Thursday, January 23rd
2025 Language Learning Program Reviews
Fluenz
- Access to all 5 levels of a given language course typically costs $398, individual levels are $187 each
- Founded by Sonia Gil, a language learner and traveler
- Offers Spanish, Mandarin, German, Portuguese, French, and Italian courses
- Courses are designed especially for English speakers and are tutor-led
- Lessons are a mix of instructional videos and practice exercises
- Offers immersive retreats in Spanish-speaking countries
- Uses a variety of exercises to test knowledge and keep learners engaged
- Thorough grammar instruction
- Offers higher course levels than some competitors
Fluenz was founded by entrepreneur and self-described "language learner, traveler, [and] beach lover” Sonia Gil. Thanks to her extensive travels, she realized languages need to be taught with the abilities of the learner in mind. Her language learning program, Fluenz, has been reviewed by publications like Forbes and Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Fluenz is best known for their Spanish program and retreats, but they also offer Mandarin, German, Portuguese, French, and Italian.
Designed for native English speakers
Fluenz is designed especially for English speakers. Unlike other programs that design their courses with a one-size-fits-all approach, Fluenz will guide you in learning your target language by breaking down concepts using the context of the English grammar rules you already know intuitively. And, if you find it difficult to stay focused when taking self-guided lessons, you'll appreciate that Fluenz lessons are led by an expert teacher of the language. Vocabulary and new concepts are introduced by the tutor in a manner that feels more personal than reading from a textbook or off of a screen.
Feels like a classroom
Unlike other language programs that leave you to your own devices, Fluenz feels more like a regular classroom, trying to mimic a private tutoring session. But don't forget, the "tutoring” is pre-recorded. Each Fluenz lesson begins with an introduction video that lays out what you'll learn. Then, you get to practice what you've learned through exercises they call "workouts”. In between workouts, you'll watch more videos to go deeper into the lessons. It's a back-and-forth between video and practice which is effective, although the videos may feel a tad formal.
Spanish retreats
Some language learning programs promise an immersive experience, but they're really referring to teaching you vocabulary in your target language without giving you the English translations. When Fluenz talks about being the only language learning program that can give you an immersive experience, they're referring to their retreats, or "Immersions”, that they host around the world. These are 6-day-long stays in beautiful lodgings in Spanish-speaking countries, in locations including Mexico City, Puebla, Barcelona, Costa Rica, and Oaxaca. (Currently, these immersions are only for their Spanish program, and we haven't gotten wind of any plans to expand to their other languages in the future.) During an immersion, you're certain to feel like you're on vacation. You'll eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, visit popular tourist destinations, and stay in your own suite. However, you'll also take your Spanish fluency to new levels. Talented Spanish teachers will assess your current level and learning style, create a personalized long-term learning plan based on your goals, and lead you and your cohort in immersive Spanish classes. To get pricing details, you'll need to contact Fluenz and request a brochure.
Zoom Immersions aren't worth the cost
If you can't make it to a retreat, Fluenz also offers Zoom "Immersions”, but we wouldn't necessarily recommend these. You're not experiencing true immersion if you're at home having a remote lesson, and we think they're extremely overpriced. You can get similar one-on-one instruction for much cheaper elsewhere - the Fluenz Zoom Immersion's Comprehensive Track, where you get 30 hours of one-on-one lessons, costs $3,277, which is around $109 per hour. The other is the Fast Track, a quicker 15-hour course costing $1,815, or about $121 per hour. (For comparison's sake, one of the other language learning programs in our review offers one-on-one tutoring starting at just $4 an hour.)
All 5 levels for $398, or pay $187 each
Fluenz's software is a bit more affordable than an Immersion, but it's still expensive when compared to its competitors. For access to the software package containing all 5 levels of a given language course, you're typically looking at paying $398. (One exception is the Spain Spanish course, which costs $548 for all 5 levels.) If you only want to purchase one level, it's usually $187. A package of 2 levels is $258. Not sure which level is right for you? There's a page for each language that includes an overview of each level and what you'll learn, from foundational topics to real-world situations the level can prepare you for.
