Preply Language Tutoring Platform

Preply is an online language learning marketplace that connects learners with tutors through live, one-on-one video lessons. The platform offers tutoring in 90+ languages with 100,000+ tutors across more than 180 countries, making it one of the largest language tutoring marketplaces globally.

How Preply Works

Tutor Matching Process

Preply uses a machine-learning-powered recommendation algorithm to match students with suitable tutors based on learning goals, budget, schedule, and preferences. The platform starts with a short questionnaire to understand your requirements, then suggests tutors who have the right qualifications, experience, and availability.

Tutor profiles include biographical information, introductory videos, reviews from other learners, and detailed information about their teaching specializations. You can filter tutors by language, price range, availability, nationality, certifications, and teaching specialties before booking lessons.

Subscription Model

Preply operates on a subscription basis where you choose a plan with 1-5 lessons per week included. The platform requires a minimum purchase of 6 lessons. Tutors work as independent contractors and set their own rates and schedules. On average, English tutors charge $15-25 per hour, though rates vary based on the tutor's experience, qualifications, and language.

Platform Technology & Features

Preply Classroom

Lessons take place in Preply's built-in "Classroom" video platform, similar to Zoom. The virtual classroom provides everything needed for effective online learning:

• Video and Audio: High-quality video conferencing for face-to-face interaction
• Interactive Whiteboard: Collaborative whiteboard for visual explanations and notes
• File Sharing: Share documents, images, and learning materials during lessons
• Chat Features: Text chat for quick clarifications and vocabulary help
• Progress Tracking: Automatic tracking showing improvement areas and focus topics

The platform monitors speaking time, identifies grammar patterns students struggle with, and suggests specific practice exercises between lessons.

AI-Powered Learning Tools (2025)

Preply has introduced new AI-powered features to complement live tutoring sessions and support learning between lessons:

• Lesson Insights: AI analysis of your lessons providing personalized feedback on progress and areas for improvement
• Daily Exercises: Customized practice exercises generated based on your recent lessons and learning goals
• Scenario Practice (Beta): AI-powered practice scenarios that let you apply what you've learned in realistic contexts

These tools bridge gaps between lessons and provide personalized learning resources to support language learning for any purpose.

Mobile and Desktop Access

Preply's dedicated mobile apps (iOS and Android) let you take lessons, complete daily exercises, and review progress from anywhere, syncing seamlessly with the desktop version. This flexibility allows learning from any location with internet access.

Free Learning Resources

In addition to paid lessons, Preply provides free resources including:

• Built-in vocabulary features for memorizing new words
• Anytime chat with your tutor for questions between lessons
• Progress tests to measure improvement
• Supplementary exercises and practice materials

Languages and Subjects Available

Preply offers tutoring in over 90 languages, with language learning representing 95% of its business. The platform also offers topic-based lessons in subjects like mathematics and physics, though language tutoring is the primary focus.

Users can search for tutors by specifying their native language, target language, desired nationality of tutor, availability, specialties (conversation, business, exam preparation, travel), certification requirements, and hourly rate preferences.

Benefits for International Travelers

Conversation-Focused Learning

Preply's approach emphasizes conversation practice from the first lesson, which is particularly valuable for travelers who need practical communication skills rather than academic language proficiency. Tutors can customize lessons to focus on travel-specific scenarios like ordering food, asking directions, hotel interactions, and common tourist situations.

Flexible Scheduling Across Time Zones

With tutors located across 180+ countries, learners can find tutors available in convenient time zones and with flexible schedules. This is particularly helpful for travelers preparing for trips while managing work and other commitments.

Personalized Learning Pace

Unlike fixed-schedule classes, Preply's subscription model allows you to adjust lesson frequency based on your schedule. You can increase lessons before a trip and reduce them during busy periods, providing flexibility that traditional language classes cannot offer.

Getting Started with Preply

Initial Setup

When you sign up for Preply, you'll complete a short questionnaire about your language learning goals, current proficiency level, preferred learning style, budget, and schedule. The platform's AI-powered algorithm uses this information to recommend tutors who match your requirements.

Browsing and Selecting Tutors

You can browse tutor profiles that include:

• Introductory video showing teaching style and communication skills
• Biographical information and teaching experience
• Reviews and ratings from other students
• Hourly rate (set by the tutor)
• Availability and time zone
• Specializations (conversation, business, exam prep, travel, etc.)
• Languages spoken and proficiency levels

The platform allows filtering by all these criteria to find tutors that match your specific needs and budget.

Trial Lessons

Many tutors offer discounted trial lessons, allowing you to test their teaching approach and compatibility before committing to a longer subscription. This helps ensure you find a tutor whose style matches your learning preferences.

Subscription Plans

After selecting a tutor, you choose a subscription plan ranging from 1-5 lessons per week. The platform requires a minimum purchase of 6 lessons. Lesson packages are purchased on a recurring basis, and you can adjust your lesson frequency as needed.

Using Preply's Learning Tools

During Lessons

The Preply Classroom provides all tools needed for effective online learning. You and your tutor can use the interactive whiteboard for visual explanations, share files and documents, chat for quick clarifications, and communicate via high-quality video and audio.

Between Lessons

Preply's AI-powered tools provide continuity between live sessions:

• Daily Exercises: Practice exercises customized based on your recent lessons
• Scenario Practice: Apply what you've learned in realistic conversation scenarios
• Vocabulary Tools: Built-in features for memorizing new words
• Progress Tests: Measure improvement over time
• Tutor Chat: Message your tutor anytime with questions

Tracking Progress

The platform automatically tracks your learning progress, monitoring speaking time, identifying grammar patterns you struggle with, and suggesting specific practice areas. The Lesson Insights feature provides AI-powered analysis of your lessons with personalized feedback on improvement areas.