Gudrun ZOMERLAND
GBLove this app! Several years ago I did three modules of Fluenz Spanish in preparation for a trip to Spain. First of all, I had a lot of fun studying with this program because it engaged my hearing, my vision, and my kinetics. I also liked the fact that I learned some grammar. With those three modules I was able to talk with people on the phone in Spain in their language and to coordinate with an Airbnb host who didn’t speak any English. Right now I’m learning Italian in preparation for a trip to Italy. Even though Italian is more difficult than Spanish, I again have a lot of fun learning it and look forward to testing my language skills when I get to Tuscany. Arrivederci!
Chris Harrison
GBShould I choose Fluenz? I've read the reviews (and thank everyone for the many contributions) but not many seem to factor in the intelligence of the user. Okay, what do I mean? Well, I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer - by a long chalk. I'm in my twilight years (recently described as a 'coffin dodger') and never achieved more that a few CSE's at school. So, how is Fluenz for me? The answer is great. BUT... It's how you use it. Okay, if you've been blessed with the intelligence of Stephen Hawking or Albert Einstein you'll probably witter on about the software or how the lessons are not as good as Rosetta Stone etc and maybe throw in how expensive it is (which I will mention later), but that doesn't help a thicko like me. So how am I getting on with it? Am I learning Italian? (The language I have chosen). Yes. It teaches you what you are likely to need and although you won't pass the Advanced Learning exams to become an English teacher in Milan you will learn enough to a) enjoy it! Because it's not the traditional tried and tested way that's boring, and boring means difficult because you quickly lose interest and b) You will be able to use it on your next trip abroad (or in the local Italian restaurant) - this itself will give you confidence & and you will come home buzzing and wanting to fire up the program as soon as you can. Fluenz teaches you what to say in the real world. My advice to get the best from it is simple. As we all have varying levels of intelligence simply partake in each lesson (in order) until it's sunk in. If you are clever then you'll work through them one after the other, if, like me, you're not then do them time and time again. Some I do 3 or 4 times. So what? I'm learning!! The worst thing you can do is move on to the next lesson without learning the first. It doesn't work. As to cost....yes, it's not the cheapest out there to be sure. But once you have it then it's forever as is the support. I purchased Fluenz in the days of the CD's (now I understand long gone and all on line) but have contacted Fluenz for support and got it. (It's because I couldn't get the CD's to work - that's when I found out I didn't need them lol). I appreciate this is a long review but if it helps just one person it will be worth it. I'm no Benny Lewis but I am grasping the Italian language. Whether you chose Fluenz or not I wish you good luck & if you really want to learn another language don't give up. You will want to at times I'm sure but keep at it. You'll get there!
Hyrum McLemore
GBGood program, minor issues. As a beginner, I found the Spanish program difficult to use during the listening and typing sessions. Words often blend together, are rushed, and generally don't make a lot of sense. With the new program, I am not able to report feedback on individual lessons, which doesn't help. At least when I could report on issues I *hoped* they would get resolved. Additionally, I ran into issues with my Mac headset. System requirements are vague and not well thought out. Luckily, the online version of the program sufficed until the issue was resolved (Not resolved by Fluenz tech support.) Otherwise, I do really enjoy the teaching style of the program. The lessons, reviews, spoken reviews, etc have been terrific, and help me understand things mor comprehensively. As a past Rosetta Stone customer, this is by far a much better program.
Eric Privett
GBGreat learning tool! I really like Fluenz over all the other systems I have tried including Rosetta Stone. The only thing that stops me from giving it 5 stars is because the iPad app and the computer program do not sync with each other so you have to keep track yourself where you left off. Pod casts are excellent as well.
Kathy Mattos
GBExcellent program. Great results! I really appreciated the broad scope of this program. Instead of learming vocabulary in a vacuum, it gives the exact amount f framework you need to speak understandably and correctly. I love Sonia's presentation of the material. I completed The last lesson of Italian 1 on the plane to Rome; and was able to make my way through Italy with what I learned. So glad I chose Fluenz over the other leading program! One suggestion: A short review built in as a stand alone at the end of each session would really help when you are just looking for refreshers of things learned during a session. The audio CD is great and helpful, but doesn't quite perform this need. Overall it was great and I highly recommend Fluenz.