversations
The most rewarding way of practicing your language is by connecting with people on a 1-to-1 basis. It takes commitment to make any language exchange successful.
Discover the best tips for a fun and effective exchange with the Fluent Show, featuring Kerstin Cable, Lindsay Williams, and language exchange expert Jonathan Huggins, who runs several community challenges and groups for language learners.
Everyone and their dog knows that language learning is easier, faster, and more fun when you have found a great language partner. It makes it so much fun when you can easily practice your vocabulary with someone you really want to speak to.
In this article, I'm going to tell you the best tips from our Fluent Show episode with Lindsay Williams and Jonathan Huggins, who runs several community challenges and groups for language learners.
Listen to the episode here:
Ready to level up your language learning game with my very best tips?
Then make sure you join the Fluent Language newsletter right here! Subscribe now, and every week, I'll send you handpicked language learning tips right in your inbox.
How to Find The Perfect Language Exchange
The most rewarding way of practicing your language is by connecting with people on a 1-to-1 basis. It takes commitment to make any language exchange successful.
Approach Exchanges With The Right Mindset
No matter who you are speaking to in your target language, remember that a little consideration can go a long way. It is easy to add an exchange partner to your checklist right next to "app" and "coursebook", but harder to remember that they're a person with a life to live too.
Start by generously giving something, and consider how you can help the other learners instead of simply seeing them as a resource. It's important to respect your partner's life so you can build up a relationship that keeps on giving.
To make sure you’re ready for the new words you’ll learn in an exchange, review these great guidelines for improving your vocab memory.
Before you start a language exchange:
It's important to feel like you're going to both give and get something out of your language exchange.
Who would be a great exchange partner for you?
Consider whether you will benefit most from finding a native speaker, a teacher, a good explainer, or simply a buddy who can help you progress.
Think also about where you’d like them to be located, because online exchanges are much easier when your timezones are convenient for each other.
Look for people who you have something in common with. Find out if you'll be on your partner's wavelength by checking out their profile, hobbies, location, and more.
Is it best to practice with my partner?
It can be amazing to learn languages with your partner, but…not always! In my own relationship of German/English speaker, we never really made it work. Read my story and get 5 Ways to Inspire Your Partner to Learn Your Language.
Where to find the best language exchange partners?
For detailed tips on finding great people locally and online, make sure you check out this blog article on the best places to find great exchange partners.
You can also look for people on these apps.
Tandem | Find Conversation Exchange Partners
— here is a detailed review of TandemHelloTalk - Language Exchange App
— here is a detailed review of HelloTalk
Language Exchange — Jonathan's Facebook group for anyone who wants to practice with native speakers.
Before starting a conversation or following someone, it's important to check their bios on social media. It helps gauge their interests and motivations. Sharing a brief summary of your background, interests, and goals can also increase the chances of a satisfying exchange.
Tools and technology needed for a language exchange
Most language exchanges online require fast internet, a good webcam, a microphone, and video conferencing software.
Click here to read about our recommended online teaching tools, which you can use for exchanges too!
Don’t forget, you might even find a local exchange partner to meet in a café. Then you only need a phone to send a message and organise the meeting!
Don’t just start with “hello”
Send more than just a "hello", and try asking questions and connecting based on something you saw in your potential partner's profile. For example, if they are a Frencg learner and they talk about a place they love to travel to, you can say: “Hey, I saw that you’re learning French and you’ve travelled to La Rochelle. I love it there! Have you ever eaten at Le Petit Marinier?".
Consider your expectations. Being someone's language learning partner is a commitment to be taken seriously, and it is your partner's decision whether they will be ready to join you.
Agree on how your exchange is going to work:
When will you practice which language?
Who's going to arrange the timeslots?
Will you send recordings, chat, focus on specific language points like grammar topics or vocab?
What will you talk about each week?
Finally, consider what level you are at in your target language and how this will impact the kinds of things that you can say and understand.
