Job Discussion Forums

[the_p0et]

I know the going rate in this small city (central taiwan) is around $600NT/hour for one-on-one private teaching at the kids house. I've just been offered another private job but it looks like 3 or 4 families are pooling their kids together so I will be teaching at least 7 kids at the house. What is a reasonable fee per hour for this many children?

I guess it would help to know what private schools like Giraffe charge per kid.

Thanks.

[Taylor]

One thing to consider is whether you are expected to assign (and grade) homework. Are you expected to prepare tests for these students? Obviously, this will take up quite a bit of your time....for which you should be paid. Also, you should not have to spend your own money making photocopies of handouts, quizzes, or tests.

Kids classes usually charge $130 to $180 per hour. So if a school like Hess can cram 23 kids into one class at 180NT each...the school has revenue of over $4000 NT per hour! After the teacher gets paid, there is still quite a bit of profit.

Where will class be held? Are there any expenses involved? What about lights and AC...who will pay?

In answer to your question, I'd expect well over $1000 per hour to do this...even more if they expect additional homework, tests, etc.

Taylor
Kaohsiung

[the_p0et]

This is a private job at one of the families house. I believe I will need to assign homework and it looks like I have to find my own materials as they have none.

I'm already teaching for one of these family's cousins as another private job. They offered me a private teaching job at their home for their two children at $600NT/hour. I'm just not sure if I should take that rate and charge around $2000NT/hour for 7 children. haha I don't know.

Thanks!

[eltbert]

I think it all depends on the form that the teaching takes and how confident you are in your ability. I know a moderately proficient NTU student in Taipei who charges NT$600/hour for one-on-one lessons. I haven't taught privately in Taiwan but I have the impression that there really is no standard rate in any given city or town.

I'd try and negotiate with them. Two early years' kids at $600/hour is probably not the best rate you could have asked for but then again, it really depends on the material being covered and the amount of preparation work you're prepared to do. My guess is that anything between NT$1,700/hour - NT$2,600 for 6-7 kids should be pretty reasonable.

[clark.w.griswald]

I think that you are on the right track when you ask what the students would be paying in a buxiban for group classes. If you can work out what they would be paying collectively at a buxiban, then you can charge them that or possibly even a bit more if you feel that you can do a better job than the buxiban.

I believe that kids generally pay about NTD170-200 per hour for a buxiban class. Assuming that there are 7 kids in your class then I think it reasonable to charge anywhere between NTD1,000 and 1,500 an hour. You will need to deliver a pretty good class though if you want to retain them.

The best way to broach this with the parents is probably to let them know that your going rate is NTD600 per hour for one-to-one's. Rather than just multiply this by the number of students, you are instead going to give them a reasonable deal.

I would also stipulate that this rate is for the 7 kids. This way, if they try to add more students in later in order to get their monies worth then you can re-negotiate the amount.

Whatever you decide, make sure that you don't sell yourself short as you will come to regret taking on the class if you are not making money from it.

[Ilanian]

Another reasonable method is to say your 1-1 is 600 and it is 100 for each extra kid. Your pay for this class would be 600+(100*6)=1200.

[clark.w.griswald]

[Taylor]

The suggestions given by Mr. Griswald are indeed worthy of consideration.

With this many students, there should be one adult who takes responsibility for communicating with you about any issues that arise in the future.

Kids classes at language schools are usually based on a 3-month term. You might want to consider using a shorter period of one or two months. This would help you plan the curriculum, days off, test days, etc. Also, payments could be based on this 'calendar' also.

Best wishes. Let us know how it works out!

Taylor

[the_p0et]

Wow! Thanks for all the great tips!

I ended up securing the job with $1400NT/class at $200NT/student.

It is only once a week for one hour but so far these past 2 classes have been good!

We'll see how it goes. I like the idea of money up front for the next class but I'm just not outgoing enough to speak up about this.

[Aristotle]

This might help you to avoid cancellations and miscommunication.
Bilingual Tutoring Agreement
http://www.voy.com/113223/249.html
Good Luck!
A.