It's very useful when you have a particular question about foreign languages. Also when you want to check grammar in some kind of text of yours. I don't like that it works slow, even when the chat is off. Oh yeah, and not too many Spaniards here want to exchange Ru-Es languages, but I can understand that. :D

As any other instrument, Italki is either useful or not depending on one's skills in using it. It gives a perfect opportunity to get acquainted with many interesting people and to use the language which one is learning. And to use a language is the best way to learn it. If you don't want to chat, no one oblige you to do it! You may use other features of the site: start with writting and correcting notebook entries; continue with exchanging messages with people whom you like; then try a private chat with those whom you consider to be your friends. And it depends only on you, either your conversations would be a waste of time or very helpful in your studies. Regular studies are important, and it is a rule. But even though I break this rule here and there, I was lucky to meet several people, who help me a lot, at Italki and other similar sites. Using the opportuninty: I am very grateful to every one of you! :D Believe me, it works!

I think ITALKI is good for supplementing your regular studies, such as when you have a question about a specific point. I'm studying Spanish on my own, and I'm glad that I can get another opinion by posting a question under "Answers." I've gotten answers to questions that none of the Spanish speakers where I live could answer. Also, I know that if I want to practice my writing, I can post a paragraph under "Notebook." I see that you're learning English. If you have not been able to find a language partner, then have you tried signing up for a trial lesson with one of the English teachers? It's very cheap, and you can talk to native English speakers all over the world!