Learning the Japanese language has long been a pursuit for many of us. I mean, who hasn't been captivated by the culture, the anime, or the thought of exploring Japan? That growing interest has led to the rise of countless online language websites, with iTalki standing out as one of the most popular choices. But despite its popularity, the question still lingers for many prospective learners: "Can I learn Japanese with iTalki, and is it truly the best way to do it?”.
We're going to dive into the main benefits and drawbacks of using iTalki for your Japanese journey. More importantly, we'll share a few alternative Japanese language learning websites, including, of course, our own online Japanese private lessons here at Japademy, that might be a much better fit for your specific learning style and goals. So, if you're ready to uncover the truth and figure out your next step, let's get into it!
*Remember that all prices and features mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing but subject to changes.
Advantages of Learning Japanese with iTalki
When you first look at iTalki, there are some undeniable benefits that make it an attractive option:
1. A Truly Customized Learning Experience
For so many students, a personalized approach is crucial. With iTalki, you can genuinely tailor each lesson. Want to focus on writing kanji? Preparing for the JLPT? Need cultural insights? You can tell your tutor exactly what you need. You also get to choose a tutor based on your preferred teaching style, your schedule, and, crucially, your budget. This personalization can certainly help you progress efficiently.
2. A Wide, Wide Range of Tutors
They've got a large pool of Japanese tutors; it's like a digital marketplace for teachers. You can browse each tutor’s profile, check out their teaching experience, read reviews from previous students, and see their rates and availability. This wealth of information lets you find someone who really clicks with your learning objectives.
3. Flexible Scheduling is a Lifesaver
Tutors are scattered across various time zones, which is incredibly handy. Balancing work, family, or studies? Don't worry, you can usually find a tutor available at almost any hour of the day. And if an urgent commitment pops up, they allow for rescheduling, as long as it's at least 24 hours before the lesson.
4. The Pay-As-You-Go System
This is a big plus for risk-averse learners. There's no long-term commitment because iTalki operates on a pay-as-you-go model. You literally only pay for the lessons you take. Plus, many tutors offer a lower-priced trial lesson, which is a great way to test the waters and see if their teaching approach works for you before committing to a full session.
Disadvantages of Learning Japanese with iTalki
Now, let's talk about the parts that can make the learning process feel like an uphill climb:
1. Not All Tutors are Native Japanese Speakers
While non-native tutors can be highly qualified, learning from a native speaker gives you an edge. Why? They offer a more genuine understanding of pronunciation, cultural quirks, and the everyday, real-world usage of the language. Not having a native Japanese tutor could be a real disadvantage if full immersion is your ultimate goal.
2. Inconsistency in Teaching Quality
Because iTalki is an open platform, the quality of instruction can be a bit of a lottery. They certainly have excellent, highly qualified tutors, but you'll also find less experienced ones who might not offer effective or well-structured lessons. Finding the right teacher can take time and several trial lessons, so you'll need to exercise patience.
3. The Cost Can Secretly Add Up
Lesson prices vary wildly, typically ranging from $5 to $50 USD per hour. The lower-end tutors often lack teaching credentials or aren't native speakers, while the higher rates usually go to native speakers with solid expertise. And here's the kicker: since most tutors don't provide extra materials, you might need to invest in supplementary resources like flashcards or grammar guides, which adds to the overall cost.
4. A Lack of Structured Curriculum
This is perhaps the most significant hurdle. On iTalki, your tutor largely dictates how the lessons are structured; there's no set, platform-wide curriculum. If your tutor isn't meticulous about structuring their lessons, you risk missing crucial or foundational Japanese language concepts. Without a clear framework, monitoring your progress and ensuring you're covering all the important concepts becomes difficult.
A Deeper Dive on iTalki: What This Means for Your Learning
So, after weighing the pros and cons, let's be realistic about what iTalki actually is. It's a fantastic tool, but it's not a magic bullet. Your success relies heavily on your dedication and consistency.
- Practice Beyond Lessons: If you only engage with Japanese during your scheduled lesson time, your progress is going to stall. You need to put in the work outside of class.
- Realistic Expectations: iTalki tutors are great at simulating real-world situations, but to become truly competent, you need a deep comprehension of the wide range of speech patterns, tones, and contexts, something a one-on-one tutor might not expose you to enough.
- Your Study Plan Matters: iTalki lessons aren't full-length language courses; they focus on individualized one-on-one time. You are responsible for creating and following a comprehensive study schedule that covers every facet of the language.