Once Your Language Exchange is Underway
“A language exchange is like a plant: If you don't look after it, it's going to die.”
Jonathan
Great job, you’ve started meeting your language exchange partners. Here’s how to make sure the new connection doesn’t fizzle out.
Keep the Conversations Interesting
Prepare something to talk about in each session and make sure you don't let each other down and spend the whole session asking superficial questions. For example, find a news item and explain what it means in your local context, share a recipe, or select a conversation starter question. This directory is an incredible list of topics, you’ll never run out of ideas.
Stay Kind to Yourself
No one needs to expect a miracle from a language exchange. If you are shy and you don't establish what you have in common with another person, your language exchange will be just as uncomfortable as it would be in a monolingual environment.
Before and during the exchange, it helps to have a notebook ready. You can even start a language learning journal so you have space to reflect on how it went. Here’s my online course showing you exactly how to organise this journal for success, and here are some tips about using the bullet journal technique.
We love to try these tricks for helping you with your mindset and any self-doubt that comes up while you’re speaking another language. And if you want more ideas, here’s a list of 5 creative ideas for language lessons and exchanges.
Don’t Partner-Hop Like You’re on Tinder
Language exchanges are best treated like a really great friendship. Find consistent people to talk to so you can establish common ground and start going beyond the broring, repetitive topics that happen at the start of creating a new relationship.
Try alternative ways of making your exchange work, for example recording yourself so you can send a "message in a bottle" and still stay in touch even when life gets busy.
Don’t Forget About Group Exchanges
If you haven’t found a 1:1 language exchange partner yet, you can also join a language exchange group and talk to other learners.
In my podcast episode with Brian from Online Language Exchange, we discussed the best ways to get a lot out of these groups.
Don’t worry if you are a beginner: If you find somebody who is at a more advanced stage than you are, you can give them advice and share tips and resources.
No more dull textbooks or mundane drills – you'll be part of a community of like-minded learners who are passionate about mastering new languages. See you in the newsletter!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start an effective language exchange?
Remember, language exchanges are about building relationships. So don’t just look for “someone to talk to”, instead imagine you are getting in touch with a brand new friend. You can find exchange partners online in forums, groups, through apps like HelloTalk and the fantastic website italki. (affiliate link, we recommend italki)
What makes a good language partner?
A good exchange partner will be learning a language you know well, and fluent in a language you are learning. This way, you can share the time each of you spends practicing speaking.
It has to be someone that you enjoy talking to, and feel comfortable with. In conversations, it helps if your exchange partner is patient, interesting, and doesn’t correct too much.
What do you talk about during a language exchange?
There are no rules! You don’t have to talk about language rules at all, because exchanges are not like lessons. Find some common ground, talk about what you like, the sports and hobbies you do, favourite foods, and what bands you’ve seen live. A great language exchange is just like talking to a good friend…only in another language!
Why is a language exchange good?
Language exchanges are a powerful language learning tool! They give you
Authentic conversations to improve your listening skills, pronunciation, and fluency
Language learning on a budget. They are often free, both partners give up their time.
A great opportunity to meet new people, grow your relationships, and learn more about the culture of your target language.
Do you need to practice with native speakers?
You don’t have to find a native speaker! Often, learners who are more advanced than you are a great person to practice with. With native speakers, it can be difficult to understand regional accents and they don’t always know how to explain their language rules in detail.
To get native-level practice into your studies before you go hunting for speakers all over town, try bringing in audio resources or even TV. It's easy to watch television in other languages or use cool software like Yabla. (affiliate link)
Read more about this in this blog article: Language Practice: Why You Don't Need A Native Speaker
9 of the Best Resources for Starting to Learn French Online
Learning French is easy with these fantastic resources for beginners! From online course packages, to TV shows and online tools, we've got you covered.
Bonjour! French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is still considered more important than English in some European countries. It is one of my most advanced languages, so I'm bringing you over 30 years of French learning experience today!
Whether you dream of wandering the streets of Paris and Montréal, or you want to boost your career in fashion, the following resources will be everything you need to start parler français!
