6 Tips for finding an online English Teacher
Are you searching for an online English teacher for yourself or your children? Here are 6 tips for a smooth experience
Search for exactly what you need.
If you google a general phrase like 'learn English' you're going to get a lot, like millions and millions, of results. How can you use that? Better to search for something specific like English for researchers, or English for TOEFL, an online conversation club or even online phonics for children. Get more specific to find the teachers that can help you.
Discover what your ideal teacher looks like with this free online worksheet. It'll get you thinking about what you really like and need from your English lessons.
How do you pay?
Once you've searched, you'll need to check some details before you commit. Some platforms require you to pay for credits or points to book a lesson. Before you pay check if you can you pay with credit card, or e-money, or another way. Independent teachers might allow you to pay by bank transfer as well as card or e-money. Before you get excited about the lessons, do check you are able to pay!
Do you need to download any apps or software, or buy books?
Check if you need any software for video calls, apps for learning or messaging. Are they essential or optional, and if so what's the benefit? You might need a book, so check with the teacher what they recommend. Don't forget to include that in your budget for learning too.
What's the cancellation policy?
We hope it never happens but occasionally emergencies mean you cannot attend your lesson. It's wise to check when you book what the cancellation policy is. For example, you may be able to reschedule if you inform your teacher more than 24 hours before the lesson time. How about if the teacher has an emergency? Check what will happen for you with the teacher.
Can you book a package, course or single lessons?
While we often think of a course if you need to pass an exam, other types of learning are well suited to courses too. You might like to take single lessons occasionally, or when you need to be flexible with your schedule. Can you pay for 5 or 10 lessons in advance? What would suit you best? Check out this blog post for more about different types of lessons
What will you learn?
Finally, probably the most important point: what are you going to learn? Think about exactly what you need. What is your aim for your lessons at this time? Will this teacher/course fulfil that? Can the teacher give you an idea of the outcome you should expect from their lessons or course. How about the way you'll learn. Do you want to talk with a group, or self-study, or a mixture? Will you work from a book or e-course? If possible take a trial lesson to check if you are compatible with the teacher. Did you enjoy the lesson, did it meet your expectations?
