If you want to become a remote tutor, targeting foreign clients can be a strategic approach. However, navigating the cultural nuances and expectations in these relationships can be challenging.
Success in a remote tutoring role for international clients, whether independently or with a company, involves understanding what parents seek. Here are the top four tips to help you get started.
Take the Exam You Intend to Tutor
Much like parents in the US or UK, foreign parents aspire for their children\'s success. Even with a prestigious degree, taking the exam you plan to tutor in can be beneficial. Showcasing a high score on such tests demonstrates your capability, especially if English is not your first language.
For instance, as an aspiring SAT tutor, achieving a perfect or near-perfect score can impress potential clients. This principle applies whether you aim to tutor for the ACT, IELTS, or MCAT; impressing parents can secure a remote tutoring position. If feasible, consider taking the exam to establish your credibility.
Demonstrate Progress as a Remote Tutor
While it\'s straightforward to set milestones as an SAT tutor, demonstrating progress in elective subjects like computer science, debate, or a foreign language can be more challenging. However, there are effective ways to show progress to parents. Consider these suggestions for your students:
- Hackathons
- Debate tournaments
- Language exams
- Writing contests
Setting goals for students, whether in a remote tutoring role or in-person, provides them with objectives to strive for and allows parents to gauge the success of your tutoring.
For core subjects like English, math, or science, where progress is often measured by school performance, it remains crucial to discuss parental expectations. Ask questions such as:
- Do they want to see a certain grade improvement?
- Does the student seek increased confidence?
- Is there a specific project they aim to complete?
Regardless of the subject, ensure there is a mutually agreed metric between you, the parents, and the student.
Schedule Vacations as a Remote Tutor
Everyone needs time off, whether it\'s a week during Thanksgiving or Christmas. Whenever possible, mark your calendar for travel periods and inform your students and parents a week or two in advance. For regular sessions, inquire if they prefer to cancel or reschedule.
Such professionalism and communication enhance your reputation in remote tutoring.
Be mindful of significant dates for your students. For example, if you\'re an SAT tutor, avoid scheduling vacations close to major test dates. Similarly, respect cultural and religious observances, such as Lunar New Year for Chinese students or different meeting times during Ramadan for Muslim students.
Parents and students will appreciate your foresight and sensitivity to their schedules.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
Many international clients may request discounts, especially when purchasing packages. Due to cultural differences, these clients might expect price negotiations rather than accepting listed prices.
In many cultures, such negotiation is the norm. Therefore, if you primarily serve foreign clients, consider adding 10-20% to your base price to allow room for discounts.
Understanding your client\'s cultural expectations and accommodating them can help you thrive as a remote tutor. Whether you aim to be an SAT tutor or teach other high-stakes exams, achieving high scores yourself is crucial.
In other subjects, teaching toward specific, agreed-upon goals is essential. Additionally, align your schedule with student holidays and deadlines and be open to price negotiations. Click here in order to learn more!