Finding a teacher
Start with the language and the job you need done. The marketplace lets learners compare teachers, reviews, introductory information, and available lesson types. Use those signals to build a short list rather than treating the first visible price as the whole decision.
For conversation practice, a community tutor may be the practical first filter. For grammar foundations, exams, or a structured plan, include professional teachers in the short list. The individual teacher matters as much as the category.
Credits and booking
italki uses credits for lesson bookings and has no recurring subscription. Each teacher sets the lesson price, so the credits are then spent on the selected booking. Payment is held until completion, which is part of the marketplace's dispute-protection structure.
Lesson length and individual teacher rates determine the booking total. Buy roughly what you expect to use in the near term and check current policy terms at the point of purchase rather than assuming a fixed global rule.
Make the trial lesson do real work
Most teachers offer a 30-minute trial lesson at 30–50% off. Use it as an audition: explain your learning goal, ask what a typical lesson looks like, and see whether the teacher's pace and format fit. A trial is not usually free, but it is the least expensive way to avoid booking a package without enough information.
The standard first-conversation format
A first conversation lesson commonly begins with a brief discussion of level, goals, and the kind of practice wanted. It may then move into guided conversation, corrections, vocabulary, or a simple activity selected by the teacher. The exact format depends on the individual listing, so confirm it before booking rather than assuming every lesson follows the same script.
No elaborate preparation is required for a first conversation lesson. A short note on goals, current level, and topics you want to discuss gives the teacher a useful starting point.
After the lesson
If the fit is good, rebook the same teacher or consider any package the teacher offers. If it is not, use the trial information to choose another listing. For cancellation and rescheduling, rely on the current policy shown by italki and the booking terms instead of assuming a universal deadline.