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- Fluent City is an online language-learning platform with an interactive, teacher-led approach that offers group classes or one-on-one lessons via Zoom.
- The platform leverages language processing AI programs to create vocabulary and grammar lessons coupled with live instruction and chats to create an engaging learning environment.
- Group classes start at $399 per course and one-on-one subscription lessons start at $49 per month.
Many people have had to put a pause on
Even if a trip to Mexico or France to put newly minted Spanish or French skills to the test isn't on your radar, learning a new language can be an ideal way to stay busy and engaged while spending more time at home. There are many online language-learning resources currently available, however, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
Fluent City seeks to set itself apart with an interactive, teacher-led approach. "Fluent City started as a way to build conversation skills among language learners as effectively as possible without leaving your hometown," Jessica Vollman, CEO of Fluent City tells Business Insider. She stresses the key interactive element, noting that "Fluent City students not only learn vocabulary and grammar, but are able to have real conversations about real-world topics that are interesting to them."
The language-learning service decided to take things one step further recently, adding one-on-one subscription learning opportunities to their services that allow students to receive hyper-personalized attention from teachers.
"We wanted to create a more flexible option for our students so they could take lessons whenever and wherever they wanted," says Vollman.
Read on for an overview of Fluent City to see if it's the right language-learning program for you.
What is Fluent City?
Fluent City is an
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Arabic
- Portuguese
- German
- Chinese
- Japanese
- Russian
- Hebrew
They offer group classes, as well as newly-launched, on-demand, one-on-one subscription programs where students can have more personalized attention, as well as flexibility. Both options use Zoom for in-person instruction with teachers.
Fluent City works with over 250 teachers across the world and vets all teachers to ensure they're up to par. The process for teacher hiring includes video and live lesson submissions, as well as pairing all new teachers with experienced mentors once they're hired.
Where to access Fluent City
You can sign up at Fluentcity.com. Students are given access to a specific class, teacher, and modules, as well as the Fluent City Slack community to chat with online. Group classes meet either once or twice weekly via Zoom.
If you sign up for the one-on-one subscription, you can choose when to schedule classes with a teacher according to your own schedule.
How Fluent City works
Fluent City is focused on fostering real-life conversations coupled with smart AI technology for vocab and grammar lessons.
In group classes, lessons are created by utilizing natural language processing programs, but teachers recommend specific modules and activities for students to use based on skill level and additional factors. Teachers also facilitate chats with classmates to put that knowledge into practice and create a more engaging language-learning environment. Group lessons have specific start dates and meeting times that cannot be changed. Sign-ups are typically available every two weeks.
Meanwhile, the new one-on-one subscription program offers the option to learn as many languages as you want entirely at your own pace. After subscribing, users can schedule lessons with different teachers in any language at their leisure. In addition to one-on-one instruction, users also receive access to Fluent City's resource library and learning modules.
Want to get a taste of Fluent City before signing up? Check out their weekly slang lessons on Instagram.
How much does Fluent City cost?
Group lessons start at $399 per course. Beginner courses consist of 10 sessions total and meet once a week for two hours at a time. The next level up, for slightly more advanced speakers, consists of 20 sessions with two sessions per week, each just for one hour at a time.
The one-one-one subscription service starts at $49, but the price range depends on how many lessons students want to take per month:
- 1 lesson for $49 per month
- 4 lessons for $199 per month
- 8 lessons for $299 per month
- 12 lessons for $399 per month
Users can do a month-to-month subscription plan or opt for a one-time purchase and pay for hours upfront. Students who choose the latter must use all hours within one year of the purchase date.
Fluent City is significantly more expensive than other popular options like Babbel, but the live conversational aspect and personal instructor accounts for the heftier price tag.
Does Fluent City have any deals?
For a deal on group classes, refer a friend. If you and a friend both sign up for a group class, you will both enjoy $50 off the course.
The bottom line
Compared to many other online language-learning platforms, Fluent City offers the unique opportunity to have a more classroom-like learning experience.
While most programs offer similar grammar and vocabulary lessons, the Zoom classes with a specific teacher allows students to engage with each other and put skills into practice through real-time conversations and sets Fluent City apart.
However, this comes at a cost. Fluent City is far more expensive than other popular options like Babbel or Duolingo, and Fluent City group courses start at $399. That said, it is similarly priced to other video lesson options like Rype.
The new one-on-one subscription service is a nice addition for added flexibility. The downside to the group classes is that they have specific start dates and meeting times that may not be a fit for everyone's schedules. The subscription model not only gives users private lesson time, but also allows students to schedule personal classes anytime that works for them.
The month-to-month payment option is the best route for new users who aren't sure if they want to commit to the private lessons long term, while the option to pay upfront is best for users who are sure they will use all of the hours within one year.