A Letter To Students — July 2025

From italki to The Studio:

Your Transition Guide

A Personal Update for My italki Students

First, thank you.

If you're reading this, it's because you've taken lessons with me, booked time with me, or even just visited my italki profile with interest — and I want to make sure you're the first to know about some important changes coming soon. These are changes that I’ve been teasing for a while, but now, it’s ready to be revealed and I’m ready to move into the next chapter of my life — both personal and professional.

What’s Changing — and Why

I’m moving away from offering live private lessons through italki.
This decision didn’t come easily — teaching here has been a huge part of my journey, and many of you have become more than just students. But as my personal circumstances change (including my living and working environment), I need a more sustainable way to serve you — without sacrificing quality or personalization.

So I’ve created something new:
🎓 Fluency by Design — a personalized, self-paced course that feels just like working with me 1-on-1…but on your own schedule, and with more flexibility.

You can learn more about it here.

What Happens to Current Lessons & Packages?

If you already have lessons booked or a package purchased, here’s what to expect:

  • I’ll continue teaching those classes for now, but I’ll begin phasing out most live availability over the coming weeks.

  • If you’d like to transition your remaining credits into a personalized course (Fluency by Design), I’d be happy to convert them at a fair rate. Just send me a message and we’ll work it out.

  • If you’d like a refund for unused lessons, please request it through italki’s official process. I'm here to support you through that if needed.

  • I’ll no longer be accepting long-term new students or new lesson packages via italki.

What If I Want to Keep Learning with You?

You can! But now it’ll happen through The Immersion Studio — my own independent learning platform. Here’s what you’ll find there:

  • 📦 Fluency by Design – Your own personalized course (learn more here)

  • 🧠 Studio Memberships – Access to Culture Capsules, Language Reflections, and podcast extras

  • 🎙️ Podcasts + Lectures – Free content + live events to keep you learning, reflecting, and inspired

You can visit the full site here: www.theimmersionstudio.com
Or, feel free to message me directly and I’ll help you figure out the best next step.

Thank You

I know it’s a lot, and relatively abrupt from certain perspectives. But this isn’t goodbye — it’s just a shift.

And I want you to know that you helped shape the new direction of my teaching. Your feedback, your goals, and your growth are what inspired me to build something more intentional, flexible, and lasting.

Thank you for being part of that.

I’ll be here to guide you through whatever comes next.

Warmly,
Lawrence
Founder, The Immersion Studio

 FAQs

  • Only for a short time. I’m gradually stepping away from live private lessons on italki due to changes in my personal schedule and work environment. That said, if you already have a package with me or a few lessons booked, I’ll continue honoring those while I transition.

  • You have three options:

    1. Use up your lessons as scheduled — I’ll continue teaching them as they appear according to my availability

    2. Convert your remaining lessons into a custom Fluency by Design course. I’ll match the value of your remaining credits to the closest tier and create something personal for you.

    3. Request a refund directly through italki’s support, if preferred.

    You won’t lose anything. Just message me, and I’ll help you find the best fit.

  • To put it simply — life is changing. I’m moving to a shared living space where I can no longer teach live lessons at all hours of the day and night (which many of my students need due to time zones). Rather than burn out or disappear, I’ve chosen to build something more sustainable — and honestly, even more personal and powerful.

    That’s what Fluency by Design is all about.

  • It’s a personalized, self-paced course I create just for you. You fill out a detailed form, I craft your lessons (based on your level, goals, and life), and you receive a custom package of video lessons, practice activities, culture capsules, and missions — all grounded in The Fluent Framework.

    It’s more flexible than private lessons and just as human.

    Learn more here.

  • Eventually, yes — but they’ll be very limited and more expensive. Most of my teaching will now happen through Fluency by Design and live Studio Lectures offered through The Immersion Studio.

  • No problem at all. You can:

    • Stay in touch via my free podcasts or newsletter

    • Explore Studio Membership to access learning resources at your own pace

    • Join a live lecture when I announce the next one

    Whatever you need — I’m not disappearing. I’m just shifting how I work with students.

  • Absolutely. You can contact me on italki for now or use the contact form on The Immersion Studio. I'm happy to help you make the transition smoothly, or figure out if a personalized course is right for you.