Do You Really Need a Language Teacher? Pros and Cons

Many people ask me if they need a teacher to learn a language. The answer? It depends. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of learning with and without a tutor.

Pros of Having a Teacher:

• Structured learning path and clear goals
• Immediate correction and feedback
• Motivation through accountability
• Cultural context and real-world advice

Cons:

• Cost — weekly lessons can add up
• Potential mismatch in teaching style
• Less flexibility compared to self-study

Self-Learning Pros:

• Free or low-cost resources
• Full control of pace and content
• Encourages independence and discovery

Self-Learning Cons:

• Lack of guidance can cause confusion
• No real-time feedback or correction
• Risk of plateauing without feedback

In the end, the best option might be a mix. Use teachers for feedback and speaking practice, but supplement with self-study to stay flexible and consistent. You don’t need a teacher to succeed — but a good one can accelerate your path.