No they don't.

Hi Gillian,

I think that everyone ask him/herself the same questions as you at the beginning. I'll try to answer some of them, but consider that I'm not a teacher. I can just share my own experience of student.

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<em>I am only a beginner at French, are lessons maybe too early for me?</em>
I don't think they are. As a beginner, you can do a lot of progress on your own, that's true. And it is also positive that you can practice with your contacts.
However, a good professional teacher is important to "revisit your knowledge" and to correct immediately your mistakes, which you are not always aware of and which risk to change themself quickly into bad habits.

The rhythm of lessons depends on you, of course. I'd start with something like two lessons per week of one hour each. In these you can do a sort of recap of what you'll be learning: you'll fix and correct as you go along your studying.

<em>So would it be best to send a list to the teacher first?</em>
Yes, contact the teacher first: you'll explain your situation, your level, what you are expecting from the lessons, your goals. That's what you're supposed to do. However, Gillian, the first lesson is always a 'trial one': teacher will normally check your situation and you'll organize together a kind of program for the next meetings.

(to be continued)

Some of them allready used but they can also try instant tutoring usually are more cheap or some teachers like me have different options of time so they can also try 30 min with some teachers. You also have 30 min lesson.

We just can do 3 trial lessons in total

Thanks for posting Phuong!

Dave is correct! The trial lessons do not count towards the total. The lowered trial price allows students to find the right teacher without investing a great deal of money.

<em>"It seems it's like the same than "buy 200 dollars on supermarket and you may be refund"... Free to those that want to spend money like that but IMHO it's to to force people to consum quickly..."</em>

I understand what you're saying, but allow me to offer another view.

italki does not say you "may" get a refund. The rewards and investments involved are detailed very clearly. Pledge 100IC, learn for 12 hours between October 1st -31st, and on completion receive back your 100IC pledge + an additional 200IC for completing the challenge.

There's no <em>"force people to consum quickly"</em>. Nobody is making anyone participate. You accept the challenges and the associated risks of your own free will. It's an added incentive to enroll in lessons. Sometimes that's what it takes to make the difference in someones life and learning. 

For those looking to take lessons, this is a great opportunity to get started.