The bottom line? You can't use iTalki as a substitute for a comprehensive study routine. You'll need to combine those lessons with other resources and a consistent, balanced approach to really master the language.
Better Alternatives for Learning Japanese
If you're looking for a more structured, affordable, or comprehensive approach, there are some great alternatives to consider.
1. Japademy (Our Japanese Private Lessons)
At Japademy, we genuinely believe our online private lessons are one of the best choices out there for a high-quality, focused experience. Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of native Japanese tutors who are all certified professionals. They've been teaching for at least three years, and they're fantastic at tailoring lessons to individual needs.
Unlike the à-la-carte system of iTalki, we take a systematic approach to our private lessons, aiming to give you a strong foundation. We use live classes, immersive exercises, and real-time feedback to ensure you get a thorough grasp of the language.
Cost & Value:
Our Japanese Online Private Lessons average about $25 USD per hour. This makes us a very competitive choice for native-speaker Japanese learning.
The Extras:
We also provide you with additional learning materials at no extra cost. This includes our pre-recorded Japanese video courses (which you get free access to as an enrolled student), vocabulary flashcards, PDF handouts, interesting Japanese language blogs, and a free practice app for learning Hiragana and Katakana, memorizing vocabulary, and even practicing conversations with an AI tutor. You won't need to purchase any separate books or materials.
For additional details about our private lessons and our Japanese tutors, feel free to visit our website at japademy.com or contact us via email at hello@japademy.com. If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer them!
2. Nihongo-Pro
Nihongo-Pro is another excellent option. All of their tutors are certified experts. What sets them apart is their rigorous process for selecting and training their faculty, which includes workshops and simulated courses to ensure they uphold the highest standards of Japanese education.
Cost:
Lessons run between $28 USD and $35 USD for each 50-minute course. While this is a little higher than some other platforms, the more lessons you purchase, the more you save. You still get the freedom to select your tutor and the number of lessons you want.
3. Nihongo Online School
This school takes pride in its highly skilled Japanese tutors, many of whom have been teaching for over five years. Their tutors truly connect with students, understanding the common struggles foreign learners face. They are passionate about creating a supportive and engaging environment to help you progress.
Cost:
They offer one-on-one Skype lessons at a competitive price of $30 USD (¥4,500). However, there is a catch: first-time students must pay a one-time charge of around $170 USD (¥25,000), which might be off-putting for some new learners.
Final Words About Learning Japanese with iTalki
iTalki can be a fantastic platform for honing conversational skills and getting cultural insights. But please, remember the potential pitfalls: the lack of a structured curriculum, the inconsistency in teaching quality, and the fact that you might not always get a native Japanese speaker.
If you value a more affordable option or a structured curriculum that guarantees you cover all the foundational concepts, which is often what new learners truly need, we strongly recommend exploring alternatives like our offerings at Japademy, Nihongo-Pro, or Nihongo Online School.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal learning interests, your goals, and your financial situation. Every website has its benefits, but the best one for you is the one that aligns most closely with your objectives. Take your time, weigh your options, and pick the website that you feel will provide you with the best Japanese private lessons and help you learn the most to accomplish your Japanese goals. Happy learning!
Frequently Asked Questions about Japademy's Private Lessons
Since we're focused on providing alternatives, here are some common questions we get about our private lessons:
Do I need to know any Japanese to get started with your private lessons?
Not at all! Our native Japanese teachers are great at introducing you to the basics, even if you’ve never studied the language before. Plus, as a student, you get free access to our pre-recorded video lessons to start learning before your live classes even begin.
How long is a Japademy private lesson?
Each live tutor lesson runs for 55 minutes.
Are your Japanese teachers native speakers?
Yes! All our Japanese teachers are native speakers and are fully certified as professional Japanese teachers. This is something that truly sets us apart from other learning websites.
What is the minimum age to join Japademy's lessons?
Our Japanese online lessons are developed for learners who are 14 years old or older. For younger learners, we recommend exploring options specifically designed for that age group.
What if I'm not satisfied with the teacher you allocate to me?
We offer a free 30-minute trial lesson so you can meet your allocated teacher with no commitment. If you aren't satisfied, we can simply allocate you to a different teacher who might be a better fit for your learning needs.
Japanese 10-week online course
Become a proficient speaker with the help of native Japanese teachers.
