As we cozy into being at home 24/7, I’ve seen a few inquiries from folks wondering how to learn a new language online. Ironically, the only thing that has been consistent between my life pre-quarantine and now is that I take weekly online Italian language classes. I have been taking with Verbling for two and half years.
I first started learning a foreign language in middle school. But even after seven years of Spanish language classes including two years in college, I never felt confident to speak the language. In college, I took Italian language classes and because Spanish was still so fresh in my mind, I struggled with the similarities. I studied abroad in Rome and still never took that opportunity to learn to speak Italian proficiently.
After where natives speak less English than in Rome, I realized how much I wished I had paid more attention in my Italian classes in college. I came back from my trip and vowed that the next time I went back to Italy, I would be able to communicate. I started by signing up for the free version of Duolingo, an app that uses tests to assess your progress. Although it sent me daily push notifications, I found this to be a little too hands off for me in terms of accountability.
My struggle with language growing up had always been that I learned the concepts, vocabulary and conjugation but never really got the chance to use it in a real conversation. This is where Verbling has the clear advantage over other online language learning tools.
How Verbling Works
Verbling is an online language-learning platform that allows you to book virtual lessons with teachers across the globe. Popular languages to learn on Verbling include Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese and Portuguese. The language options don’t stop there. If there’s a language you want to learn online, you can probably find it on Verbling.
The beauty of Verbling is that it’s a platform to find individual teachers. This gives can search for whatever language you want and there’s likely a teacher for you. If you want to lean German, you can learn it from a native-speaker currently living in Germany. This human element is what was missing for me with Duolingo. I am able to learn the language while I learn about the culture. We have real life conversations and have developed an authentic friendship.
All of the instructors on Verbling set their hourly rates and that rate is very clearly displayed before you book. Rates range from $7-$70 but the average hourly language lesson on Verbling costs $19. You can book a trial too before you commit to a batch of lessons with a teacher that may not be a good fit for you.
I book my lessons in bulk so instead of paying my teacher’s hourly rate of $15 once, I am able to pay $13 for a group of lessons. You can schedule as many lessons as you want per week. I usually do one lesson per week. Right before my honeymoon to Italy, I did two lessons per week. I also take weeks off for holidays and my instructor has too.
Your instructor sets their availability for lessons on a calendar. They set their availability in their time zone and it shows up for you to book in your time zone. When I had less freedom in my schedule, I did my lessons at 7 PM EST which was 1 AM for my teacher in Italy. Now, I do them in the afternoon my time which is evening for him. This works better for both of us!
During the lessons, you connect with your instructor via video chat. You use the microphone and camera from your computer, phone or tablet to complete the lessons. A stable internet connection is also a must. Your instructor uploads lessons plans in advance and you’re both available to view the same worksheet at the same time. Either participant can draw or type on worksheet in real time. My favorite feature is the fireworks and confetti feature which my instructor uses with a verbal bravissimo!
During lessons, your instructor can add vocabulary as flashcards that you can review on your own. The flash card feature includes an image as well as a pronunciation feature. There’s also a chat feature that you can use during lessons or do message your instructor between lessons.
Does Verbling Work?
In my experience, Verbling is the most immersive way to learn a new language online. When I went to Italy for my honeymoon two years after starting my weekly lessons, I wasn’t fluent but I could definitely communicate. I ordered confidently at restaurants and was able to ask for items in the store. This was a big improvement from my previous trips where the most confident thing I could say was “Non parlo Italiano.”
Before my honeymoon, my Verbling instructor asked me what would help me most. I told him I wanted to review important phrases I would need. He put together a 30-page custom guide based on where I was going and what I would be doing. Talk about above and beyond!
Final Thoughts
I will say that you get in what you put in to Verbling. I can recognize that more independent study would have me further along than I am. I don’t study nearly enough throughout the week but the once a week lesson with another human being keeps me accountable and consistent far more than Duolingo ever could.
You don’t have to wonder any longer how to learn a new language online. I’m telling you that Verbling is the way to go! Do you have any tips for learning a new language? Let me know in the comments below!