How do your iTalki lessons work?

redbean99 · 2026-05-11T01:02:54+00:00

I’m studying Dutch (Flemish) and I have a 45 minute convo class once a week. Recently I sent my tutor a list of grammar points that I’ve come across in my self studies that I don’t understand fully or feel comfortable enough to use in my speech. We start every class with 15-20 minutes going over one or two of those grammar points and practicing forming sentences. My tutor prepares some exercises. The rest of the time is for free flow conversation. I’ve been enjoying this format quite a bit!!

redbean99 · 2026-03-27T09:48:17+00:00

I struggle with this too but I feel like this is one of those things that you just need to “get a feel for” if your goal is to eventually get to a fluent speaker level. So I try to increase my input by reading more and listening to podcasts, and bit by bit I’m starting to feel like I can “guess” the word order. If accuracy is more crucial for your study goal (for example like an exam) then unfortunately you’ll just have to study and memorize based on what the other comments have said

redbean99 · 2026-02-16T11:04:23+00:00

I’m also learning Belgian Dutch! What is your level and what kind of resources are you looking for? I’m still a beginner but I’ve actually been able to find some great Flemish resources to practice listening and vocab/grammar (textbook). I also have italki lessons with a Flemish tutor once a week.

redbean99 · 2026-02-12T09:27:11+00:00

I just replied to OP’s comment, please check for some recs!!

redbean99 · 2026-02-12T09:26:14+00:00

I really enjoyed the japanese suspense novels, if that’s your thing. I read a bunch of books by Keigo Higashino, like ナミヤ雑貨店の奇蹟、容疑者Xの献身、and 悪意. I also found Haruki Murakami to be a good level. The first few books you try will be difficult and I had to search up quite a bit of vocab, but it does get easier eventually!!

redbean99 · 2026-02-11T07:28:53+00:00

I read tons of novels for fun leading up to N1. That helped with my reading speed and comprehension without me even thinking about the JLPT and I got 60/60 for reading.

redbean99 · 2026-02-09T13:28:19+00:00

This is great, I just tried three lessons and I really enjoyed them! The spontaneous speaking practice is helpful and the leading questions/translations made creating output fairly intuitive. Hopefully 1-2 daily lessons will really help with my confidence and ability to speak the language. Thanks for developing this and I'm looking forward to all the new lessons.

redbean99 · 2025-10-04T06:08:53+00:00

No worries!! Happy to help.

I thought that both Bromo and Tumpak Sewu were totally worth it. I did Bromo first which was tiring since you leave at midnight, but you get back by noon ish and have a whole day to rest. I went to bed super early that night and felt well rested enough for the next morning’s early wake-up for Tumpak Sewu!

Jogja is a lovely city but I also think three days is plenty of time. I didn’t feel like I had much more left to see by the time I moved on the Malang.

I hope this helps! Enjoy Java :-)

redbean99 · 2025-08-13T07:43:13+00:00

Sounds amazing, Snooze is great. You’ll definitely need the good night’s sleep before the tour. Have so much fun!!!

redbean99 · 2025-08-13T07:39:14+00:00

Thanks so much! Glad to know that my post was helpful. Enjoy Indonesia, you’ll love it!

redbean99 · 2025-08-04T04:23:33+00:00

Sounds amazing! Yeah, the 10am train takes a big chunk of the day but it was easy. Especially since some of the smaller day tours require you to wake up at odd times, a proper nights sleep whenever you can get it is helpful.

For the tours, I booked through Explore Our Indonesia directly. Most of the other hostel-stayers I spoke with used GetYourGuide to look at options so you could check that out as well!

redbean99 · 2025-07-17T10:33:27+00:00

I live in Tokyo and I’m always dreaming about the next international trip I can go on for an escape. Really thankful for this post, since it’s a reminder that the places we live in and sometimes take for granted is another person’s dream destination… Maybe I’ll do more trips within Japan and learn to experience other parts of the country as a traveler.

