Lingoda
Lingoda offers private or group classes online with native speaking tutors. Class schedules are extremely flexible and lessons can be booked 24/7 to adapt to your lifestyle or specific needs.
All the learning materials are provided ahead of the classes and cover grammar and vocabulary topics. The classes itself take place in a virtual classroom where you will be connected to your tutor via Skype.
You will get a certificate upon completion of the courses dedicated to a certain language level.
You can try the Lingoda interface and class for a very low one-time fee ($1). Like the regular private lessons, the trial class will last for 60 minutes and will be conducted by a qualified native speaking teacher. Upon signing up, an advisor will contact you. Your advisor will guide you in defining a personal learning plan, upon completion of which you will get a certificate. You can always contact your advisor afterward for any question you may have.
The learning materials are provided ahead of time and the lessons are conducted via Adobe Connect virtual classroom, while the audio is managed via Skype. As many of you have probably already experienced, the voice quality with Skype sometimes varies. Be aware then that to get the most of your language lessons, you will need a proper Internet connection, microphone, speakers, and webcam. Also, as a pro tip, allow some time to download the software before the lessons start.
The teacher usually types translations or other pieces of advice on the chat while you talk, like a teacher would do on a blackboard. The only difference here is in terms of flexibility as you can book classes for your preferred date and time literally 24/7.
There are different types of subscription: the standard option which mixes group or private classes, as well as private and group options which offer only private or only group classes respectively. For each type of subscription, you can have different intensity levels, from basic (10 group classes and 1 private class in the standard subscription) to premium (30 group classes and 3 private classes). You can also buy a set of lessons that will get you to a certain level. The set is valid for six months and you can choose to have them private or in a group.
Lingoda has a 7-day Money-back guarantee.