How Much To Charge Adults Learning English?

[BAYBOY]

Hello all,

have been teaching here in Thailand for some years. Often get asked to teach English to adults on a one to one basis which I have turned down.

Last week my wife (who speaks excellent English) was approached by a local company who want 8 of their engineering staff taught " conversational English ". Seems they are starting to get sales inquires from O/seas and want their staff to have some English ability. Both my wife and I would do the teaching but have no idea as what to charge tthe company. We would provide all the materials but have use of their conference room at the factory for the classes.

Any idea what to charge? Eight students, all have degrees in engineering, 2 hours every Saturday morning.

Cheers

BAYBOY

[Gladiator]

I am sure that others will have other information and replies - but in Chiang Mai, depending on the English tutor, the going rate for one to one seems to be

300 baht per hour. In the event that the sudents are completely new to English, then I also teach with my Thai wife and the rate increases to 400 baht per hour.

Also factored in is whether the student can visit my house for the lesson, or if travel costs are involved.

When it becomes a 'group' session, then some horse trading on price occurs and I normally negotiate a group price, depending on the number of the group. A rough guide is 50 per cent discount per person.

Not sure if this helps - but Good Luck !

[Phatcharanan]

Tricky one that. Where are you located?

In Bangkok, I charge a school 700 baht an hour per student (Thai teachers). Minimum class size of 10, maximum 12. If only 8 turn up..........I still get paid the 7,000 an hour. I sold it as a package of 60 hours and they paid 50% up front. This is IELTS prep though. 3 hours every weekend and I provide the materials, worksheets, paper, notebooks etc.

I have IELTS books and photocopy pages from them. However, if the school want their gals to have the hard copy books and CD's for themselves, this is an additional cost.

Teaching basic English communication? I would think a group rate (for 8) at 3,000 an hour sounds reasonable.....if you are providing resources.

Edited February 20, 2011 by Phatcharanan

[Scott]

Unless you've got the background and expertise of Patcharanan, I think that amount is high.

I've taught classes at factories. One class went for about 6 years continuously; the other went for four years (If my math is correct). It was very near my 'regular' work and my home. They bought the books, CD's and the Teacher's book for me. We met twice a week for two hours (one group Monday and Wednesday, the other Tuesday and Thursday). I never changed my rate, but I charged 500 baht per hour--I eventually discovered they were paying me 600 baht per hour. I think the extra came from a commission that the person who originally hooked us up got.

The class that went for 6 years (I moved and now another person teaches them) was really great fun. They wanted conversation; I insisted we do a book. We finished an entire series. I said what do you want to do now; they said let's start over. We did, finished again and then went on to another series.

It was very relaxed. They enjoyed talking about everything and anything. They did presentations, read newspaper articles. We did Karoke for a while. They helped me with everything. The septic tank was full, they sent a truck over to empty it. They took care of my vehicle and even re-wired the house!

For two of you, I presume you would charge more.

By the way the class that I taught for 6 years became completely fluent in speaking and reading (Writing was a problem). I never spoke Thai and they didn't usually speak Thai either--it was their rule, not mine. The other class which fizzled after 4 somewhat grueling years never did achieve proficiency. One of them spoke English quite well and he translated everything. Not a good idea.

Best of luck.

[Phatcharanan]

Unless you've got the background and expertise of Patcharanan, I think that amount is high.

It's Phatcharanan Mister Sott.

Fair point though.

[Scott]

I no that. It's a test; 100% for you!

[Phatcharanan]

I no that. It's a test; 100% for you!

I passed?? Cool !!

You failed though. Know what I mean guv?

[Slip]

Going rate around my neck of the woods is 600 baht an hour for private classes, but it strikes me this is corporate work, the company is investing in its staff and should be happy (or at least prepared) to pay more. Anyway I would pitch it initially at 2-3k an hour. You can always negotiate if they have a fit.

Of course if your in BKK I guess you can ask a lot more than in the stix- even close to Bangkers,.

Having said that I'm very impressed Mr Phatcharanan- That's a very nice little earner.

[Scott]

Slip gets 100% for spelling your name correctly. You get another 100% because I know that it should be know, but wanted to make sure that you knew it was know. No?

Sorry to the OP.

I would be careful about setting a rate that is too high. Take a look at the place and figure out what kind of money they want to throw around. A lot of these places that look for teachers aren't prepared to pay a lot of money. They tend to be more blue collar than white collar type places.

It also has a little to do with your background and qualifications. A good, well trained teacher is worth the money.

Also, a lot of times these jobs lead to other jobs. If you want your foot in the market, it's a good place to start.

[Slip]

We still don't know where the OP is from which I think makes a big difference.

I should add I hate private classes- I did one for a corporate soon after I started teaching (For 600 an hour for 12 people mind you). It fizzled out after about 3 months, different students every class, regular cancellations (no pay), 'homework' never done, students turning up half way through class and so on.. I have to be honest and say I was probably giving crap quality as I had zero experience, but heck I was still trying my best.and it just took the wind out of my sails as far as privates are concerned- haven't done one since in about 6-7 years. Of course I was a jobbing teacher which I get the impression the OP isn't, so Scott's comments are certainly worth listening to (as always).

If you're trying to break into the market, charge low, if you don't particularly want to do it, and see it as an earner quote high. The rules of negotiation still apply- when you meet them tell them you've taken advice from your colleagues- they say 3k- you personally think that's a bit high, what do they think? Agree on 2k?

You need to get an idea of their thinking, I think.

To the OP- Do you think the fact that your wife is a national will strengthen or weaken your bargaining position? Strengthen I would think, but I don't know.

[BAYBOY]

Thanks for all the replies..................some interesting figures there.

I reside in Singburi Province and the factory is about 20 minutes from home. It seems the factory management at the highest level is based in Bangkok, however the People we spoke with last Friday all work at the factory. They were going to Lopburi about 40 minutes away for English classes, h

[BAYBOY]

Sorry about that.........something went wrong. To carry on. They went to classes in Lopburi for a few months but found travelling and work would sometimes mean not all would attend. They feel having the classes at work will mean a better participation by all. Tried to get from them the rate they paid in Lopburi but they didn't really tell.

Having my wfe along is a definite plus. She has travelled Europe, the States, worked Australia and New Zealand,, and has a degree in Bis. ADMIN. Her English is excellent and her knowledge of grammer etc. is tops.

Looking at the long term it may be possible to get further work with this company and it may also lead to other contacts. My days as a school teacher are coming to a close, (age) and possible corporate work would be another form of keeping in work. Singburi province is very small in size and population and word of mouth works here.

We have to reconfirm with them by the end of this week, and we know they are keen to have us teach them.

Thanks for the replies every body, and sorry re the cock up with my last post

CHEERS

BAYBOY