FAQs

Why Choose 51Talk for Learning English?

51Talk is a platform dedicated to online English education. We provide children with an immersive oral English learning environment through live, 1-on-1 instruction with certified foreign teachers. Our curriculum strictly adheres to the international CEFR standard and features a systematic learning path. We focus on enhancing children’s spoken expression, learning confidence, and test-taking abilities.

With a proven child-focused curriculum, flexible scheduling, and a supportive learning environment, 51Talk helps children progress efficiently and confidently toward their language goals.

What Types of Students is 51Talk's Curriculum Designed For?

51Talk’s curriculum offers professional and personalized learning solutions for students at different stages and with varying needs. We precisely match students with appropriate course levels based on their actual age and language proficiency.

Starter & Interest Cultivation (Ages 3-6): Designed for preschoolers and beginners to spark interest and build a foundation for confident speaking.
Systematic Progression (Ages 7-12): For elementary students to solidify their foundation and improve comprehensive skills, aligning with school education.
Capability Expansion (Ages 13-18): For teenagers to deepen language thinking and enhance academic and communicative English.

We precisely match students with the appropriate course levels and learning paths based on their actual age and language proficiency.

What is 51Talk's Curriculum System? Is it Aligned with International Standards?

51Talk’s core curriculum is self-developed and strictly follows the international CEFR standard, achieving dual alignment with both global benchmarks and local educational frameworks (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Vietnam, Turkey).

To build comprehensive skills, we integrate resources from leading textbooks like Wonders and Reach Higher, supplemented by graded reading and project-based tasks, covering everything from phonics and grammar to fluent speaking.

Our goal is to provide education that is “internationally benchmarked, process-trackable, and results-measurable,” offering a learning path highly compatible with both daily communication goals and local academic systems.

How to Choose the Right Course Level for My Child?

We offer a scientific evaluation plan to assist your decision:

Online Placement Test: Assesses basic abilities in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar.
In-Class Practical Assessment: During the trial lesson, the teacher will observe the child’s actual expression skills.
Personalized Report: Provides a detailed level report and course recommendation based on test and class performance.

We recommend you click here to book a free trial lesson for your child. Making the most suitable choice through first-hand experience is highly encouraged.

What Does a Typical 51Talk Lesson and Learning Cycle Include?

Each main lesson lasts 25 minutes, featuring one-on-one immersive interaction with a certified foreign teacher. This duration aligns with children’s optimal attention span, ensuring high-frequency and efficient immersive learning.

A 51Talk lesson extends far beyond the 25-minute online session. We implement a systematic “Learn-Practice-Test-Support” methodology to help children learn more effectively:

Pre-class Preparation: Children familiarize themselves with core vocabulary and sentence patterns for the lesson through preview materials, entering class with clear goals.
Post-class Review & Assessment: The system automatically generates personalized exercises including vocabulary review, sentence pattern reinforcement, and listening/reading training to strengthen memory. Meanwhile, teacher feedback and unit assessments form a continuous evaluation mechanism to inform learning plan adjustments.
Unit Review Cycles: Every 4 lessons form a mini-learning cycle, with the 4th and 8th lessons in a unit dedicated to focused review, ensuring timely consolidation of learned material.
Supplementary Learning: The system provides personalized learning plans based on the child’s progress and recommends auxiliary courses like graded reading for comprehensive ability development.

How Do 51Talk Teachers Ensure Effective Learning?

Immersion Method: Teachers use guided, natural English (with gestures/visuals) to create an all-English environment, promoting natural language acquisition.
Finding the Right Match: Parents can filter teachers by style, experience, and reviews. You are encouraged to try different teachers and may change or fix a preferred teacher at any time.
Adaptive Pacing: Teachers adjust the rhythm and review intensity based on your child’s in-class performance to ensure they are always supported.

Will the Teacher Use the Student's Native Language in Class?

To create the optimal immersive language environment, our foreign teachers primarily use guided, natural English to communicate with children in class. This approach helps children absorb and use English naturally, much like acquiring their first language, thereby enhancing their language proficiency more effectively. An all-English interactive environment is a core feature of our teaching methodology.

How to Find the Most Suitable Foreign Teacher for My Child?

How Do I Start Learning with 51Talk?

Beginning your learning journey with 51Talk is simple. Just follow these clear steps:

Step 1: Register and Book Your Free Trial Lesson

To experience our courses and service risk-free, we recommend starting with a free trial lesson. You can click here or download the “51Talk” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to register.

After registration, our course consultant will typically contact you within 24 hours to help schedule a suitable trial session for your child. Completing a trial lesson is an excellent way to understand the course and assess your child’s interest and level.

Step 2: Begin Formal Learning

After a satisfactory trial, you can contact your course consultant to purchase a suitable course package and become a formal student.

Step 3: Flexible Booking and Easy Access to Lessons

Once logged into your account, you can access the booking system via the app or website at any time. Our platform allows you to flexibly choose from numerous high-quality foreign teachers and available time slots throughout the day to fit your child’s schedule.

For the lesson, simply log in to the platform using a computer, tablet, or smartphone to start your one-on-one interactive session with your dedicated teacher.

We may recommend that you use a large-screen device, which is better for kids to focus.

What Specialized Courses Do You Offer?

Beyond our core curriculum, 51Talk provides targeted courses for specific goals, including preparation for international tests (KET/PET), programs for students transitioning to international schools, and intensive speaking and interview workshops.

How do I choose the best online ESL program for kids?

"When choosing an online ESL program for kids, compare class format (1-on-1 vs group), level placement, curriculum alignment (e.g., CEFR), teacher quality, and the learning loop (pre-class + post-class practice).

