David Gordon
GBDid not work well in China online I tried to use Learn Mandarin in China, specifically Qindao and had both performance problems and an inability to set it up to learn Chinese characters. Now that I'm back in the US, I'll try again, but it was sure a let down not to be able to use the learning while I was in China for 2 months.
Bruce Chittick
GBGreat experience compared to Rosetta Stone I have tried both programs and I found Fluenz to be the best by far to teach myself Italian. I used Rosetta Stone to see how their program worked, I found myself lost after just a few chapters. I would highly recommend Fluenz to anyone wanting to learn a new language. Fluenz is a well thought out program that eases you into the new language.
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.
John Kelly
GBTrouble with Spoken Portions of Sessions in French 3 I just started French 3 and I'm having a lot of trouble understanding the spoken portions of the sessions. I understand this may be what we will hear when listening to native speakers, but it's almost impossible to get through a session. I went through 1 and 2 with very little trouble and I can understand what I learned from them when listening to any source of material. I watch and listen to videos on the web for listening practice.
Jane Striegel
GBfluenz I have tried Rosetta Stone and French in Action. I feel I am learning quicker with Fluenz. My only criticism is the DVD doesn't give one enough time to think of the reply in French before the answer is given and sometimes I can't understand what is being said.