Job Discussion Forums

[lalunia]

Is anyone familiar with the process of becoming a private tutor?

I have a Polish passport.

[XXX]

It is easy. Get to know the right people and students will beat a path to your door.

[junkmail]

Would someone like to elaborate on this a little. If it's that easy, why are people working for language schools?

[spiral78]

It takes some time and energy to get enough private students to live on.

That's because you can't just walk into a city and set yourself up in business right away. It takes time to establish yourself and make enough contacts to be successful as a private tutor.

Few prospective students will respond to advertising like in a newspaper or on a flyer. Would you? After all, a teacher for private lessons is a slightly scary proposition. Female students especially won't take a chance unless they can be sure you're safe.

Just being a native speaker won't attract students - if they are going to pay hard-earned money for your services, they need to know that you are really dependable and professional. It takes some time to establish your reputation.

Further, most people are working for language schools because businesses hire through the language schools. Students who are studying through programs offered by their employers don't have to pay for the lessons, generally, and can have them during work time. Private lessons are generally paid for by the student and occur after working hours.

It's usually possible to land a few motivated students as privates, but it's not generally enough to make a living. The alternative is to get a business license and try to get direct contracts with businesses, but this takes time and you need to have established credentials in the area.

[gregoryfromcali]