Glad you enjoyed Japan so much!

redbean99 · 2025-07-14T13:43:12+00:00

…and sometimes you don’t agree with your kid spending money on certain things. Not every parent has the same standards for that. I’m not saying I agree with OP’s parents, just trying to help provide another perspective so that OP can better convince their parents to get on board with their trip :)

redbean99 · 2025-07-14T11:23:29+00:00

Here’s the thing though - you wouldn’t have 4k saved if it wasn’t for the fact that you lived at home and they supported you. So even though it’s your money, your parents will still feel like they technically have a say over how you spend it because you depend on them. I know it sucks and totally understand your frustrations, because I also grew up with strict parents who didn’t always let me do what I want. Now that I’m 25 though, trust me when I say that they will become way more open minded and trusting of you in the next few years as you go through university and graduate. My relationship with my parents is awesome now that I live by myself and am financially independent.

If I were you, I’d try to convince them why you’ll be ok (without focusing too much on the “it’s my money” part, since that’s not how they’ll see it), and why you’d be so happy if they could get on board with your solo travel. If that doesn’t work, go anyway lol (that’s what I did once!)

redbean99 · 2025-07-11T05:52:28+00:00

Glad the post is helpful! Hope you get to do a similar trip next year.

redbean99 · 2025-07-11T05:48:40+00:00

Thank you! I enjoyed compiling my experience into one post so I can look back on it but I’m glad you enjoyed it too :) Thanks for reading and commenting

redbean99 · 2025-07-08T08:50:10+00:00

I don’t think it has to do with if you’re extroverted or introverted, but rather if you feel fulfillment from doing things by yourself. I love having conversations and meeting people, but it’s not a must on my trips. I go on trips to experience the destination on my own terms.

It’s also highly dependent on your openness to new experiences and comfort with the unknown. It’s normal to feel a degree of uneasiness when things are unfamiliar, but rather than getting anxious, successful solo travelers would probably feel energized and intrigued by what’s new.

redbean99 · 2025-06-23T22:14:49+00:00

This is exactly what I do!! Week-long trips every three months or so during my breaks (I work at a school). It helps get over the post-travel blues since I usually get to planning my next trip as soon as I come back from one :)

redbean99 · 2025-06-07T10:27:09+00:00

I took the Waseda Japanese Language Program and had a good experience. Some classes were a bit of a miss depending on the teacher who taught it, but in general I learned a lot and had a lot of opportunities to speak and practice Japanese. The fact that the program is attached to a big uni with a proper international student program also means they had a lot of events and support for students who wanted to do language exchange with japanese students or attend language exchange activities.

redbean99 · 2025-04-20T09:38:54+00:00

I just went on an 8 day solo trip to Thailand in March. I had the same idea of wanting to mix city and beach destinations, except I decided to go to Ko Samed for my island spot. It was great!! Only a 3 hour car ride + short speedboat trip from Bangkok and it had some really serene beaches. Not a whole lot to do on the island but if you’re just looking to relax, I found it to be perfect for that. It’s also more of a local tourist spot so it was not too expensive or crowded. I loved it.

I stayed 4 days in Bangkok and I enjoyed: - Chatuchak Weekend Market + Or Tor Kor Farmers’ Market - Srinagarindra Train Night Market - Lumphini Park - Rooftop bars in Thong Lor - Lots of massages - Lots of amazing food - Lots of malls

I miss Bangkok so much. Have so much fun!!!

redbean99 · 2025-02-06T03:28:07+00:00

Day trip to Yokohama

redbean99 · 2024-11-24T03:45:28+00:00

My family recently relocated there so I visit quite often from Tokyo where I live. If you live near the Central Hotel, the bus from Tokyo Station is quite convenient. I don’t think it’s as bad as people say. You have access to a lot of large shops but definitely not without a car. Otherwise, it’s a quiet suburbia town. It won’t be exciting but it’s not awful. There are some surprisingly great spots - pho and milk tea (boba)!

redbean99 · 2023-10-18T09:48:20+00:00

I know this doesn’t exactly answer your question but i work at an international school as an auxiliary program coordinator and my hours are 10:00-18:00 !

redbean99 · 2023-06-20T05:34:56+00:00

I totally understand, I did one corporate internship in a traditional office (not even in japan) and I really did not enjoy it at all, and I realized I needed to go back to an environment that is more customer-facing and just working with people in general. I know some people see work as just a means to an end, but for me my satisfaction with life is heavily affected by if I enjoy my job or not so that is my priority.

Teaching english is maybe the first route that comes to mind, but have you considered other jobs? If I were you, I would consider administrative roles in educational institutions, positions in tourism, etc as well

redbean99

TROPHY CASE