Job Discussion Forums

adrianmark · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 64

I will shortly be returning to the UK and have more than 10 years' experience as an EFL teacher with an MA in TESOL.

My plan is to offer classes privately rather than go through a language school.

Has anyone successfully set up by themselves and managed to get a steady stream of students?

Any stories would be very useful.

Thanks

nickpellatt · Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 1522

Im less qualified than you, but I am also planning to try the privates market.

I dont have experience in that sector yet, but I am also keen to hear some stories! I am lucky in that I live in a relatively small town, with a year round student presence. The students are here, but its finding them that is the problem I guess!

Adrian, Im going to hope we are in different towns....but here is my little plan to target this market, it may (or may not) be of interest and help to you.

1 - Website. Lots of companies offer free hosting for a simple site with just 3 pages. I have one ready now.

2 - Companies like visaprint offer incredibly cheap deals on business cards, and postcards. Quite often they are free, with just postage costs to pick up.

3 - Gumtree and local press advertising.

Basically, my plan is to place a small advert offering lessons and a telephone contact number. I will also include the website address driving people to the site where further details are available if required.

Im also planning to use the postcards mentioned in #2 to advertise in local newsagents etc. I have a number of language schools in my hometown so I will place these postcards in shops likely to be frequented by the students. We also have some Polish food shops that are catering to the influx of Poles, Ill leave something with them too.

Lastly, Ill make sure I have a pocketfull of business cards every time I go into town. If I see adult students enjoying a coffee in Starbucks Ill say hello and leave a card with them. That may sound pushy, but I have found that many students friendly and happy to talk in social settings.

Im going to offer different types of lesson (although having little experience of exam prep means I will have to exclude FCE etc) and CV/Resume services. I dont think it will generate a huge income, and probably not enough to replace regular employment. I do have a window of opportunity to try this early next year, and the income is almost secondary to the experience of trying it out to be honest.

Not sure if anything in my post is helpful or not...but I will update it in due course with my results (if any). Interesting to get some feedback and hear the experience of others of course!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Are you serious about trying to support yourself in Britain with the earnings from private tuition in EFL ?

There is probably more money to be made transmuting moonbeams into cucumbers.

artemisia · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 875 Location: the world

So how have the two of you got on going private? Has it worked out? I'd also suggest targeting any nearby universites, colleges and high schools. There'll be a lot of international students studying in the UK who'll need extra help with coursework, essays etc. Also there are often local community groups set up by different nationalities for long-term residents.

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

I well I reckon it is possible...even better, could be the start of an exciting new business. I've seen it done before, but you have to bring a fresh new angle to it. I know someone who charged crazy prices, advertising herself as a 'super-teacher' in Birmingham - promising excellence. And it worked! She is now a school....all starting in a rented room in a public library.

Might not be the best time to do it now, but sometimes start-ups in a recession are a good thing...means you'll have that extra drive when things improve in 5 or so years time.