How To Find Your Perfect Language Tutor Online (12 Simple Steps)
How To Find Your Perfect Language Tutor Online (12 Simple Steps)
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Is Online Language Tutoring Effective?
Are you looking for a language tutor to help you master a foreign language? If so, finding the perfect language tutor online can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s difficult to know where to begin and how to narrow down the best choice for you.
It can be challenging to find the right language tutor online who meets all of your needs. You may have tried a few different platforms, but haven't found the right fit yet.
Whether you're looking for someone with a flexible schedule, someone within your budget, or a tutor of a certain proficiency level, it can be hard to find the perfect fit.
RELATED: How Does italki Work? How To Use italki To Learn A Language Effectively.
But don’t worry – I’ve compiled a list of tips to help you find your perfect tutor online. In this article we’ll explore different avenues to find a language tutor that suits your needs, taking into account factors such as budget, schedule, and proficiency level.
Furthermore, we'll touch upon fundamental strategies for finding the right language tutor online, determining what type of instruction you need, and ways to overcome anxiety when speaking with a native speaker.
Why Aren’t You Speaking Your Target Language?
Have you been learning a foreign language for awhile now and feel like you’re not making any real progress?
Many language learners find themselves in this scenario, stuck in the cycle of endlessly studying grammar rules and vocabulary without making much headway when it comes to actually speaking their target language.
Before you can even start to look for a language tutor, it’s important to take the time to reflect on why you haven't been able to speak your target language.
RELATED: Italki Review: Is italki Worth It For Learning How To Speak A Language?
The truth is that many people simply don't give themselves enough practice opportunities to put what they've learned into use. If your goal is to become fluent in a new language, then speaking is essential.
You’ll need consistent conversations with native speakers or other advanced speakers if you want to gain confidence and make sure your understanding of the language sticks. Without these real-life practice sessions, your progress will likely plateau quickly or even start going backwards due to lack of reinforcement.
So why aren't you taking advantage of everyday opportunities to speak your target language? Are there any obstacles or anxieties that have been holding you back?
Do you need more guidance from an experienced tutor? It’s essential to take stock of your current language level and identify areas of improvement so you can find the right tutor.
It can be difficult to find the right people who can provide helpful feedback regarding your pronunciation and grammatical mistakes—or even just engage us in conversation about topics we are interested in!
Language tutors online might be intimidating at first, but with preparation and persistence they can help provide valuable support for improving your conversational skills. There are plenty of native speakers out there literally waiting to help you start practicing speaking… even if you're a beginner!
How To Speak A Language With Confidence
The biggest obstacle for many language learners is that they feel embarrassed or intimidated when speaking in their target language, especially with native speakers.
This is totally normal and understandable — after all, nobody wants to make mistakes in front of other people! But the best thing to do is to embrace these mistakes, treat them as learning opportunities, and then move on.
Making mistakes is an essential part of the language learning process, so don’t let it hold you back from having meaningful conversations with others in your target language!
Can You Learn A Language With An Online Tutor?
The short answer is yes! With the rise of online platforms such as Preply and italki, more people are taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience of online language lessons.
Students can choose from a variety of tutors who specialize in their target language and even find ones that fit their budget, schedule, and proficiency level.
These platforms allow you to connect with native or fluent speakers from around the world, who are experienced in teaching language learners of all levels. You can even choose a tutor that specializes in the areas of language learning that you're most interested in—be it grammar, pronunciations, or cultural tidbits.
You’ll also find that most of these platforms offer customized lesson plans for their students. This means you can work with your tutor to create a structured learning program tailored to your individual needs and get the most out of every lesson.
So if you’ve been looking for ways to find a language tutor online, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the many options available! With some dedication and guidance from an experienced language tutor, you can make significant progress in your target language quickly.
Why Get A Language Teacher At All?
If you’re serious about mastering a language, then it's important to have someone to provide guidance and feedback. A trained language teacher can help you stay motivated and make sure your learning remains on track.