No demonstration videos or software available
Unfortunately, there's no demo available for Fluenz at this time. If you want to see a preview of the software, your only option is a slideshow on each language's page. These images show examples of the exercises you'll do between video lessons, and they include matching images to vocabulary, simulations of conversations between two speakers, and potentially pronunciation practice - though it was hard to be sure.
Not quite competitive enough in price
In addition to the glowing testimonials featured on Fluenz's website, there are a handful of third-party customer reviews available around the internet. These are typically very positive, and it's commonly said that Fluenz makes language learning easy even for those who don't have a particular talent for it. Personally, we think Fluenz's courses have a lot going for them. They don't shy away from grammar like some gamified language learning apps do, they offer higher levels for all of their language courses than some competitors do, and the lessons make use of a variety of exercises to test your knowledge and keep you engaged. Fluenz's biggest flaw is the price - there's one language learning program on our list that offers nearly everything Fluenz does at a fraction of the cost, and they allow you to try a demo of their software before you buy.
More Language Learning Program Reviews
What is the Best Language Learning Program?
Language learning programs are great for all kinds of people. Students often find them useful for supplementary learning in tandem with their school coursework. Professionals might use them to gain an edge in the global job market, where knowing more than one language can be a big advantage. Travelers can use these programs to learn the basics of a language before visiting a new country.
Online language learning programs can solve several problems. Traditional classes can be expensive, time-consuming, and inflexible, with fixed schedules that can be hard to fit into a busy life. Language learning programs, on the other hand, are often more affordable and can be used anytime and anywhere you have an internet connection. They offer different ways to learn, such as interactive exercises, games, and conversation practice, making learning more engaging and effective.
Language Learning Program FAQ
Continued from above...
Imagine this: In high school, you struggled through Spanish class, barely passing and feeling frustrated every step of the way. The rigid schedule and overwhelming, boring homework of the traditional classroom setting just didn't work for you. Years later, as an adult, you find yourself wishing you could speak another language fluently.
Maybe you want to try again with Spanish, or branch out to something new, like French, German, Italian, or even Arabic. You realize there must be a better way to learn than those old high school methods, and you start exploring language learning programs designed to fit into your busy life.
Language enthusiasts and lifelong learners can use these tools to explore new languages and cultures. There are many types of language learning programs, each with its own strengths. Some focus on "immersive” learning, using pictures and audio to teach you in a way similar to how babies acquire their first languages. Others use games and competition with other students to make learning fun. Some programs offer audio-based instruction, which is great if you prefer to listen and practice speaking while on the go.
There are a handful of things to keep in mind when choosing the best language learning program for you:
- Learning style. Think about how you learn best. Do you prefer seeing, hearing, or interacting with what you are learning? Pick a program that matches your learning style to help you stay interested and retain more information.
- Language focus. Not all programs offer every language. Make sure the program you choose has good resources for the language you want to learn, including conversation practice, grammar lessons, and cultural insights.
- Cost. Language programs can be free, paid, or a combination of both. Consider what you can afford and compare the cost with the features and benefits. Free programs can be great, but paid services often offer more comprehensive and structured content.
- Flexibility. Look for programs that fit into your schedule. Mobile apps are good for learning on the go, while desktop versions might offer more detailed resources. Some platforms offer a combination of both. Whatever you choose, you want to make sure the program's format works with your lifestyle, or you won't use it.
- Difficulty. Some language learning programs are so much fun that you don't find it difficult to get some practice in every day. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you're actually learning to speak the language. Look for a program that challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone and provides you with opportunities to test how much you really know.
- User experience. A user-friendly interface can make learning a new language much easier and more enjoyable. Read reviews and, if possible, try a demo.
The language-loving experts at Top Consumer Reviews have evaluated and ranked the best language learning programs available. We hope this information helps you find the right service for you, making your journey to fluency in a second (or third, or fourth) language enjoyable and successful.
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