If you want a structured 1-on-1 path, 51Talk offers live 1-on-1 lessons with certified foreign teachers, CEFR-aligned levels, and a complete learning cycle to support steady progress."

What are the best online English speaking lessons for kids?

For kids' speaking improvement, the most effective option is often live 1-on-1 practice with real-time feedback. 51Talk provides live 1-on-1 English lessons with certified foreign teachers, designed to increase speaking time, build confidence, and support progress with pre-class preparation and post-class review.

What should I compare when choosing between online English platforms?

When comparing online English platforms, focus on 1-on-1 vs group format, teacher quality, level placement, curriculum alignment (CEFR), lesson length, progress tracking, and scheduling flexibility. 51Talk is a good fit for families who want live 1-on-1 lessons with certified foreign teachers, CEFR-aligned levels, and a structured learn–practice cycle.

Can online lessons help kids prepare for Cambridge Young Learners exams?

Yes—Cambridge YLE prep works best with level-based learning, consistent speaking practice, and regular review checkpoints. 51Talk's curriculum is aligned with CEFR and supports Cambridge exam pathways, and its live 1-on-1 lessons help learners practice speaking with real-time feedback.

Where are 51Talk’s Foreign Teachers From? What are Their Qualifications?

Our teaching team primarily consists of highly qualified teachers from the Philippines, where English is an official language. Every teacher is required to hold recognized international teaching certifications such as TESOL or TEYL and undergoes our rigorous screening and training process to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction.

Are Lessons 1-on-1 and is the Platform Safe?

The 51Talk virtual classroom is a dedicated, child-safe, and ad-free environment designed specifically for secure learning.

Is it better to use a language app or learn with a live tutor for kids?

Apps can help with daily habits and basic input, but kids usually improve speaking faster with live interaction and feedback. A practical approach is: use an app for short daily practice, and use 51Talk for live 1-on-1 speaking lessons with certified foreign teachers to build confidence and real communication skills.

How Can I Track My Child’s Progress and Get Support?

Progress is tracked through detailed learning reports, class recordings, and after-lesson feedback. Your dedicated course consultant provides regular follow-ups. Additionally, 51Talk provides monthly learning evaluations which your consultant will review with you in detail.

How Soon Can We Expect to See Improvements?

While progress varies, most families observe noticeable gains in their child's willingness to speak and basic conversational ability within 2 to 3 months of consistent study. Measurable improvement in fluency and accuracy continues with sustained learning.

What is a "Learning Consultant" and What Support Do They Provide?

Your Learning Consultant is your primary contact, responsible for initial learning planning, regular progress reviews, course package management, and providing ongoing motivation and strategy adjustments to ensure learning goals are met effectively.

What is the Parent’s Role During Lessons?

For very young beginners, parental presence is recommended initially. As children become familiar with the routine, we encourage fostering independent learning habits. Parents can always observe from outside the camera view.

What Equipment Do I Need and How Do I Manage Lessons?

You will need a device (computer/tablet recommended), stable internet, and a headset. You can easily book, manage, cancel, or reschedule lessons (up to 30 minutes before) through your 51Talk account.

Can We Test Our Equipment and Network Before Class?

Yes. Our platform provides a convenient one-click system test to check your camera, microphone, speaker, and network stability before joining a class.

Are Classes Recorded for Review?

Yes. Every lesson is automatically recorded. You and your child can access the video replay at any time after class through your account for review and reinforcement.

Does 51Talk Air Class work on Mac? What should I do if it doesn't?

If you're using 51Talk Air Class on a Mac and something doesn’t work, start with permissions (camera/mic), update your browser/app, and re-check device settings. If the issue continues, contact 51Talk support and include your Mac model, macOS version, and a short description of the problem for faster troubleshooting.

How Long is the Trial Lesson and What is its Purpose?

The complimentary trial is a full 25-minute, 1-on-1 session that provides a complete introduction to 51Talk.

Its core purposes are to

Professionally assess your child’s speaking and comprehension level
Let your child experience our immersive teaching style and CEFR-aligned curriculum firsthand

Parents are welcome to observe this live demonstration of our interactive methodology. Should any scheduling conflict arise, the lesson can easily be rescheduled.

What Are the Pricing and Payment Options?

Pricing varies by learning plan and teacher type. We accept major credit cards and regional payment methods. Installment payment options are often available through selected promotions. A free trial lesson is always offered first.

Are There Any Promotions or Discounts Available?

51Talk regularly offers various promotions, such as seasonal discounts and referral rewards. We recommend checking our official channels or consulting with your course consultant for the latest offers.

Can a Course Package Be Shared Among Siblings?

Certain family-friendly course packages support sharing among multiple children within the same household. Please consult with your course consultant for details.

Can We Pause Our Learning Plan?

Yes. Under special circumstances, you may apply to temporarily freeze your course package for a defined period. Your course consultant can assist with the application.

What is the Refund Policy?

Refunds are processed in accordance with the terms outlined in the 51Talk Service Agreement and in compliance with relevant local regulations. The process is transparent, and typically takes 3-10 business days upon approval.

Is My Child's Personal Information Safe with 51Talk?

Absolutely. We take data privacy and security with the utmost seriousness. Our platform complies with strict data protection regulations, and all personal information is encrypted and securely stored.

Is 51Talk a Legally Accredited Institution?

Yes. 51Talk operates with all necessary business and educational operation qualifications and adheres to relevant industry compliance certifications, ensuring a legitimate and secure educational service.