A tutor can also give you helpful advice about difficult aspects of the language or offer tips for improving fluency. Plus, they can provide resources and exercises to help you better understand grammar, phrases, idioms, or even cultural references.
Why should you use them?
They are knowledgeable in the art of teaching and learning.
By utilizing their services, you can maximize your productivity both in and out of the classroom.
They won't hesitate to challenge you, but they do seek to understand your interests and goals by inquiring what it is that you wish to learn.
Is Hiring A Language Tutor Worth It?
The answer really depends on your language learning goals and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to studying.
Hiring a tutor can definitely help you stay motivated and accountable, as you will have someone keeping track of your progress and pushing you to reach new levels.
And if you are looking for more in-depth guidance on specific aspects of language learning, a tutor can offer the personalized feedback and support you need to become more proficient in your target language.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for someone to have casual conversations with or practice your speaking skills with, it might not be worth the investment. In this case, there are plenty of free options such as language exchange websites and apps that can help you practice in a more informal setting.
Ultimately, only you can decide if hiring a tutor is the best option for you. But whatever route you choose, always remember to be patient and persistent with your language learning journey! With enough hard work and dedication, you’ll eventually reach your language goals.
What Does A Language Tutor Do?
A language tutor can help you become more proficient in your target language by teaching you the rules, providing personalized feedback and guidance, and helping you stay focused on your goals.
They usually provide tailored lesson plans that focus on individual topics such as grammar, pronunciation, listening comprehension, or even cultural tidbits. They will also assess your progress regularly and provide resources and activities to help you advance your language learning.
In some cases, tutors may also offer conversation practice sessions where you can discuss various topics in the target language and get feedback from a native speaker. This is an excellent way to improve your language skills quickly and confidently!
Where Can I Find Language Teachers Online?
Free Platforms
Paid Platforms
Is italki Or Preply Better?
It really depends on your individual goals and preferences. Both italki and Preply offer a wide range of tutors with different backgrounds, qualifications, and experience levels.
If you're looking for a more structured approach to language learning, then Preply might be the better option as they offer dedicated lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs.
However, if you would prefer more of an informal approach to language learning, then italki might be the better choice for you as they offer conversation practice sessions and the opportunity to have live chats with native speakers.
When Should You Start Using Online Tutors?
Using Tutors From An Intermediate Level
When you reach an intermediate level in a language, online tutors can be the perfect way to take your language skills to the next level.
With the help of a tutor, you can practice and refine your language skills with more natural conversations, get personalized feedback on your progress, and learn new concepts in greater detail.
An intermediate level language learner should consider using a tutor when they can converse on basic topics, have developed a good understanding of the grammar and structure of the language, and are looking to become more fluent in their speaking and writing.
Using Tutors From A Beginner Level
For beginner level learners, online tutoring can be an excellent way to develop a good foundation in the language. With the help of a tutor, you can learn basic vocabulary and grammar, practice speaking and writing in a low-pressure environment, and get personalized feedback on your progress.
A beginner level language learner should consider using a tutor when they are just starting out with the language and want to develop a good foundation of the language.
How Do I Find A Language Tutor Online?
12 Steps To Finding Your Ideal Language Tutor Online
Finding the perfect language tutor online can be a challenge but there are several strategies you can use to make sure you find one that suits your needs.
1. Determine What Type Of Instruction You Need
Before you start looking for a tutor, it's important to determine what type of instruction you need and the best way to learn.
Are you looking for conversation practice? Do you need help with grammar and vocabulary? Are you looking for a more formal approach to language learning? Knowing what type of instruction you need will help you narrow down your search.
2. Determine Your Proficiency Level
When looking for an online language tutor, it’s important to determine what level of proficiency you’re currently at. Knowing your level of proficiency can help you find a tutor that is well-suited to your needs and can provide lessons tailored to your current language ability.
