Job Discussion Forums

[Guy Courchesne]

Too long? Too short? You aren't paid enough for them?

I'd be interested in hearing about private tutoring round the globe.

It's fairly common practice in Mexico, and from what I can see, throughout Latin America. I've read it can get you into trouble with immigration in Korea.

In Mexico, one can generally charge 2 to 5 times what you earn regularly per hour, but scheuling and frequent cancelations can make it more of a break-even affair. Here in Mexico City, private students are often children or university students of well-to-do families. It is also often seen as a no-no to privately tutor the same students you work with at school.

[naturegirl321]

I had some, but many cancel, it's a good policy to make them pay the same day as you teach them.

[VanIslander]

They are a valuable part of my life.

I play with them, though we sometimes are serious and get down to business.

I don't like to talk about them much, partly because it's illegal here in Korea to use them to suppliment one's income, though that doesn't stop me from "volunteering", from using them socially to get what I want.

[Gordon]

Very common in Japan. If you live in a more rural part of the country, like I do, you can get paid quite a lot. It is not illegal (with immigration)in Japan, but some employers may put a clause in your contract saying it is forbidden.

[Boy Wonder]

Small, male, prone to sudden movements and outbursts of action after long periods of inactivity.
A pleasure to play with although some games can get out of hand!
The money is irrelevant to the satisfaction gained.

[JZer]

How does one get private students in Korean when it is illegal? I would just advertise in other countries but in Korea, what can be done to find private students.

[Gordon]

[Lynn]

[Mike_2003]

I prefer to start of with some oral exercises and then move on to some intensive drilling. Visual aids are often useful and fun . Usually last for 2 hours.

[dmb]

I tutor business people. The $ is good, usually $50 an hour. One thing to take into consideration is the travelling. I live in the centre and so I don't tutor anyone too far from the metro as Istanbul is biiiiiiiiig. I know some people who spend up to 3 hours travelling to and from lessons!!!!

[gaijinalways]

Recently I don't teach them, here in Japan. They can vary, depending on the student and your Japanese language ability (useful for low level students). Yes, cancellations are sometimes frequent, but you should set rules with your students in advance concerning cancellations where generally if they cancel on short notice, they still have to pay a cancellation fee, which can be negoitated. Of course the instructor should be flexible, as sometimes there are real emergencies. Also you need to set rules for lateness as well, as this can cause problems with back to back lessons.

Another problem is the place, as my wife doesn't like me teaching at home. So, finding a quiet place that is not too expensive is problematic, unless you teach at te student's home or office!

[guangho]

When teaching privates, what do you focus on, and what materials do you use? What are your students expectations? Generally, how long do you keep clients- i.e., how long do you work with an individual?

[Guy Courchesne]

[VanIslander]

I guess my post was too subtle compared to later ones by Boy Wonder and Mike_2003.

More double entendre.

[memorabilis]

When I was in India, I never bothered with them. The money that you could ask was not really worth my time. At work, my salary was around $15 an hour after taxes, housing, flights, etc. At most for privates you could ask like $6 or $7. Who would bother for that (although one of my co-workers did trade english lessons for ayurvedic massages with a doctor at a spa!)

In Korea, it's illegal, so again, it's not worth the hassle for me. Also, I value my time to much to try to kill myself for a few extra dollars.