Job Discussion Forums

sasha_c · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 10

This may seem like the most obvious question , but when you decide that you'd like to make some extra cash by tutoring, is the teacher the one supposed to go their pupil's house/location of study or the other way around?
I am asking this because I still having a hard time getting around where I am and at the same time I am not sure how much I'd like the idea of a unknown person coming to my house considering I am in a foreign place.
As well, I'm curious as to how those giving private lessons have gone about finding people to teach? (I am not teaching anywhere right now so I have no contact with ESL students).
Thanks.
Sasha

Mike_2003 · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 344 Location: Bucharest, Romania

Hi Sasha,

It depends a few factors. When I gave private lessons in Turkey I always insisted on students coming to my house. I wasn't worried about the safety factor. I offered a reasonable price and by having the lessons at my place the students could save a little money and I could stack more lessons into the day and save myself the travelling time/money. Anyway, most of my students were businessmen/women and had cars, so it was far easier for them to come to me.

When teaching professionals in their offices I charge a higher price to compensate for the time lost (although it's better to market it as a discount for those who come to you as opposed to a premium for you going to them).

Although I've never taught younger students/kids I'm sure it is almost certain that you'll have to go to their home.

Regards,
Mike

sasha_c · Joined: 18 Sep 2006 Posts: 10

Thanks, Mike_2003. I Guess it is a matter of practicality.

This is a little o/t btw, but I don't want to spam the board with tutoring questions, I have to ask: for those that are not qualified trachers, but just native speakers, what are the expectations and chances of landing a tutoring gig in places like Prague (which are known to be very popular with English tecahers)?
I don't want to live off the money just have some extra pocket cash by helping people improve their spoken English, but I think my skills would only stretch as far as conversational english and correcting spelling as I am not really trained to explain advanced grammar concepts and I have not prepared lessons before. Are all these a must (particularly the lesson planning)?
Thanks.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

There are tons of qualified, experienced English teachers supplementing their contracts with private students in Prague. Czechs are pretty savvy about what they are paying for. You would have better luck outside of Prague, where the competition is less.
The most you're likely to earn on a regular basis, without quals, in my opinion, is free beer or two.