Job Discussion Forums

[athenssoest]

I'm considering teaching at a private language school and teaching a few students privately on the side to boost my savings, is this common practice/ practical?

thanks

[Sashadroogie]

Whose students? Your own or the school's? Both situations are common, but the latter is not very wise. Most schools don't take too kindly to moonlighting with their clients. But if they are your own clients, then teach away and don't say.

[spiral78]

The answer also depends where. It's illegal in some countries to do this (Korea, for example - am I right?), and entirely normal in others.

[Sashadroogie]

It's probably illegal in most countries, on account of it being undeclared earnings. But honestly, it's difficult, nearly impossible, to get caught or even to prove a financial transaction took place (apart from some strange goings-on with the Korean police, granted). It is even more difficult to declare tax in some countries, so don't even try. In Russia, where there is no real law in the first place, the notion would be laughable, even to the taxman.

So, teach your private students, stay mum about it, don't let it interfere with your school schedule, and everyone's a winner.

[naturegirl321]

Get paid in cash too. Have them pay in advance, or they might skip out when pay day comes. Draw up a small contract, with info about cancellations and missed classes. It'll help you out

[Justin Trullinger]

This varies a lot from country to country. How illegal it is will very from place to place as well. You'll really want to get specific about where you want to work, or are working, and ask people who have experience THERE.

Here in Ecuador, I suppose it's technically illegal, from an undeclared income point of view, to teach privately, but it happens all the time. As long as it doesn't interfere with your regular job, most employers aren't going to care.

I have fired a teacher or two over the years for taking private classes that DID interfere with their regular schedules though. Often teachers charge more for private classes, so it made sense to them...but their private classes weren't paying for visas, health insurance...and it didn't make sense to me in the end.

Another thought is where you get the students- talk to people already in your country of choice. You need to be sure that you aren't undercutting your employer in any way, even if students suggest it.


Best,
Justin

[Glenski]

Is it common? Yes, in Japan it is. Where are you interested in working?

Is it practical? Depends on the situation you're in. In Japan you'll already be working 5-6 days a week from noon to 9pm, so you'd have to squeeze in the work at other times. You may even have to lay low so your employer doesn't find out, and in a small town that could be very difficult. Finding the students could also be tough, and setting yourself up should be done only after some serious considerations to a business plan. In Japan, private lesson students are pretty fickle, too, dropping you at the drop of a hat.

Where do you plan to work?

[naturegirl321]

COuple more things, if the country doesn't allow privates and you want to risk teahcing them, go to a cafe, not their house or yours.

If they're ok with you teaching privates, having them come to your house will save you time and money.