Happy 2024 !
What’s better than to start this new year of blogging with…a new tool to help you learn a language! If learning French, English, Spanish, or German is on your 2024 resolution list, you have come to the right place.
In this post, I share my most recent find when it comes to learning a language online, and spoiler alert: this is not Duolingo. As much as I love Duolingo and think it is a great complement when used with other tools, I’ve been searching for in-person language classes to practice conversation. However, as many of you, it can be hard to find time in our busy schedule to implement a consistent language learning schedule. However, a few months ago, I found what every language learning enthusiast dreams of: a platform that offers live classes online 24/7.
Yes, you read that right. This is what Lingoda is all about, and honestly, I wish I had found this gem earlier. I’ve been using Lingoda since October for Spanish learning, and it has been game-changing. I have not only significantly improved my Spanish, but I am also way more confident to speak in this language than I was three months ago. So, how does this Lingoda thing work? Keep reading, and you will discover everything about it.
* Note that this is not a sponsored post. This review is based on my own experience only.
The first step when connecting to Lingoda is to select the language you want to learn. You can choose between German, English, Business English, French or Spanish. Then, they are going to ask you the main reasons why you want to learn this language. After a few other questions, they will also ask you your goal for learning this language, which can range between mastering the language, becoming conversational, or learning the basics for a trip, for example. Then, by answering how much time per week you are willing to put into your language learning, Lingoda offers you various plans.
I chose the first one, which is 5 classes/month, and find it perfect. There are also more intensive plans, such as 12 classes/month, 20 classes/month, or the immersion plan, which offers 40 classes/month. One class is 60 minutes, with a maximum of 5 students per class.
Some private class subscription plans also exist, but I haven’t tried this option.
How can I know which level I am?
You can take a placement test for free. With only 12 questions, they will assess whether you are an absolute beginner (A1), a beginner (A2), an intermediate (B1), advanced intermediate (B2), or advanced (C1). To learn more about the different learning levels, click here.
What do I learn during the classes?
During your first orientation class, the teacher will explain that you can choose between following the curriculum of your level or picking the topics that interest you in this curriculum. I think it is better to follow the curriculum since it follows a logical order of learning, and in each class, you practice what you have seen before. Plus, in each class, you will practice vocabulary, grammar, and communication, so it is very diverse.
Each level has 50 classes, divided into various chapters and themes. At the end of your level, you get a CEFR certificate, which refers to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is a standard recognized internationally and used in many language schools. To learn more about CEFR, click here.
How much does it cost?
The basic plan is 80$ USD per month for 5 classes (around 108$ CAD). So one class costs around 16$ USD.
I think it is a pretty reasonable price since classes are with experienced native-level teachers, and you receive personal feedback after every lesson. You also get the annotated PDFs from your teachers and have access to a self-study area where you can review the vocabulary you have seen during classes and study with some Chapter Flashcards.
Nothing is perfect
However, no language learning platform is perfect, and while writing this review, I must also mention the cons. First, your subscription plan renews every four weeks, meaning if you still have some classes left to use after four weeks, you will still be charged and have five more. You can pause your subscription, but you cannot book classes during the pause period. This aspect of the platform bothers me since I currently have too many class credits for the time left before renewal.
Also, you will have different teachers. I had no issues with that and thought it was a pro rather than a con, but I know some people prefer to stick with the same methods and teacher. However, bear in mind that having different teachers allows you to practice with native speakers from all around the world and discover the various accents.
Many language applications or websites allow you to learn more than one language at a time. However, this is not the case with Lingoda. So, if, after a few classes, you decide that you would prefer learning Business English rather than Spanish, you will have to create another account. Otherwise, you will lose all your progress in the first language you picked. It can be a downside for enthusiastic language learners who like to learn more than one language at once.
Finally, make sure you select the correct time zone when booking classes, and do not make the same mistake as me by booking classes at 12 AM instead of 12 PM;).
My rating
So overall, I give Lingoda an 8.5/10 because I think it is a complete language-learning platform, and I have greatly improved since I started using it. The curriculum suggested and the classes offered are well-designed, and you get to really practice communication. Finally, I also enjoy meeting people from around the world in the classes while having a native-level teacher to help me learn my target language.
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This is it for my review of Lingoda! I hope you enjoyed it and it made you want to try this language-learning platform. Let me know in the comments which language you plan to learn in 2024; I would love to read you.
À bientôt !
Juliette
Simplement Juliette 