3. Set Your Budget
Once you have identified the type of instruction you need, it’s time to set a budget for your language lessons. When it comes to finding the right language tutor, budget is often a factor.
Depending on your needs, different tutors may charge different rates for their services so it's important to compare the prices of potential tutors and find one that fits within your budget.
Many platforms have payment plans or packages that offer different levels of services and pricing options so you can find one that fits your needs. Many online language tutors are flexible when it comes to payment options, as some may accept payments in installments or offer discounts.
It’s important to remember that the cost of a language tutor may be worth it in the long-run, as investing in quality lessons can help you achieve your language goals faster than if you were learning alone.
4. Research Different Platforms
Before you start your search, it's important to do some research and identify the best platform for finding language tutors. There are many platforms that offer language tutoring services online.
Each of these offer a range of tutors with different qualifications and experience levels. These platforms offer different levels of services, from one-on-one sessions to group classes. It’s important to do your research and find the platform that best suits your needs and budget.
5. Consider What Type Of Video Conferencing Platform They Prefer
When looking for an online language tutor, it’s important to consider what type of video conferencing platform they prefer. Many tutors use popular platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts to conduct their lessons.
It’s also important to make sure that your computer and internet connection are up-to-date, as this will help ensure the quality of your lesson. Lastly, make sure to check for any additional fees or restrictions associated with the video conferencing platform that your tutor is using.
6. Read Reviews & Testimonials
Before committing to a language tutor, it’s important to read reviews and testimonials from past or current students when evaluating different language tutors. This can help you to get an idea of the tutor’s teaching methods and styles as well as their success rate amongst students.
Furthermore, reviews provide insight into a tutor’s responsiveness, enthusiasm, and the quality of their teaching. This will help you determine whether they are a good fit for you or not.
7. Reach Out To The Tutor
Once you have identified a few potential tutors, reach out to them and ask any questions you may have about their qualifications, experience levels, and teaching methods.
Express your goals clearly when communicating with them so they can better understand what type of instruction you are looking for. This is also a good time to set your expectations for the lessons and discuss how often you’d like to meet.
8. Request A Demo Class
If you’re still unsure about the tutor, request a demo class to get a feel for their teaching style and how they interact with students. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have before committing to the lessons.
9. Set A Schedule
Once you have found the right tutor, it's important to set a schedule for your lessons. Consider when and how often you’d like to meet and make sure the tutor is available during those times.
10. Have A Plan For Learning
Before the first lesson, come up with a plan for learning and make sure to review it with the tutor. Some tutors may provide lesson plans or suggest topics to cover, but be prepared to have an idea of what you would like to focus on.
11. Talk To Your Tutor About Goals
Before starting your lessons, discuss any language goals you have with the tutor. This will help them provide more tailored lessons and better support you in reaching those goals.
12. Establish A Positive Learning Environment
Creating a positive learning environment is essential for success with language learning. Make sure to be open to constructive criticism and feedback from your tutor, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
The Key To Conversational Fluency
Bluebird Languages
Bluebird Languages provides an excellent solution for those looking to take their language proficiency to the next level. With its unique and comprehensive approach, Bluebird Languages promises to help users reach conversational fluency with ease.
RELATED: Bluebird Languages Review: A Proven Method To Reach Expert Fluency In Record Time.
Unlike other language learning platforms that offer generic courses that lack personalization and guidance for conversation, Bluebird Languages is designed to help you reach conversational fluency quickly and effortlessly.
Bluebird Languages also offers learners a personalized, guided path to conversational fluency with its unique language learning system.
How To Guide
Bluebird’s instructional content is organized in “levels.” Each level (described below) is a building-block approach of increasing complexity (Core Vocabulary is the least complex, and Conversation is the most complex).
Within each level are dozens of “units” that are based on topics. Under each unit are thousands of instructional phrases. 80% of the languages taught in Bluebird have 10,000 instructional phrases; the total number of words that make up these phrases, per language, is over 33,000.
