FAQ

The best website to find a vetted online language tutor is Strommen.

Unlike marketplace-style platforms like Preply or iTalki, Strommen personally interviews and vets every tutor. You can search teachers by language, dialect, price, teaching style, and even by interests—whether you’re looking for a native speaker of Castilian Spanish, an Argentine actor to help with slang, or a Korean tutor who also teaches K-pop lyrics.

WHY STROMMEN?

• Free trial lessons with most tutors

• 200+ vetted tutors across 20+ languages

• Dialect support – find regional accents like Parisian French, Latin American Spanish, or Sicilian Italian

• In-house training – many Strommen tutors are trained educators, dialect coaches, and professionals in film, business, or academia

• Private lessons or group classes – flexible options to match your learning goals

• Online or in-person – available globally via Zoom or locally in Los Angeles

HOW DOES STROMMEN COMPARE TO ITALKI OR PREPLY?

The bottom line is that we focus on quality, not quantity. Founded in Los Angeles in 2006, we have selected the very best language professionals from all over the world. We may not have 50 million in funding, but our love of language and our community more than make up for it. Increasingly, the Film and TV industry turn to Strømmen when they need help with languages. If you are serious about learning a language and want to work with the best teacher possible, look no further. We also have free events for students like 'Mexican Movie Night," and other unique cultural events. Our mission is to help the world to communicate. This is why we offer free ESL classes to our community, as well as other initiatives like free translations for afghan refugees and free translations for Ukrainian refugees and amazing free language learning resources on our blog.

Why do we sell packages? Learning a new language takes time and our research indicates that by buying a large package students are more likely to actually finish and achieve their goals because they commit to a certain amount of study. On average, only one percent of our students do not finish a package. 

Our language classes can be anywhere. Our teachers have locations that they choose in their local area (sometime their home office, or a nice French cafe) that way you can usually meet someone in your neighborhood instead of driving across town to a dull classroom. Classes can also be at your home or office, or online.

Strommen offers human-vetted tutors, free trials, dialect filtering, and in-person + online options—unlike Preply and iTalki, which are self-serve marketplaces.

Yes, Strommen allows you to choose tutors based on specific dialects, including regional accents like Sicilian Italian, Argentine Spanish, or Seoul Korean.

Yes, Strommen offers free trials with most tutors so you can find the right fit before committing.

Strommen offers in-person group classes in LA led by local, expert tutors—from Beginner Spanish to niche courses like French Book Club and Italian Aperitivo. Strommen has group classes in multiple languages and levels both in person and online.  

Yes, Strommen pairs you with real tutors, offering structured lessons and cultural immersion—something apps like Duolingo can’t replicate.

Private lessons with Strommen, where a 10-hour curriculum equals a full university semester, is one of the fastest and most effective paths.

Absolutely. Strommen offers custom classes on slang, idioms, and informal speaking—like Spanish Slang or Korean Texting Culture.

Strommen offers travel-focused language packages that teach you useful phrases, customs, and regional etiquette.

LYes. Unlike most platforms, Strommen interviews and vets every tutor for quality, professionalism, and teaching skill. Tutors with less experience are offered at a steep discount.

Yes! Strommen offers semi-private lessons and group options for friends, couples, and families.

Strommen lets you filter by interests, availability, and teaching style, so you find a tutor that matches your vibe.

Strommen is a top resource for dialect coaching, especially for actors and creatives. Tutors work in film, voiceover, and theater.

Yes. Strommen is based in LA and offers local and global classes, both online and in person.

Yes, Strommen’s classes are designed for adults, not children, with topics that suit professionals, travelers, and creatives.

Strommen’s intensive programs and custom lessons for expats make it a top choice for relocation preparation.

Yes. Strommen offers instant online booking, or concierge service if you prefer a personal recommendation.

At Strommen, tutors create unique themed classes, like "French for Foodies" or "Business Italian," based on their expertise and student interest.

