TODAY, even native English speakers and those already proficient in the English language are trying to find the right English teacher for their needs. Job requirements, professional development, college-entrance examinations, formal speaking engagements, and essay writing assignments are a few areas in which English speakers are finding the need to sharpen their already-proficient English skills. The urgency to improve one’s English appears even greater amongst non-native English speakers who are not already proficient in the language.

In Saudi Arabia in particular, there is an ever-growing interest amongst diverse populations to learn the English language or to improve upon what they already know. Non-native speakers who are beginners are generally interested in basic speaking and grammar skills. "Ultimately, the value you place on the teacher and service you require will determine how much you pay and who the private teacher will be." Intermediate and advanced learners are often interested in those skills required for academic study and admission into American or British universities. Native English speakers who are living as expats in the Kingdom are often interested in skills required for essay and research writing, formal speaking and debate, and college entrance examinations , as advanced skills like these are simply not adequately taught in schools—if they are taught at all.

Regardless of one’s level of proficiency in English, children and adults in Saudi Arabia—whether native- or non-native English speakers—are finding an increasing need to supplement what is being taught in schools or to find assistance with their personal or homeschooling efforts.

But how and where do I find a suitable English teacher?

The answer to how and where to find an appropriate English instructor is not an easy one, especially in a non-English speaking country like Saudi Arabia. There are few (if any) formal listings of English instructors, and the only places one seems to find an English teacher at all is in schools and language institutes—and too often the classes and teachers do not offer what interested students are looking for. And for native English speakers, the options are even grimmer.

Should I hire a private English teacher to assist me?

Whether or not you should hire a private English instructor is a decision that only you can make. However, if saving money is a preference (or necessity), you should explore options available in schools and language institutes before making the decision to hire a private English teacher. Although schools and institutes do not always offer what is preferred or needed for your English studies, they do offer the benefit of learning or improving your English in general.

Regardless of your personal or financial circumstance, you may ultimately need a private English teacher if any of the following is applicable:

Your current (or past) English language courses are taught by teachers who are not proficient in English.

You wish to learn or improve English language skills that are specific to personal, professional, or academic goals or needs.

You have a strict deadline to meet (such as a college application due or an assignment to be submitted by a certain date).

You plan to study abroad in an English-speaking school or university.

You will relocate or travel to an English-speaking country.

You have a weakness in a particular aspect of English (such as speaking, writing, or reading comprehension) and feel that a school or language institute will not give you sufficient attention or assistance in this area.

You are enrolled in a school that does not offer English language courses.

You are homeschooled or enrolled in only an Arabic or Qur’an school.

You need flexibility in scheduling classes and studying English.

You prefer (or require) to be taught in your home.

You have a strong desire to excel in the English language (or in parts of the English language) and are not satisfied with what schools and institutes can offer.

How much should I pay a private English teacher?

Naturally, hiring a private instructor (regardless of the course or language of study) is more costly than enrolling in an established school or institute. "Know the market value of your teacher and services, and know how much you value both." This increased cost is due largely to the fact that the teacher is dedicating time and energy to you specifically; therefore, he or she will need to be compensated for this private attention.

How much you pay a personal teacher will depend on three factors: the standard rates for the services you require, the qualifications and expertise of the teacher, and the value you place on the teacher and the service.

Ultimately, the value you place on the teacher and service you require will determine how much you pay and who the private teacher will be.

Therefore, before seeking a private English instructor, know these things:

1. What are the standard rates for a private English instructor?
2. Do I require (or prefer) a native speaker?
3. Do I need a professional or expert in my area of study?
4. How valuable to me is my English language learning?
5. How much am I willing to invest in my studies (and thus my future)?

In other words: Know the market value of your teacher and services, and know how much you value both.

*This chart is meant to give prospective students of private English lessons a general idea of the price ranges involved in hiring a private teacher. The prices are based on current private study rates in Riyadh according to the author’s research and experience. They are not meant as a formal or official price list for any specific services. Final prices should be obtained from individual instructors. Rates vary.

Securing the Right Teacher at the Right Price

If you are serious about your English language studies and goals and wish to secure a qualified, reliable private instructor to assist you in this effort, then here are five points to keep in mind when settling on the cost of the instruction:

1. Value yourself: Your efforts in excelling in English are an investment in you. In the end, what you gain from your studies is for your benefit. So make your primary goal to get the best and put in the best. Don’t seek to cut corners or costs, seek to make a valuable investment in what matters most—your life and what you get out of it.
2. Value your teacher: Your selection of a teacher is a direct reflection of the value you place in yourself (and your future). Don’t make the common mistake of placing a lofty value on your needs but almost none on the teacher who can assist you. In other words, when negotiating price, value yourself and your teacher—equally. If you want the best for yourself or your future, be prepared to make an investment.
3. Place a comparable value on English: In other words, think of the many things you pay for each month or year (or once in a lifetime)—clothes, jewelry, furniture, a car, a home, vacations, etc.—and compare your English language studies to the most valuable items. Now ask yourself, How does my knowledge and expertise in the English language compare to these? Then determine what you’re willing to pay for your knowledge of English (based on this comparable value).
4. Know your teacher and your needs: When you contact a potential teacher, know (or ask) whether the teacher is a native English speaker or non-native speaker, a professional or non-professional, or an experienced teacher or a high school or college student— and negotiate prices accordingly. As a general rule, native speakers and professionals are more costly than non-native speakers and non-professionals (See chart above). Additionally, long-term contracts allow for more flexibility in prices and discounts than do short-term contracts. (In other words, hiring a teacher for a two-week course is more costly per hour than hiring a teacher for a year-long course). So know what you want and be willing (and able) to pay for it.
5. Get the most for your money: No, you can’t expect to pay pennies for gold, but you can negotiate prices for something valuable to you. And although native speakers and professionals command higher rates, many teachers (especially professional ones) are more than willing to work with dedicated students. So if you show that you value a teacher and his or her services, you can make your money go a long way.

And remember, regardless of your English language needs, there’s an English teacher out there for you inshaaAllah.

Umm Zakiyyah is an American English teacher with more than 15 years teaching experience. She is CELTA-certified and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts degree in English Language Learning. She is the author of five books. To learn about Umm Zakiyyah’s English language services, CLICK HERE.

For private English instruction write to msruby.moore@gmail.com and/or call 053-424-2138.