The Core Vocabulary Level
Contains the 2,000 most commonly used words in each language, covering about 84% of everyday speech.
The Essential Verbs Level
Teaches interactive verb conjugations for 100 commonly used verbs, in the past, present and future tenses. Each lesson teaches one tense, in all pronouns, per verb.
The Creating Sentences Level
Teaches you how to construct complete sentences, and uses vocabulary from the Core Vocabulary level, and verbs from the Essential Verbs level.
The Powerful Phrases Level
Contains 1,500 essential phrases for everyday life, arranged by practical topics, and provides the student with the tools needed to address nearly any situation encountered while traveling or living abroad.
The Conversation Level
Contains 77 twenty-line dialogues between a woman and a man that bring all the learning together in increasingly complex linguistic situations.
How To Have Your First Session With An Online Tutor
Nerves on the day
When you are speaking with a language tutor, it can be scary. To help make it easier, take deep breaths and remember that everyone makes mistakes when they are learning something new.
Talk slowly and practice the words you want to say before your lesson. It's also helpful to focus on why you want to learn the language and how much fun it will be. Also, make sure to give yourself breaks when you need them.
Record your conversations
Recording your conversations with a language tutor is an excellent way to track your progress and identify areas where you need more practice.
You can also review the recordings afterwards to understand if you used any grammar, vocabulary or pronunciation mistakes.
You’re all set to start working with an online language tutor
Now that you have a good understanding of what it takes to find the perfect language tutor online, as well as strategies for overcoming anxiety and making progress with your lessons, you’re all set to start working with an online language tutor.
Step-By-Step Guide For Lessons
Phase 1 - Lesson Prep
List of 3000 most common English words
Bluebird Languages app
Phase 2 - Lessons Start
Instruct your tutor (can be in English) at the beginning of the lesson.
Let them know of your plans and what you want to do in the lesson.
Attempt to speak little to no English in the lesson. Inform your tutor that you'd like to speak in your goal language as much as possible.
Tell them that you'd only like to only use English for explanations.
Phase 3 - Bluebird Languages Lesson
The goal of this type of lesson is to create sentences with words you've already learned in past lessons. Start with the core vocabulary level and then work your way up to the essential verbs level, then creating sentences level, and finally the powerful phrases level.
Phase 4 - Free Form Conversation Lesson
The goal of this type of lesson is to have a conversation. After you've completed the previous four levels from Bluebird Languages, you can then move onto the final level which is the conversation level.
Also, the conversation phase should be with a tutor who makes it effortless and who you enjoy chatting with.
Phase 5 - Grammar
In addition to that, you should have lessons where you go over grammar with your tutor together. Probably for a few months until you grasp most of the grammar you need to know.
If there are any grammar rules that aren't sticking you can create a separate list for grammar. This is important because phase 3 and 4 of lessons focus mainly around vocabulary and sentence structure.
However, if you neglect grammar in certain difficult languages, it doesn't matter how many words you know. You will struggle to make sentences correctly. Which is why it's important to tackle grammar first.
This is generally why I recommend not using online tutors until you get to an intermediate level. (However, even at an intermediate level grammar might still confuse you, hence this note!)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the right language tutor?
Finding the right language tutor can be a difficult task, but with a little research and dedication, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. Consider factors such as budget, schedule, and proficiency level when evaluating potential tutors.
Research different platforms to get an idea of what type of language tutoring services they offer and read reviews and testimonials from past students to get a better sense of their teaching style and approach.
Once you’ve chosen a tutor, reach out to them and ask any questions you may have about their background, experience, and qualifications.
Finally, request a demo class to make sure the tutor is the right fit before committing to lessons. With these tips in mind, you can make sure that you find the perfect language tutor for your needs.
How to know if an online language tutor is “good”
The best way to know if an online language tutor is “good” is to ask for feedback from past or current students, read reviews and testimonials on their platform of choice, and/or request a demo class.
