Other than tuition fees, there are other costs involved. You will have to rent a computer and software and other equipment. You will also have to spend money on the Internet (which most students don’t have). Therefore, the actual cost of the program itself may not be so much higher than those of traditional tutoring methods.
If you are unable to find a place where you can take a free online English course, then you will have to look at tuition fees for online, English tutor programs. However, this should not be the deciding factor when choosing a school or program to sign up with. Instead, your decision should be based on how flexible the online program is. You want to be able to complete assignments online.
Also consider your own needs and wants. You should find an English tutor that you get along with well. You should also consider how fast you want to learn and what level of English you are hoping to achieve. Sometimes students only stick with one online teacher because they are a fast learner. If you have similar goals, it may be easier to stick with a tutor who is also a fast reader and a good teacher.
One of the most important things that you should do before getting any sort of online English tutoring is to research the teachers that you are considering. Be sure to contact their web sites and get to know them. Ask for their sample lessons and maybe even watch a few of their videos. Find out how long they have been in their field of work and what kind of feedback they have gotten from previous students. This will give you some idea of what to expect from the tutor you choose.
Look for a tutor who can meet your particular needs. This does not mean that you go with the first person you come across. Rather, it means that you do some research on your own and that you try to get as many options as possible. Look for those who have been in business for at least a couple of years. Experience is essential because you cannot expect to have your lessons answered if you get a tutor who has never had experience in your particular field.
Some tutors offer private lessons over the internet. If you would like more personalized instruction, then this is probably not the way to go. In most cases, private instruction is more expensive. Online English teachers generally do not offer private instruction. If you pay for private instruction, expect that there will be a waiting list.
Be aware that you may not have a lot of choices when you are looking for an online English tutor. That said, you should not give up hope because there are resources available. For example, there are online review and rating sites where you can read reviews of online English tutors. At any rate, this is an excellent way to determine how good a site is and whether or not it is worth your time.
Before enrolling in an online English course or class, check out the requirements of your prospective online English tutor. You want to make sure that they have the appropriate credentials and that they meet the requirements of your State Department. Be aware that not all online tutors are accredited. Therefore, it is very important to find a tutor that is properly accredited and who has received a seal from an accrediting agency.
Try to find a tutor that teaches a broad range of subjects. It is best to choose someone who teaches English to those with little or no background in the language. For instance, a tutor who teaches only the history of the English language would not be of much use to those who want to learn more about the history of Shakespeare. On the other hand, a tutor who knows the basics of all disciplines and focuses on those areas where he or she thinks the student needs some more work could be of great value. Your tutor should also have access to a wide range of books and other materials.
One of the best features of the internet is the ability to get advice from tutors across the world by using Skype or web chat. If you cannot afford to meet your tutor in person, consider video chat or e-mail for your interim teaching. Many online English tutors will provide tips and lessons through their websites and blogs. Be sure to visit these sites before signing up with your online English tutor.