Job Discussion Forums

[jtomstone]

I'm interested in getting into private tutoring in Taiwan. I would like to say first that I have no experience teaching English as a second language, and have little experience in general working with children. I do have a 4 year degree and I am a native speaker of English.

Given my background, is it possible to get into this? One option of course is to teach for a year, gain experience, and then pick up students along the way and make the transfer that way. I would prefer to teach one-on-one right away compared to a classroom full of kids.

There is also an article on the transitions abroad website that says the best way is to go through an English teaching agent to get into this business. She suggests asking around low-priced hostels. Just wondering if this is a good way to get into it.

Also it would great if someone could offer any input on whether she gives an accurate portrayal of what tutoring in Taiwan is really like (saying it is largely a supervisory role).

Here is the link to the article

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0401/tutoring_english_in_taiwan.shtml

Thanks for any advice and info in advance. It is greatly appreciated.

John

[BigWally]

Easiest places to find lots of personal tutors:

1. Starbucks or any coffee shop...hang out at one enough and people will come and talk to you all the time looking for tutoring

2. Universities....lots of students who would love to brush up on their english skills to outshine their classmates

3. Myu.com.tw....a good website where you set up a profile for yourself and set your wages, days available, etc...then you get contacted by possible students, you can answer if you want, and i'm pretty sure its totally free

[MomCat]

jtomstone, I don't teach many privates and prefer not to, so take that into consideration when reading my comments.

I think privates are a lot of work. The student seldom has any idea what they want other than something like a vague, "to have small talk". The burden of finding topics and keeping the conversation going is completely up to the teacher. Subtly bringing in grammar and correcting their mistakes without them losing too much face or being bored is a delicate balance. Using a book as a guide is always an option but privates often aren't looking for a classroom setting. You may find it difficult to find topics of interest to the student. They usually have spent their waking hours studying and don't have hobbies (unless sleeping late on the weekend or shopping is a hobby). It can be hard to find the perfect place to hold the class. If you're dealing directly with the student, not a parent, they may or may not show up for class, and may or may not give you ample warning. If you're dealing with a younger student through the parent, the child will probably resent you. That's overcomable but may be a little more difficult if you're new to teaching or (like me) don't particularly enjoy the company of children.

Working for a year might be a good idea. Try to find a school that is willing to train you. Leave your ego at the door, accept that you'll likely make a lot of mistakes, maybe even be fired. In the big picture it won't matter. Giving the school your best is all any of us can do. Sure it's nice to be able to go home with a glowing recommendation from you school. But if you don't have one you will still return with experience.

If you want both, try to find a school that will sponsor your ARC with a part-time contract.

Good luck,
Cat

[Taylor]

Dear Readers,

I lived in Kaohsiung for 10 years. As for the 'linked' article by Ms. Kamnitzer, it seemed like I was not even reading about the same country. I would consider her article rather glamorized.

With the current economic downturn, there will be fewer people willing to pay for private tutors.

More later,

Taylor