Doing your research beforehand will help you narrow down the list of potential tutors and make sure that the one you choose is the right fit for your learning goals.
Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the tutor has a good rapport with their students and provides an encouraging environment for learning.
A good online language tutor should be open to feedback and willing to provide personalized lesson plans in order to help you reach your goals. Lastly, they should be able to give you strategies for self-learning and provide resources and materials that can help you succeed.
Should my tutor be the same gender as me?
No, it's not necessary for your tutor to be the same gender as you. It depends on personal preference and comfort level. Some language learners prefer to have a tutor of the same gender while others are more comfortable with a tutor of the opposite gender.
How long should I take lessons?
The length of your lessons will depend on your individual learning goals and preferences. Some students prefer shorter lessons while others opt for longer sessions.
How many lessons should I have a week?
Again, this depends on your learning goals. Some language learners prefer to have one or two lessons a week while others might opt for more frequent sessions. It's best to discuss your learning objectives with your tutor so they can create the right plan for you.
When is the best time of day to have a lesson?
This also depends on individual preference. Some language learners prefer morning lessons while others opt for late-night sessions. It's best to talk to your tutor and work out a time that works best for you both.
Should I use multiple different tutors, or only one good one?
It's a good idea to use multiple tutors. This will give you the opportunity to compare different teaching styles, get different perspectives and feedback on your progress, and learn new concepts in greater depth.
When should I use a community tutor or a professional teacher or a penal?
This depends on your individual learning objectives and budget. Some learners prefer to use a community tutor as it's often cheaper and more informal, while others might opt for a professional teacher or penal for their tailored instruction and feedback. It's important to consider these factors when deciding the best option for you.
Are online tutors expensive?
Online tutoring can be more affordable than in-person tutoring, as there are usually no travel costs involved. However, it's important to compare the rates of different platforms and tutors to find the best value for your budget.
Does the tutor have to speak good English?
No, it's not essential for the tutor to be a native English speaker or have perfect English. However, it's important that they are able to understand your language level and explain concepts in a way you can understand.
Should I use a native speaker tutor or a tutor that’s taught themselves the language?
It's a good idea to use a native speaker tutor if you are looking to become fluent in the language. Native speakers can provide insights into the culture and help you understand how to speak like a native.
However, non-native tutors can also be very helpful as they usually have more experience teaching the language and understanding any difficulties learners might face. It's best to consider your own learning objectives and goals when choosing a tutor.
Final Tips On Guiding Your Tutors
When hiring a language tutor, it’s important to provide clear guidance and expectations. This will help ensure that the tutor is able to provide effective instruction and reach your learning goals.
Before beginning lessons, it’s important to discuss the type of instruction you need, the length of each lesson, how often you would like to have lessons, and your budget.
It's also important to let the tutor know what language level you are at, which topics you would like to learn, and any other areas you need help with.
Lastly, it’s essential to communicate regularly with your tutor about your progress and their teaching methods. This will help ensure that the lessons are tailored to your individual needs and that you are making the most out of your lessons.
Additional tips include:
Provide feedback to your tutors on their teaching style
Ask your tutor to tailor the lessons according to your level and needs
Communicate with your tutor if you don't understand something or if you need extra help
Don't be afraid to ask your tutor questions and get feedback on your progress
Conclusion
When it comes to language learning, hiring an online tutor is a great way to improve your skills and confidence. Finding the right language tutor online can be a challenging task.
With the help of this article, you now have an understanding of some strategies to find and hire the best language tutor that matches your needs.
However, it's important to find the right tutor who can help you achieve your goals. With these 12 steps, you'll be well on your way to finding the ideal language teacher for you.
So what are you waiting for? Start searching for a tutor today and get started on your journey to becoming a confident speaker of your target language.
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Question:
So, here’s the question: Do you have any other tips on how to find or use online tutors? Let us know in the comments section down below!
P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.
Hey, I’m Mara.
I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.