Job Discussion Forums

[KyleK]

What are everyone's experiences with private lessons? From what I gather, they pay more, but are often in the evenings after work or school, and there's obviously no contract being signed for job security.

The reason I ask is my fiance will have her teaching license here in the US and a degree in Spanish Education when we leave for LA. If she plans on only doing private lessons will getting TESOL certified be a real requirement for her?

[Guy Courchesne]

Probably best to narrow it down to the country level, and even by city if you can. Rates and outlook will vary a lot across the region.

With private lessons, I think you are correct on the hours - before and after work or school.

I don't see why your fiancee would need a TESOL cert for this kind of work, especially if she's already a certified teacher. If the plan was to stick to tutoring English, why not consider tutoring in other areas, including Spanish?

[naturegirl321]

I wouldn't recommend it. YOu're at your students' mercy. NO work, no pay, no pension, insurance, or paid vacation. No flights, no housing, no visas. In other words: no security.

If you're looking at doing it just for a bit, it's ok, but it's hard long term, unless you're married to a local or can get a work visa another way.

Keep in mind that by teaching, even privately, on a tourist visa you're breaking the laws and are working illegally.

I taught privates FT for nearly two years. I'd never do it again if I had the choice. And I was doing it legally.

[spanglish]

Ditto naturegirl - get a good job; don't rely on privates.