Many online tutoring platforms allow students to choose their tutors depending on their profiles which indicate their language expertise, experience, educational background, and proficiency. When learning a foreign language, ensure you have a good tutor who can accommodate your learning pace and needs. Here are the factors to evaluate when choosing an online language tutor.

A professional language tutor vs. informal tutor

When you commit to learning a second language, you first need to hire a professional language tutor or an informal one. A professional language tutor has a language-based degree or has teaching qualifications in that language. 

On the other hand, an informal language tutor might be a native speaker of that language but doesn’t have a teaching qualification, therefore charges less money. The structure of lessons and the learning process will also differ from that of a professional tutor.

Your choice of an online language tutor depends on your needs. For instance, a professional tutor is well suited for a beginner. In contrast, an informal tutor might be a cost-effective option if you want to achieve speaking practice and pronunciation here and there.

Define your budget

One of the most important considerations to make when hiring an online language tutor is your budget. Keep in mind that qualified online language tutors with more experience and proficiency are more likely to charge more. However, sometimes the cost of the tutor does not reflect the quality. A qualified tutor who puts little effort into their lessons will probably cost the same as one who dedicates more time to their students. 

Know what you are willing to pay, discuss your expectations with the tutor beforehand and plan for the long term. But if you want the best online language tutor, you also need to have a bigger budget.

Language specialty

An online language program can provide different language specialties. For instance, in the English language, you can find kid’s classes, beginner classes, conversational classes, intensive courses, native English, etc. Every tutor could be dealing with one or more of these language specialties. As a student, determine what you consider your level to be. 

While some language tutors are more suited for beginners and have patience for teaching the basics, others are well suited for high-level learners and teaching the more technical aspects of the language to improve one’s skills. Being realistic with your level helps you find a tutor best suited for your needs.

Check the tutor’s reviews.

Previous students review their tutors and give a rating or leave comments about how good or poor a specific language online tutor is. Reviews help you make a better choice and give you an idea of what to expect once you enroll in the online lessons. You can also gauge the credibility and proficiency of an online language tutor by reading their reviews.

Availability

With many online languages platforms accommodating thousands of students, you need to find a tutor who can accommodate you when you are available. Figure out a program that works for you and compare it with their schedule.

The takeaway

You may have to try different language tutors before you find one you are compatible with. Therefore, you don’t have to settle for the first tutor you find.