Tuition Info.

Tutors

Our tutors hold, as a minimum qualification, a recognised EFL teaching certificate (usually a Cambridge/RSA CELTA of Trinity College Certificate). Some also hold a UK state school teaching qualification, and many have higher diplomas or degrees.  Each tutor’s qualifications are listed in their profile.   

Tutors must attend a face-to-face interview and are required to provide at least two references, which are always checked by us.  All qualifications are verified, and all tutors are Child-Barred-List Checked.  Where tutors have been subject to a full DBS check, this is detailed in their profile. 

You will find tutors from many different backgrounds, with a range of teaching experiences and a variety of interests and specialisms.  If you need a tutor with a specialism that is not listed, please feel free to contact us and we can try to find someone who is able to provide you with the kind of tuition you need. 

Remember that tutors are individuals, with different personalities and teaching styles – and sometimes this is as important as their formal qualifications.  

Try to look at a few different options before deciding on the tutor you think is right for you. 

Teaching Approach and Methodology 

Our tutors will adapt their teaching methods to meet your needs.  A lesson for someone who wants conversation practice and social English will probably look quite different from a lesson that is focused on specific exam preparation.  Experienced tutors understand that you are an individual and will try to find topics and use teaching techniques that take account of your age, interests and personal learning preferences.  

Sometimes the tutor’s personality or teaching methods may not suit you.  In which case, let us know, and we will try to find you a more suitable match. 

Content of the Sessions 

When you book a session you will be given the chance on your registration form to add any special requests or topics of interests for our tutors to incorporate into the sessions.

If you would like to, you can choose from pre-prepared topics or key language practice areas that are appropriate to your level.  These are listed on our lessons page.   

Alternatively, if you have specific needs, you can opt to have your lessons tailored to your needs.  If you want to do this, during your first session the tutor will assess your level, discuss with you what you want to achieve and over what timescale.  He or she will advise you on what they feel is realistic in the time available and agree with you a set of desired learning outcomes. 

If you have a block of sessions booked with the same tutor over a number of weeks, you may find the tutors sets you homework so you can start a proceeding lessons with the review of a short task or something discussed in the previous session.

If you would like to review previous sessions, you will be sent the recordings of your sessions.

What do I need? 

Our lessons are usually delivered using Zoom, so you will need access to a device with a webcam, microphone and either headphones or speakers. You will be sent the details for the Zoom meeting shortly after your booking has gone through and it is your responsibility to make sure you can access it and are familiar with how it functions. You will also need a reliable internet connection. Other than this, it would be good to have a pen and paper to hand. Should there be any unforeseen technical issues at the beginning of your session that make it difficult to continue with the session, please contact the office and we can arrange a rescheduled session.

Learning Environment 

Try to set up for your session in a quiet, well-lit room and somewhere where it is comfortable to work.  We would suggest setting up your device at a desk or table, with enough space for a notebook and writing materials. 

If you are booking tuition for a minor, a responsible adult must be on the premises at all times.   

Tutors cannot be held responsible for chaperoning or supervising minors, or for monitoring and safeguarding the premises or its contents. 

Behaviour 

Our tutors will treat you with courtesy and respect and expect the same in return.  We have a zero-tolerance policy to abusive language and behaviour.  We also operate a strict policy of non-discrimination.  If you breach these rules, you will be barred from the programme.   

Contractual Agreement and Fees 

We act as an agent for the tutors by providing a service to match them with potential clients.  We also offer a limited support service to both our tutors and their clients, as detailed in these terms and conditions. 

In addition, we provide a platform through which payments can be made.  We collect payments on behalf of the tutors and transfer payments to them at an agreed rate, minus our administration, currency conversion and merchant fees.   All fees are payable solely by the client and VAT is applied where appropriate. 

A standard lesson is one hour (60 minutes).   Longer or shorter sessions may be held if agreed in advance between the client and the tutor.   

Sessions cost €30 and that comprises one hour of tuition.

Cancelling, re-scheduling and temporary suspension of lessons 

We understand that there may be times when you need to cancel a lesson.  If you need to do this, you need to give notice of at least 24 hours from the scheduled lesson start time to receive a full refund. To do this, you can click the link to cancel on your booking confirmation email or contact the EiA Live team. Lessons cancelled at shorter notice cannot be re-funded and the full lesson fee will be charged.  

If you would like to reschedule your session, you can also use the link provided on your booking confirmation email or contact the EiA Live team to do this for you.  

If, for any reason, a tutor is ill or unavailable, we will endeavor to re-arrange your sessions or find you a satisfactory replacement. 

How many sessions do I need? 

There may be a number of reasons why you want to use an online tutor and these will dictate how many sessions you need to book. You may need to learn intensively for a short period of time – for example, if you have a forthcoming exam, a trip abroad or a presentation to prepare and deliver.  Alternatively, you may want to make a longer-term commitment.  For example, if you are a parent, you may want year-round regular tuition to support your child’s work at school. 

The number of lessons you need will depend on your learning goals and your tutor should be able to advise you on how many lessons would be appropriate. 

Tuition is most effective if it is done on a regular basis over time.  Unless you have an urgent deadline, we would suggest no more than one or two lessons a week.  This will give you a chance to practice and assimilate what you have learnt between your sessions.  If you need intensive lessons, your tutor will help you to identify which aspects of the language you need to focus on – whether this is specific topics, grammar and vocabulary, or skills. 

We hope these Guidelines help to clarify how private tuition operates with EiALive . 

If you have any further queries or comments please contact us at talk@eialive.co.uk so that you are provided with the highest possible level of service.