Job Discussion Forums

Digdug79 · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 8

Hi all,

I've just returned from a year teaching in Russia, and will soon be starting an MRes in Russian Studies at UCL. I was hoping to take on a couple of private lessons to top up my scholarship. I've been reading over previous threads and the going rate in London seems to be about �15-20/hour (I take it that's an academic hour?)

I just wondered what other advice people can give to me. Where's the best place to advertise, for example? The only place I can think of is Gumtree; where do potential students tend to look?

I don't actually have a CELTA etc. - I just did a weekend course then went straight out to teach in Russia. I have a BA and MA, one year's experience teaching adult evening classes, and excellent references. Would the lack of a CELTA affect the rate I could charge?

Finally, my ideal would be to give IELTS tuition, as this is the area I enjoyed teaching most in Russia. What's the best way to find students wanting IELTS tuition in London?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

All the best, Anna

lolwhites · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 158 Location: France

This isn't really an answer to your question, but don't do what a French friend of mine did. She was studying in Brighton and, like you, hoped to supplement her income with private classes.

So she made up a stack of cards advertising "French lessons" including "O-levels and A-levels", then put them up in phone boxes. She got some very odd callers, and none of them wanted to learn French!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Even worse if you offer "French and Greek" !

lolwhites · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 158 Location: France

Apparently if you say "A-levels" punters will understand "Greek". I guess you can work out what "O-levels" means ...

Digdug79 · Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 8

Well I certainly won't be putting cards in phone boxes! Wink

I guess I'll stick with Gumtree unless anyone can suggest any other good places to advertise.

Dedicated · Joined: 18 May 2007 Posts: 972 Location: UK

I've only just spotted your post. If you are at UCL, then the obvious place to post little ads is around the various buildings, especially Foster Court, Union Building, Cruciform etc. I've seen lots of these recently (maybe they are yours?)

Also go to the Language Centre and put one there on the communal board, as there are many overseas students passing through, especially in the evenings. Many are working towards IELTS.

The going rate seems to be about �15. There is also a great need for proof-reading/editing by overseas MA/PhD students - that could be an avenue to explore.

SueH · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Posts: 1022 Location: Northern Italy

Go for private company work. A couple of years ago I did some in Portsmouth at �25 an hour, and the student thought I was good value, especially compared to some of the training courses he went on. (I was also just starting out doing business work). Don't undercharge, and �15 for London is _far_ too low, unless you want to do someone a favour, or it is high-frequency/volume or convenient work.