Lingoda Language Learning Tool Review

About Lingoda

Established more than a decade ago, Lingoda is an online language learning school that has since become a top choice for those looking to learn English, Business English, German, Spanish or French. The company’s mission is to build bridges around the world through language learning by connecting students in online, interactive classrooms led by highly qualified, certified native speakers. Courses cater to all types and levels of learners, and there are both group and private classes available. And, thanks to an impressive roster of more than 1,600 teachers worldwide, the classes are available 24/7—so you can always work Lingoda into your busy schedule.

Languages Offered

Lingoda offers courses in four main languages: English, Spanish, French and German. In addition to these, the platform also offers courses in Business English.

The learning modules are structured according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). CEFR is an internationally recognized framework that describes language ability using letters and numbers (A1 through C2). A1 denotes a beginner and C2 indicates full fluency. Lingoda offers English and German from A1 to C1, and Business English, French and Spanish from A1 to B2. If you are unsure of your current CEFR level, you can take Lingoda’s free placement test.

How Lingoda Works

Here’s a look at what you can expect once you decide to join Lingoda’s digital learning school:

1. Sign up: Choose your language and the intensity that matches your language learning goals—one class per week, three classes per week, etc. Lingoda offers courses for every level of learner, from absolute beginners to advanced speakers. If you’re unsure which category you fit into, you can take their placement test.
2. Schedule your classes: Select the day, time and/or topic that works best for you—group classes are available online 24/7 and are taught by teachers located across all time zones, so you can create a schedule that works with your lifestyle.
3. Get ready: To take a Lingoda class, all you need is a stable internet connection, a computer, and the free video conferencing tool, Zoom. You’ll want to download Zoom and make sure it is working prior to your first class. For those who want to get a head start or familiarize themselves with the course content, you can access the lesson plan for each class as soon as you sign up.
4. Start learning: Every class is online, live and one hour long. If you opt for a group class, your virtual classroom will include one teacher and three or four classmates from all over the world. If you opt for a one-on-one lesson, you will be the only student in the virtual classroom.

Lingoda’s Teaching Methodology 

Lingoda has one of the most comprehensive programs for learning vocabulary and grammar. But even they know that that only gets you so far. The ultimate goal of this program is to empower learners to understand and participate in real life conversations using their target language. That’s why the teachers focus heavily on practical and relevant conversational topics based on learners’ interests, careers and everyday lives.

The experts at Lingoda also know that one of the best ways to learn is from mistakes—making your own and witnessing others’. They keep their group classes small (three to five students is typical) so that each student has plenty of opportunities to practice speaking and reading out loud, answering questions and conversing. This is beneficial to the individual student but also to the other students who get the reinforcement that comes with listening to someone else navigate the lesson. Of course, if you want more personal attention and support, you can always sign up for a private class instead.

About the Courses

Lingoda wants learners to be able to speak with confidence in any situation, understand native-speakers, and feel comfortable having conversations in their target language. The lessons focus on building competence in a number of key areas, including: 

• Speaking
• Conversational skills
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Reading
• Writing

For each of these competencies, learners receive instruction and personalized feedback from expert, native-level instructors either in a one-on-one or small, online group setting. 

Lingoda Sprint & Super Sprint Challenges

Lingoda often offers challenges for new learners, which help hold them accountable to their lessons, expedite their learning, and come with the potential to win money back or class credits. These challenges are only available during certain windows of time, and are only open to new customers who have never had an active subscription with Lingoda.

Here’s a look at the two challenges the company is offering at the time of this review:

Lingoda Sprint:
What is it: One-month or two-month challenge with 15 mandatory classes

Potential winnings: Get 50 percent of your money back or 15 class credits

Lingoda Super Sprint:
What is it: One-month or two-month challenge with 30 mandatory classes; ideal for students who want to learn a language quickly or have upcoming language proficiency exams.

Potential winnings: Get 50 percent of your money back or 30 class credits

In order to win, learners must attend every class within the Sprint, and must follow all the rules, which include things like showing up on time to class.

Lingoda Cost

The price you’ll pay for your online course depends on the language you choose, the number of classes you sign up for, and whether you opt for group or 1-on-1 classes. Courses start as low as $10.50 per class and go as high as $48 per class. The more classes you sign up for up front, the less you’ll pay per class.

Subscriptions are billed every four weeks, and learners can pause, cancel or change their subscription anytime.

If you decide to participate in Lingoda’s Sprint Challenge, you’ll pay $269 up front. To participate in the Super Sprint Challenge, you’ll pay $499.

How Lingoda Language Compares to the Competition

Here’s a look at how Lingoda compares to other leading language learning programs on the market today:

Babbel vs. Lingoda

Babbel is a popular language learning app that offers self-paced courses. While Babbel has a larger range of languages (14), Lingoda’s focus on live classes with qualified teachers make it a more attractive option for those seeking structured instruction and personalized attention and feedback.

Rosetta Stone vs. Lingoda

Rosetta Stone is a well-known language learning software that uses an immersive approach, focusing on visual and auditory learning. Lingoda, on the other hand, offers live classes with qualified teachers for a more interactive and personalized experience.

Duolingo vs. Lingoda

Duolingo is a popular free language learning app that uses gamification to make learning fun. It does not offer live classes or personalized instruction, and is a much less comprehensive program than Lingoda.

Bottom Line: Why We Love It

Lingoda is a highly effective language learning program that stands out for its highly qualified, native speaking teachers, interactive classes, flexibility and affordable pricing options. While it may have limited language options compared to other platforms, the quality of instruction and personalized approach make it a top choice for those serious about learning a new language.

FAQ

Does Lingoda cost money?

Yes, Lingoda does cost money. The price varies based on the language you choose, the number of classes you want to take each month and whether you choose group or private lessons. For group classes, prices start at a little more than $10 per class. For private, 1-on-1 classes, prices start around $22 per class. 

Lingoda also offers periodic challenges that give students the opportunity to win money back or to get class credits for future courses, which is appealing to those looking for a way to cut costs.

Does Lingoda actually work?

Yes, Lingoda provides an extremely effective approach to language learning. Many users have reported positive experiences with this online language school, and especially appreciate the personalized attention from expert teachers and the flexibility to take private or group lessons at any time of the day.

How many languages does Lingoda offer?

Lingoda currently offers courses in five languages: English, Business English, French, German and Spanish.