I'm trying to improve my Italian, which is awful, and also trying to remember the German I learnt once; not enough to try a fluent conversation with a native. I've tried with usual apps like Duolingo and I get so bored, and it doesn't seems to help really... So I' exploring other possibilities.
I've found a web called Lingostan, a platform were you can find qualified teachers and talk with them via skype, so they can help me with syntax and grammar. I've tried these platforms (French) and were disappointing, because people usually made an appointment and never showed up again, but this one is not free, so I suppose that they are more serious. Also, you can "teach" your own native language as a tutor, so maybe I can have some money to invest it in my German courses.
So I'd like to know if some of you have heard about it and if they are reliable.
I have used lingoda.com for helping to learn German. You choose your level and there is a set of classes to work through each with pdf slides.
You have to pay and choose either group or individual lessons, individual is, of course, more expensive. The main reason I use it is that the class times and the location is also flexible. You only need an internet connection and Skype for the 1 on 1 classes.
Teachers have been reliable and generally excellent. The main downside is the cost and its only offered in 4 languages (no Italian sorry).
It has teachers so you can have formal lessons and also conversation partners (usually native speakers).
I tried classes but if you travel and a miss a few (my case) you end up losing track. Tried 1-on-1 classes but crazy expensive. Online 1-on-1 classes seems to me a good compromise.
Also use the "search" function on the top right. Yours is a common question and people have provided tons of info before (recommendations on what to read, TV series, online series, etc).
I'm now trying a coursera course in German (not so much for the topic, more for the German itself!)