There are many ways to study English and no one way is better than another. It all depends on what you need and what you like. To choose the type of classes you need, it’s best that you assess your needs. Here are some of the things you should consider when looking for English classes.
First of all, how many people do you want to study English with?
- One-to-one English classes: The advantage of this type of class is that you can personalise it as much as possible. You will have the full attention of your English tutor, if you have a high level of English or have very specific goals (travel, work or an exam...) private English classes are the best format for you.
- English classes for couples: Classes for couples have almost the same advantages as a one-to-one class, but they are usually cheaper and you won't feel so alone. There are people who need the push of their partners to study seriously and a class for two people will still afford the benefit of personalisation. If you know someone who is also interested in learning English, this is a good option for you.
- English classes for groups: For many people, a group dynamic is essential when studying. However, group classes go at a set pace and if you can't keep up it will be hard to receive the full benefits of the classes. If you find a class that is suitable for your level, learning English with your friends may be a great idea. You can even find private English tutors that offer group classes.
Private tutors can offer all three types of classes. In addition, there are English language schools that offer English courses. This is great for those who can fit in with a pre-established training plan.
What types of English tutors are there for private lessons?
On FindTutors, we have many private English teachers, there is practically one for every type of student. The good thing about a private tutor is that they adapt to your needs, although depending on what you are looking for, some tutors will be more suitable for you than others. Here are the most common types of English tutors:
- Native English tutors: Native English tutors are the most in demand because it is believed that as they are native speakers, they are the ones who know the language best. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case as they may not know the grammar behind the language if they have not studied to become an English teacher. In any case, a native English tutor can help you achieve a level of proficiency that few non-native speakers can give you.
- English tutors for beginners: These teachers are not to be confused with English teachers for children. Some specialise in beginners' classes, but they are taught according to age, as learning English as an adult is not the same as learning English when you are a child.
- English tutors for official exams: If you are thinking of passing the First or TOEFL exams, there are teachers who specialise in these types of exams who will be able to help you pass.
- English conversation tutors: If you want to learn to speak English for work, to communicate with native speakers or to travel, conversation classes are a good option for you. Tutors that specialise in conversation classes have a great knowledge of practical topics and are more focused on the Use of English.
The first thing you should do is filter by levels and goals. To find your perfect English tutor, contact the tutor that most appeals to you and tell them what you are looking for and why you want to learn English.
Which English accent to study?
Many people who travel or watch a film, become completely engrossed in an accent and want to learn to speak English in the same way. Everyone has their own accent, but there are several accents you can take inspiration from:
- Learn English with a British accent: There are many different accents in the UK, but this accent from the south of England is the one that most people recognise internationally.
- Learn English with an American accent: Lots of learners are introduced to this accent through Hollywood films or TV shows. Although there are many accents in the United States, the one most people are familiar with is a kind of neutral accent that actors usually use. However, if you live in the UK, learning this accent may not be beneficial for you.
- Learn English with a Scottish accent: There are many different types of Scottish accents but they are all quite different from English accents. Learning this accent could be beneficial to you if you live in Scotland, want to study there or have plans to move to Scotland.
- Learn English with an Irish accent: Although the Irish island is divided into Northern Ireland and Ireland, the Irish is much more famous than its Northern Irish counterpart. Both accents are very striking, whether you wish to learn English with one of these accents will likely depend on where you live.
There are many other English accents and dialects, one of the characteristics of such a widespread language is that, in every part of the world, it is spoken in a different way. These are some of the most traditional ones, but there is nothing wrong with speaking English with your own accent.
How much do private English lessons cost?
How much a private English teacher costs is something that worries most people who need them. Many people think it is something they can't afford but there is something to suit all budgets, prices can range from £6 to £35 an hour.
Here is a rough guide to how much English tutors may cost depending on your needs:
English classes for school students Between £6 and £25
English classes for children Between £10 and £25
English classes for adults Between £15 and £30
English classes for beginners Between £6 and £25
English classes for intermediate/advanced students Between £10 and £25
English classes for test preparation Between £6 and £25
There are teachers who charge more and you may find tutors who charge less as each tutor prices their classes differently. However, in general, you will find that many fall into the ranges stated above.
What characteristics should a good English tutor have?
Although some people claim to be able to learn English on their own, it’s always best to have some kind of guidance along the way, and who better to guide you than an English tutor?
The world of learning English as a foreign language is vast and finding tutors can seem complicated if you don't know how to go about it. That's why we have prepared the following tips:
- Do a first search: Start with something simple, enter English and your location in the search engine, this way you will get a lot of results that are relevant to you. If you want to study English online, enter English online into the search engine.
- Select a few: Find a few tutors who you feel meet your criteria. You can check their description, photo, whether they are verified or not, or the title of the advert. Sometimes the small details are the key.
- Contact tutors: After finding tutors, the next step is to contact them. You should be clear and direct. Tell them what you need and be honest: what are you looking for in a private tutor, what are your goals?
- Compare several tutors: Never go with the first option, talk to several private tutors before deciding. Having an open mind is always a good idea.
- Go with your gut: To get good results with a private tutor you have to get on well with them, so don't ignore the fact that you may or may not like a tutor because it is a very important factor.
There is no magic formula that can tell you which is the best private English teacher. Undeniably, part of the success is attributed to a good connection between the student and tutor, but there are a number of contributing factors:
- Education: What the tutor has studied and where is important. It can give you a great clue as to what knowledge they have and what their motivations are. Some tutors are native speakers and you can check whether they are fluent in British English or American English or another dialect. It all depends on the English accent you are interested in.
- Experience: Whilst there are first-time teachers who are great, enthusiastic teachers, but typically experience is always an asset.
- Description: Read the description in their profile and advert carefully. Look carefully at the type of classes they give, for example, in-person English classes or online English classes.
- Photo: The professionalism and care displayed by the photo they choose to put on their profile says a lot about a tutor, don't overlook this aspect.
- Reviews: Perhaps one of the most important things are the opinions of other students. Read them well and carefully.
- Verification: You can also check if their contact details and studies have been verified by our team to make sure they are legitimate.
Patience is a vital factor when it comes to finding tutors, don't forget that at the end of the day they are people, and you will not always get along with everyone. Be constant in your search and you will achieve great results.
