Description: This article outlines specific qualities that parents should look out for when searching for an International Tutor.
Parents seek out international tutors for a variety of reasons.
They could be looking for a tutor to teach their child a specific language. They believe that native speakers provide a more authentic education. Or they could be looking for a tutor whose cultural and religious beliefs align more with theirs.
Finding a tutor can be difficult considering the size of the global market. This article will provide 4 top tips on the qualities to look out for when selecting an international tutor for your child.
Time Zone Flexibility
Being able to schedule regular weekly sessions with a tutor in your home country is unquestionably easier than with an international tutor. Accounting for time zones is an extra challenge to consider when working with a tutor who is in another country.
Typically, your child’s tutoring sessions will take place in the evenings after school. This usually provides an excellent opportunity to review the child’s schoolwork. For international tutors working from certain European countries like France or Italy, it may be easy to schedule evening sessions as there is only an hour time difference. However, for tutors located in Asia and beyond, finding a time may be more difficult.
It is important to negotiate on a time that suits both tutor and child when planning weekly sessions. A good idea would be to plan sessions on the weekend when everyone’s schedules are more flexible.
Being a Native Language Speaker
Parents who are looking for someone to teach their child a particular language may opt for an international tutor who is of a specific nationality.
For example, if a parent is looking for someone to teach their child Arabic, they may seek out someone from a Middle Eastern or North African country.
This is because being a native speaker of a language presents unique quality in itself. Native speakers are more in tune with the nuances of their language than non-native speakers. Therefore it provides more in-depth explanations of the technicalities of a language to their students.
Also, international tutors who specialise in teaching their native language can construct their lessons around interesting cultural examples. Making the lessons not only more accessible but more engaging for the student
Having Similar Cultural and Religious Values
Parents often seek out an international tutor as their cultural and religious values may align more with their children’s than a British tutor. For example, Muslim parents may seek out an international tutor who is also Muslim to teach their child Religious Studies. Sometimes the education system may miss out or gloss over important parts when teaching about a particular religion. Having a tutor with a broader knowledge of their religion is a key quality in helping your child excel.
Not only this, but children may find it more motivational to be taught by a tutor with who they can culturally identify. This quality boosts confidence and inspires the child to learn beyond the curriculum.
Providing a Global Perspective
Being able to provide a global perspective is a quality that sets international tutors apart from any regular tutor. A global perspective simply means perceiving a topic from beyond a local, and often eurocentric, lens.
Much of what is taught in schools look at events and topics from a singular view. International tutors can provide additional education on a particular historical or geopolitical event, broadening their student’s knowledge. It can also encourage them to think about things from different perspectives, a key quality in the global job market.
A global perspective can be taken on any subject, whether it be History, English or Geography – such perspectives can even push your child’s knowledge beyond the curriculum, allowing them to access the higher grade boundaries.
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