How many classes do I need to be fluent?

It really depends on the student and their level. It also depends on how much they study. There is no magic answer to learning any language. I don’t want to sell you something like “become fluent in just a week!” because that’s a scam and a lie to steal your money.

How often should I take classes?

My answer here is similar to the last. The short answer is if you take more classes, you’ll improve faster. That’s just the honest reality. Students who study 5 times a week will improve faster than students who study once a week.

What is a typical lesson like?

It really depends on the student. But all of my classes are planned in advance with a lot of structure. We usually start with an article or interesting topic and then move to a dialogue we read together. Then there are vocabulary exercises, a grammar lesson, and we practice the target language for the lesson. Every lesson is a little different, but that’s the general structure. I always provide the student what I believe they need based on level, ability, and mistakes which are made.

Nice! Sounds great! Can I have homework?

Of course! Homework is available in every class. It usually comes in the form of a grammar or vocabulary exercise, sometimes both. Homework is always related to what we studied in class or what we will study next class. Homework is also designed to help you correct your mistakes. I give one or two homework assignments every class. I often provide the answers too, so students don’t need me to check their answers. But if the student has questions, we will check it together in our next lesson.

What materials do you use?

I worked in schools for a long time and the materials I use now are very similar to those. I use only verified and professional materials from different sources to make the learning experience smooth and fun, but effective. I choose the materials that I think are best for the student after an English analysis in your first class.

I think I’m ready to study, how does it work?

My calendar is always open for you to schedule your lessons. You are free to schedule any time you want. My system is designed for flexibility! That means that it’s necessary for you to remember the lesson time.

When the time of the lesson arrives, I will send a message. I will probably need a minute or two to stand up and stretch because it’s possible there was a student before you.

Every lesson is about 55-58 minutes. Lesson packages are available after your first class!

This sounds like a lot of work…

I’m a professional teacher and I take my job seriously. It’s really important for students to do the same! I can’t do everything for you, but I can give you the best path. Having a teacher is developing a relationship! Learning a language is a commitment. We’ll work hard every class and homework is very important, but I also realize that we are adults and we are very busy people.

Note: I also have no problem doing conversation classes, which are more relaxed. But I still apply my same method of testing students.

I like all of this, but can’t I just learn with AI?

AI is a great way to learn! But it makes many mistakes.

One of the worst things for learners is to develop bad habits in a language. AI is good at explaining things, but very bad at correcting mistakes.

Teachers are trained to be strict with students and also care about their progress.

There is also a cultural aspect to learning with a native speaker that you can’t replicate.

Do you speak other languages during the class?

Definitely not! I’m a trained ESL teacher so I can’t speak any other languages during the lesson. But if a student asks me to say something in their language, I might show them what I can do.

Where are most of your students from?

Right now, most of my students are from the countries in the ex-Soviet Union. But I have students from everywhere!

How did you learn the languages you speak?

I lived across Latin America for a very long time so I had a lot of opportunities to practice Spanish and Portuguese. But when I’m in the US and don’t have that, I use italki to learn with native speakers.

Wow, you’re really international! What countries have you been to?

I’ve been to these countries you see here:

🇺🇸🇲🇽🇨🇦🇯🇲🇧🇸🇲🇦🇪🇸🇮🇹🇻🇦🇨🇷🇳🇮🇨🇺🇭🇳🇸🇻🇬🇹🇧🇿🇵🇹🇦🇩🇵🇦🇨🇴🇭🇷🇲🇪🇷🇸🇧🇦🇦🇱🇲🇰🇹🇷🇪🇨🇵🇪🇧🇷

And I usually stay in each country for at least a week, sometimes a year! I wanted to visit a lot more but when I was traveling in 2020, COVID stopped me. I’d still love to visit your country if it’s not on the list!