Job Discussion Forums

WanderMan · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 31 Location: USA, Tacoma WA

Hi guys, I have taught English in Saudi Arabia for a couple of years, but I have never taught private lessons. I really have no idea where to begin. Is there an internet forum (kind of like this one) where I could connect with people who want private lessons?

Anyone who has done this please tell me about your experience. Any information is helpful.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

Be careful about where and when you meet... All the companies that I know of don't allow you to teach on the side.

I was meeting a private student at his home late at night, and one of my colleagues spotted me which surprised me. In a place like Jeddah or Riyadh it will be easier to do, though. Some of the universities might not mind if you do other work, but with the companies it is another story..

WanderMan · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 31 Location: USA, Tacoma WA

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

For a 90 min lesson with a doctor I charged 300 riyals.

The private students came to me through friends/students recommending me. In most places where I have worked recommendations get you more students than flyers.

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

Whatever you do, please make sure you collect the money up front.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Better to do some teaching at one of the Language Schools. That way you have no hassle about payment. ELS, Saudi Airlines and others are always looking for competent native speakers for part-time short evening courses - usually 4,6 or 8 weeks. Blue eyes and blond hair with an American passport is good !

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

And how does one contact Saudi Airlines?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Go in person to their Training Center. It used to be in Baghdadiya but is now I think in the compound at Khaledeyah. Entrance opposite the Filipino Souk. Ask around. Courses run throughout the year. Demand for teachers is especially high in the summer.

Training Center is "MARKAZ AL-TIDRIB" (if my Arabic brain cells are still working)

trapezius · Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2013 3:26 pm Post subject:

Here is a FB group called Jeddah Tutors. Join!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/153798408152323/

Getting the first student is difficult, but once you get one, your name spreads, assuming you are good, and will get calls left and right from all over the city.

I was a school teacher in Jeddah in 2004 when a mother asked me to tutor her son. Her son was at the same school, but was not my student. I agreed, and within 6 months had a couple of more students. And then it just spread like wildfire. Within another 6 months I had to start declining because I was already doing too much. I made the most of it while I was single. I cut it down a bit once I got married, and then drastically once I had a baby. I still get phone calls. Most are through recommendations by students/parents at the places I have worked at and also through my wife's school.

Going rate these days is 200 per hour, although I know people who charge 250.

WanderMan · Joined: 12 Mar 2012 Posts: 31 Location: USA, Tacoma WA

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world