| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
 Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:13 pm Post subject: Opening a language school |
 |
|
| My husband and I are considering opening a language school. We know about the legal stuff here in Peru, but I'd like to hear from anyone who's actually done it. The difficulties or any advise that you have would be great. Thanks a lot. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
wildchild
Joined: 14 Nov 2005
Posts: 519
Location: Puebla 2009 - 2010
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
"advise" is the verb, "advice" is the noun. They also differ in voicing in my dialect. How about yours?
It should be noted however that your spelling is closer to the older form! Bravo! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
saint57
Joined: 10 Mar 2003
Posts: 1221
Location: Beyond the Dune Sea
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 19, 2007 3:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| If you do open one, please promise you won't become a scumbag like the rest. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
John Hall
Joined: 16 Mar 2004
Posts: 452
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 9:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The trick, of course, is attracting students. How long have you been in Peru? How many students have you taught during that time? Are you known as a good teacher? (I am assuming here that you will be teaching at your school, at least to begin with.)
Private language institutes that are in it just for the money have to get started by doing massive advertising, and spending money on impressive furnishings, etc. However, it is also possible to get started by renting out a fairly cheap office in a good location, and relying on word-of-mouth advertising based on the fabulous reputation that you have built up for yourself. Do you have phone numbers and emails of former students of yours? You will have to get the word out... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Serious_Fun
Joined: 28 Jun 2005
Posts: 1171
Location: terra incognita
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:47 pm Post subject: Re: Opening a language school |
|
|
| naturegirl321 wrote: |
| My husband and I are considering opening a language school. |
go for it!  good luck!
There are at least 2 people who frequent the Taiwan Forum here on Dave's who own/operate schools. Perhaps you can post there? (I think that one of them goes by the name "dangerousapple") They both seem to be polite and helpful individuals...and since you are in Peru they won't see you as competition in the Taiwan market! 
 You have probably seen this already, but I thought that I'd give the URL anyway:
http://www.tefl.net/administration/index.htm |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
ls650
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 3484
Location: British Columbia
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
Have you ever worked in the administration of a school, as opposed to teaching. I once worked as an "acting DOS", and it was a huge headache. If you haven't tried working in the admin side of the business, I suggest you do so before formally opening a school.
It's much less of a hassle to work a regular gig and pocket some tutoring money on the side. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| John Hall wrote: |
| The trick, of course, is attracting students. How long have you been in Peru? How many students have you taught during that time? Are you known as a good teacher? . |
Been here for almost three years, but just moved to Lima, we were living in the north and are thinking of opening the school in another city, because Lima's too stressful. So I wouldn't know any students there.
Honestly, I think it would be difficult to open a school. My husband would like to do it, but I'm torn about it right now. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
John Hall
Joined: 16 Mar 2004
Posts: 452
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 6:01 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Opening a business is a risk. Do you have any idea what the ratio of failures to successes is for new small businesses in Peru?
Personally, I think it is a crazy idea to open a school in a place where you have no contacts. How are you going to do a market study? Better to open the school in a place where you know potential clients, or can do a survey of the market.
Be forewarned that opening a language school is never a sure thing. Make sure you know what all the risks are and how you can avoid them before going ahead with this idea. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
naturegirl321
Joined: 04 May 2003
Posts: 9041
Location: home sweet home
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 6:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| John Hall wrote: |
Opening a business is a risk. Do you have any idea what the ratio of failures to successes is for new small businesses in Peru?
Personally, I think it is a crazy idea to open a school in a place where you have no contacts. How are you going to do a market study? Better to open the school in a place where you know potential clients, or can do a survey of the market.
|
The future of Peru is in small businesses, they're less risky than working for a company, where most Peruvians sigh monthly contracts.
Contacts I have. It's student in Trujillo that I don't
Thanks to everyone for the advice. I think that if we do open a school, it will be small and focus tours or cultural events as well. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