This article contains some affiliate links which are marked with *.
9 Top Resources For Learning French Online
1. Finally Get It in French Grammar
This super friendly course is created for French beginners or "false beginners" - those who studied a while ago and don't feel like they got anywhere.
You will learn how to speak simple, correct, beautiful French together with me (and my kitty). Featuring easy explanations of the all the grammar you’ll need for your first year of French, this course will help you eliminate embarrassing errors with a friendly and informal tutor – yep that's me.
The course comes with offers 2 hours of videos, live discussions and worksheets to ensure you have understood everything correctly.
2. TV5 Monde
TV5 Monde is an international TV channel in French, which offers its own language courses and practice under the ‘Langue Française’ tab. From digital libraries to dictionaries and video classes, this website is perfect for beginners who aren’t quite sure where to begin.
3. Intrepid French: Master French Phrases for Travel FAST
Michele from Intrepid Guide is your go-to guide for language and travel! Her resource is the BEST if you want to pick up the language for travelling to France, Québec or beyond.
I love Michele's course because it comes with so many highly valuable extras like a menu guide and great pronunciation guides. Click here to learn about Mastering French for Travel - FAST*
4. Bite Size French*
Bite Size is the perfect companion for anyone who has learnt a little French and wants to become better at listening and speaking.
The course is packed with beginner-friendly dialogues that you can listen to in just a few minutes a day to become better at French without having to work harder and harder.
4. Bon Patron
If you’ve gotten a tiny bit comfortable with the French language, Bon Patron is the perfect place to practice those writing skills. Bon Patron is a French autocorrect tool; you can practice your writing skills by typing in sentences and have it correct the grammar and spelling errors it can find. The perfect tool to practice those sentences you’ve learned!
5. French Language TV Shows
French TV shows are an excellent way to implement some new vocabulary and to get used to the sound and pronunciation of French. Get the DVD, and you'll also have bilingual subtitles to play with. Try these shows for a start:
Les Revenants* is a supernatural drama which follows the residents of a small French alpine town as they come to terms with a series of mysterious and unbelievable occurrences: a small group of deceased men, women and children suddenly return from the dead and attempt to re-join the family and friends they left behind years before. As if this wasn’t creepy enough, the town also begins experiencing a series of chilling local murders.
Spiral* is the perfect show for you crime lovers out there. When the badly beaten body of a young Romanian woman is discovered on a Parisian rubbish dump, we are suddenly plunged deep into a murky underworld of prostitution, drugs, business, politics and justice. If you like CSI, The Wire and 24, chances are you’re gonna like Spiral.
7. Crack the Grammar Code Course
Ready for communicating in French at a higher level? Let this training be your secret!
This resource is not specific to French, but it will definitely help your English speaker brain untangle the complicated grammar of French! Crack the Grammar Code is a step-by-step guide to efficient language learning, giving you the foundation for fluid French learning without having to memorize grammar all the time.
8. Bescherelle Complete Guide to Conjugating 12,000 French Verbs*
One of the hardest parts of learning a new language can be getting used to all the rules for conjugating verbs – sometimes they don’t make sense to the beginner eye!
This is where the Becherelle Complete Guide comes in; it includes just about every verb you can think of. If it’s not in there, chances are you won’t need to know it! This language course book has been around since the mid 80s, I used it in the mid 90s, and is just as useful today as it was back then.
9. BBC Languages French
BBC has a fab introductory hub for learning French. Some of the content is aimed at children, making it perfect for beginners! They have a test where you can test your skills and determine your level, links to French TV and radio websites. Some of it is a little outdated, but still worth a look for the amount of free resources you can find here.
By measuring your progress, you’ll soon feel so confident about speaking French that you won’t be able to wait to talk to someone.
Recommended French Courses
Finally Get It In French Grammar (for beginners and refreshers)
Bite Size French (focus on sentences, not explanations)
French conversations (for intermediate to advanced learners)
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