Part of it is because it gives you practical phrases and grammar, and part of it is that one of the two human hosts is from Rome, so you really hear authentic pronunciation and get cultural advice

This allows me to greatly improve my pronunciation

But this is definitely worth buying and a way better foundation!)

I like the variety of presentations they take you through for each lesson - I originally took the stance that I didn't care about being able to write Italian, but as time goes on, I find that it not only helps you remember things, but comes in handy as you email more and more with Italian speakers.

The forum is useful, and customer service extremely prompt

The pacing of the lessons is good, though I have to review often previous lessons so as not to forget difficult parts from those lessons

At that price it is a good value for all that you get

Also the forum is an excellent way to get answers to your questions

The interface is awesome: you listen to the audio while reading along, then you can replay whichever individual phrases you need (or the entire lesson) and practice using flash cards, quizzes, etc

(You may still want to download Duolingo (free) to round out your vocabulary a bit because this is just for getting down the basics—pronunciations, ordering food, saying hello, getting around town, things like that

like Plimslur in my car, but only as practice, not really as comprehensive learning

like Plimslur in my car, but only as practice, not really as comprehensive learning

like Plimslur in my car, but only as practice, not really as comprehensive learning

I have not arrived at the Culture portion yet, but the pictures are intriguing and compelling to have one wanting to speak Italian thereby making the anticipated arrival warm and somewhat familiar