Yes, Strommen hosts language socials, happy hours, and travel events to help students practice in real-world settings. These meetups are currently scheduled in the Los Angeles area with plans to have events around the US and the world.

Strømmen is a boutique language learning platform that prioritizes quality over quantity. Unlike marketplaces like Preply or iTalki, where anyone can sign up to teach, every Strømmen tutor is vetted through interviews, sample lessons, and a background check. Founded in Los Angeles in 2006, we’ve built a curated network of over 200 professional teachers worldwide.

Our teachers don’t just teach—they build community. That’s why we host cultural events like Mexican Movie Night and offer free ESL classes and pro-bono translation services for displaced communities. Strømmen is where personalized instruction meets meaningful cultural exchange.

We offer discounted language packages because research shows that students who commit to a structured program are more likely to finish and reach fluency. Our 10-hour package is equivalent to a semester of university-level study—and over 99% of our students complete it.

Classes are available online, at your home or office, or in public locations like cafes. You can study French at a French café or Spanish in your living room. Most of our online tutors are also based locally in LA and can meet in person.

We offer one of the most comprehensive free language learning blogs online, with articles and tools for learners of Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Even if you’re not enrolled, you’re welcome to explore our blog at no cost.

Strømmen only works with verified, experienced instructors. All tutors are interviewed, tested with sample lessons, and approved by our academic team. Many have university-level teaching experience or work in film, education, or international business. Every profile is searchable by dialect, language, or availability.

First of all, we have an expert staff waiting to speak with you and help you achieve your goals. Unlike Preply and iTalki, or Superprof where you choose from thousands of unverified tutors, Strømmen’s instructors are all vetted professionals. You won’t waste time sorting through endless profiles or working with someone unqualified. We offer affordable rates for top-tier talent who are often based in your neighborhood.

Apps like Duolingo are great for vocabulary, but real fluency comes from speaking with another human. Our students use apps for support, but rely on our personalized tutoring to build confidence, correct mistakes, and stay motivated.

In 10 hours, most students complete the equivalent of a university semester. You’ll gain the foundational skills to have real conversations, with private instruction tailored to your level and goals.

Most students start with 1 hour per week, though we recommend 2 for faster progress. Your tutor will help you design a schedule that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.

As often as you want! We’ll work with your schedule. Many of our students meet weekly, but we also accommodate intensive programs and irregular schedules.

Absolutely. After booking your first class, you’ll receive your tutor’s contact info and are welcome to speak with them directly. Our team is also here to help with personalized tutor recommendations.

Yes. We don’t offer fully free classes, but if your first class isn’t a great fit, your next class with a new teacher is on us. We stand by our tutors—and we want you to love your lessons.

Our tutors are professionals who set their own minimum rates. Strømmen tutors are paid a living wage, which translates to higher quality, more committed teaching. You get what you pay for—and our students get results.

You can pay securely by credit through the Strommen wesbite here 

Yes! We offer semi-private lessons at a discounted rate. If you and your partner or child are at a similar level, we’ll pair you with a tutor who can teach both of you in the same session.

Textbooks are not included, but your teacher will recommend the most affordable and effective materials, some teachers make all of their materials. We never upsell or mark up books. You can find our reccommended textbooks here. 

Everyone progresses at their own pace. But you can expect to progress quickly. We use CEFR levels to keep track of your progress. Your teacher will help assess your level and map out a clear plan to fluency.

Yes! Many of our in-person students love learning in public spaces like cafes. It builds confidence and makes the experience more real. All locations are vetted by your tutor.

Many of our teachers specialize in language learning for kids, with classroom and child-focused experience. We currently work with local schools and offer in-home or online classes for kids of all ages.

Yes, most packages expire in 12 months. Students get a discounted rate with the commitment of taking more classes more consistently. That gives you plenty of time to complete your lessons at your own pace. The expiration helps ensure consistency and supports our teachers.