Job Discussion Forums

[f9ers55]

Hi all,

I am considering attempting to do some English Tutoring while in Cali . . .

I would be most grateful for any learned advice on the following:

1. Books/Text Books that I could bring maybe with me
2. Market for Tutors
3. Location . . . their home/my home, public
4. What to charge
5. Length of sessions
6. Any licenses required to privatly tutor?
7. YOUR thoughts, life lessons or experiences while tutoring in Cali
8. How did you market your service/availability?

I'm not interested in working at colleges/universities or schools . . . only privately.

Thank you in advance for any assistance/information you can bring.

[currentaffairs]

My general advice would be not to expect too much in a short space of time. You are going to be busy trying to settle down and after one or two months you can start getting things moving... You need to get yourself known and it takes time. From my experience, leaflets or posters didn't work. I put them up on the noticeboards around town and got zero response. I don't think the internet will get you a lot more students either. What will make the difference is a personal introduction and friends recommending you. I got all my students from people I knew and in Colombia (as in some other cultures) these recommendations are really important.

The next issue is the general flakiness of students. Most of the students I taught were upper class and they are busy people. They would often cancel classes. You are not going to be able to rely on the income to sustain you. For the experience, and as extra money, yes, but not as a reliable income.

No one asked me to teach from a textbook. They wanted speaking practice and I was also asked to correct letters/journals/emails.

For these kind of lessons one hour seems enough during a working week. 3000 pesos an hour is the average rate.

During your conversation with Colombians it is good to mention your qualifications, but nothing is needed on paper for tutoring.

I sometimes taught in cafes but drinks are quite expensive in the places where you might find many students. Once you get a room somewhere you will often have space to teach in the courtyard.

If you don't need the money this is a good way to start, otherwise just get a job with a language school and then take on private students as you meet people..