Qualifications

Most people looking for French tutors would, of course, choose reliable and extensively competent ones. Those hiring French tutors from private agencies have less problems with the tutors they pay for, since these agencies usually have strict screening methods for their prospects. But for those looking for independent French tutors, it is still possible to find good and dependable ones, as long as you keep some of these characteristics in mind. Those applying as French tutors would find this helpful, too, especially if you are seeking to enter a professional tutoring agency.

First, a degree in French as a language. Though this might seem a pretty steep requirement, especially for those who want to tutor part-time, or who are still studying but want to be a French tutor, this is earns the biggest points in terms of reliability as a French tutor. It shows complete mastery of the language and thus your students will have no hesitation in learning from you. If a degree is not attainable, some institutions accept French tutors who have undergone a specific number of college units or have taken a short-study course in the French language. If you're looking for a competent French tutor, you would do well to ask about your tutor's actual educational background.

Second, experience. The number of years a French tutor has been teaching, or the number of students taught, all provide positive feedback. Of course, the longer a tutor has been teaching French, the better for the student. Although French tutors new to the field are always welcome, it is a sad but true fact that they usually need to prove themselves first before they gain complete credibility.

This brings us to the third, which is recommendation of a French tutor by valid sources. It helps a student's confidence if one or more other people who have undergone training by a certain French tutor tells you that the tutorials were well conducted. And it is even better if you can see and hear for yourself that the person who is recommending the French tutor is actually speaking proper French.

Age isn't really a big deal when it comes to tutoring, because as mentioned earlier, some French tutors may be part-time students themselves. So for those hunting for French tutors, through the internet or in person, be sure to ask questions about the French tutors you find, so that you can be sure that it won't be a waste of time and money. For those applying as French tutors, keep these pointers in mind. If you're working from ground zero but are sure of your abilities as a possible French tutor, no doubt you'll soon find yourself in demand.