Rocket Languages Reviews

I tried to learn Italian multiple times over several years. Each time using products that taught vocabulary, but not really grammar or sentences. I like Rocket's approach of combining the different elements, and get you to speak as well. It really helps to learn the language.

I am enjoying learning Italian for my trip and it seems to make sense so far. Not sure of the customer service because I have not had to use it and cant choose stars based on use so I choose a one star. Sorry, hate fake stat boosting. I can say the search functionality is trash. I tried to search a simple word such as "Tomorrow" and it came up with no results. I have a feeling I will learn much and be happier than I would with Rosetta.

I tried 7 different language apps to learn Italian before I went to search on "best Italian language program app" on google and came across Rocket Language. After trying it for 3 days, I was convinced it is worth the investment. So far, I have been retaining most of what I learned with the different ways each module is presented through repeated sight, hearing, saying and writing. I am pleased with this product and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning another language.

1) Great Customer Service: after completing my first lesson, the sound stop! No more sound. It was not my computer because I had sound on everything else than Rocket Italian. I tried the chat and a very nice lady (Marie) helped me. She found the problem very quickly. In no time, I was back to my lessons.
2) Very effective method to learn a foreign language (at least for me!) I love the progression.
3) I find it very useful being able to record my phrase and listen to it after: it helps me improve my accent.
4) Only negative point so far: tooooooooo much English speaking by the guy at the beginning of every lesson. More Italian please!
5) It would help having many different persons talking Italian instead of only two persons. This would be more representative of the real life.

Bottom line: I think that I will be able to learn Italian with Rocket Italian. Would I recommend it to a friend? Mmmm Yes, but with a little hesitation because of the very small sample of Italian voices.

I have tried them all (Rosetta, Pimsleur, Duolingo) and I must admit that this program does the best job of teaching Italian. The reason is simple -- repetition. As a former teacher, I believe in repetition. Too many programs give you a lesson but do not reinforce it. Rocket does. Another plus is the response to my feedback. If I have a problem, I get a response within a day (two at most). Most programs don't bother to respond at all. Another plus is the detailed lesson given at the beginning of the section. If you really want to learn the "ins" and "outs" of the language, the explanations are there for you. All you have to do is read and absorb. Some programs (I won't mention names) never bother to explain anything; they just expect you to learn on your own. If you wonder why I have only given 4 stars for would I buy again, it is because I am not that young and don't think I'll be trying another language. If I do, it will be Rocket. Oh, one more plus -- the one-time price. Yea!

It is a horribly frustrating program. I have yet been able to download it. Only two lessons in two modules have been downloaded. To be fair one of the chat support people told me to call and she would guide me through the download, but I am tired of playing with the program and haven't called. After the download to the computer I have to download them to CDs. Oh help!

Great start with introducing simple useful words and a variety of conversation. Molte bene.
Uno: Reasonable speed to start
Due: Followed by increasing speed to normal speaking dialogue.
Tre: Steps you through with increasing dialogue in a manner easy to follow.
Quattro: Provides pronunciation tips of vowels and double consonants.
Cinque: Keeps up motivation
Sei: Self test requiring typing in the words as heard with proper spelling reinforces auditory and visual learning.

I need to get the microphone connected, but I am sure this feature will also impress and be very helpful.

Great program! Easy to use on a laptop and mobile devise! Learn a language on the go then come home and hammer it down with the additional exercises . The customer service is prompt with fixing any bugs and they genuinely care about your success with their program. I highly recommend this product!

I have been using RI for about 4 months after trying Rosetta stone (very boring) and Pimsleur (good but not quite what I wanted). I found that using RI I have a better comprehension especially when you use the extra lessons where you write and take some tests. Seeing, hearing and writing have made a big difference.

For the most part, I do like the course. It is an easy and enjoyable way to learn. I am taking the Italian course.

My only MINOR COMPLAINT SO FAR is the specificity of some of the lessons. In Module 3 of the Premium Basic Course, the first 2 lessons are waaaay too narrowly focused. The first concerns a trip to Mount Vesuvius with conversation about walking around the volcano's crater and how cold it will be on the summit(!) - a dialogue I really can't imagine most ordinary travelers having much need for, and the second deals with a certain Italian liquor called Limoncello. I skipped the bulk of the conversation portion of those lessons, except for a phrase or two. The extra vocabulary sections also had some benefit.

Now I understand that sprinkling a little culture, geography, and traditional customs is an attempt to broaden the course's appeal, but I'd personally find the lessons much more useful if they conveyed more common everyday requests and conversations. For example: asking where to buy a newspaper, rent/park a car, ordering a beer/glass of wine/soda and leaving a tip, chatting about the weather or someone's family, or complimenting/discussing another's clothes, jewelry, home, etc.

Perhaps that's just me, though. However, up until those 2 lessons, I felt what I was learning had broader adaptability and usefulness.