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Friday, July 18th
italki functions as an online hub linking students with Latin tutors for language instruction. Unlike platforms providing ready-made lessons, italki is a marketplace where students connect with tutors to support their language learning path. The tutors available on italki are proficient speakers from a variety of backgrounds. Some of the top teachers are from Holland, Greece, Serbia, England, and more. They offer a range of tutoring subjects with adaptable schedules, but you do need to be prepared to sign on to video conferences at specific meeting times.
Individualized teaching methods
italki is different from other platforms in that there isn't a unified course or teaching method offered. Tutors on italki each offer completely different material at different levels depending on who you choose to work with. While browsing different tutors, you can choose between "instant" lessons or pre-scheduling a session in 72 hours. Tutors often provide introduction videos to give you an idea of who you will be working with. However, these videos typically focus on the tutor or teacher and don't preview lesson content or interactions with students. For example, the top-recommended teacher introduces himself completely in Latin, showing complete fluency and proficiency. The tutor goes on to describe his method, which is reading a book in Latin and speaking only in Latin during lessons. If this style doesn't suit your level or how you like to learn, other teachers offer completely different approaches to choose from.
Tutoring focus rather than full courses
On italki, sessions are hosted through video conferencing platforms like Zoom or FaceTime. This means you'll need to arrange frequent sessions with your tutor and add the meeting to your schedule. Unlike other platforms that offer asynchronous learning, this synchronous method offers personalized one-on-one instruction, though it may lack some of the flexibility of self-directed learning. Depending on the tutor you select and your budget, italki is primarily a tutoring service rather than a complete language course (though some instructors do offer comprehensive learning materials).
Between $20 to $45 per hour
Prices for Latin lessons on italki are different depending on who you choose to work with. Trial lessons range from $5 to $35 per hour, while full lessons can cost between $20 and $45 per hour. Some tutors organize their lessons by level, like beginner, intermediate, or advanced, others organize their course by theme like prose composition or exam prep, and a few organize their lessons by length with some offering 30-90 minutes.
Refunds are only offered if you pay in credits
At italki, the refund policy operates through its credit system, so refunds must be issued in italki's currency "credits” instead of direct payments. Our investigation showed that to be eligible for a refund, you must buy credits and use them for lesson payments. In such cases, only credits are returned to your account. Payments made directly via credit card or other methods do not qualify for refunds.
Total satisfaction with tutoring services
Feedback for italki is notably positive, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers praise the high-quality instruction delivered by teachers. On the italki platform, all recommended tutors received a perfect 5-star rating from students, indicating high satisfaction levels with individual tutors. Recent reviews consistently rate the platform with 5 stars, reflecting widespread satisfaction with the service.
Amazing source for tutoring
italki receives positive feedback from its students and customers, with many praising the learning opportunities and different methods available on italki. However, italki is not a complete language course and may require supplemental materials for full fluency. It is, first and foremost, a tutoring program, so, while italki is highly recommended, it may not be enough if you use it as the only source for learning Latin. However, it does have the option to really sink into grammar, which is extremely necessary for fluency in Latin due to the different teaching styles offered. You can easily find a tutor who focuses on what you need. For this reason, italki earns an excellent rating in our review.
The benefits of studying Latin extend far beyond the realm of academia, offering practical advantages in a variety of fields, including law, medicine, and science. Latin is often called the language of lawyers and doctors because many legal and medical terms derive from Latin roots.
By mastering Latin, you can gain a deeper understanding of these specialized fields and enhance your ability to communicate effectively in professional settings. Whether you're studying to become a lawyer, doctor, or scientist, knowledge of Latin can give you a competitive edge in your chosen field.
If you're captivated by the allure of ancient civilizations, the study of Latin could be an enriching journey into the past and a gateway to understanding the foundations of Western culture. Latin, the language of ancient Rome, holds a special place in history as the lingua franca of the Roman Empire and the medium through which many of the greatest works of literature, philosophy, and law were written.
By learning Latin, you, like many others, can unlock the secrets of this ancient language and gain insight into the minds of some of history's most influential thinkers and writers.
Along with its practical applications, studying Latin can also enrich your understanding of history and culture, particularly that of ancient Rome. Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, was once the epicenter of a vast and powerful civilization that shaped the course of Western history. By learning Latin, you can explore the writings of ancient Roman authors such as Cicero, Virgil, and Ovid, and gain insight into the values, beliefs, and customs of Roman society. Latin also provides a key to unlocking the mysteries of ancient inscriptions, manuscripts, and artifacts, allowing you to delve deeper into the past.
For those with a passion for travel and exploration, studying Latin can enhance your experience when you visit historical sites and monuments in Rome and other parts of the former Roman Empire. From the majestic ruins of the Colosseum and the Pantheon to the ancient streets of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Latin can help you navigate the rich tapestry of history that awaits you in Italy and other parts of the Mediterranean. By understanding Latin inscriptions and texts, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of these sites and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and stories of ancient Rome.
There are tons of online lessons and courses now for ancient languages like Latin. It can make it hard to decide where to go. If you're not sure where to start on your journey towards Latin language and culture, here are some factors to consider when choosing the best online option for lessons:
To help you dive into your new language, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the top online options for Latin lessons available today. Whether you dream of exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, improving your understanding of the foundations of the language(s) you already speak, or simply immersing yourself in the beauty of Latin literature and poetry, we're here to support you every step of the way. Bonam fortunam (Good luck)!
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