English Tutoring, one of the Lucrative Jobs for International Students

In our recent YouTube videos, we discussed some student jobs in Germany; tips and tricks to know for a successful combination with your studies, and especially emphasized the importance of selecting the right kind of job that aligns well with your plans as a student in Germany. English tutoring in Germany is one of the lucrative jobs for international students with an excellent command of the English language.

Amongst other things to consider, it is important to ensure that the kind of jobs you go for allowing you to cope effectively still with your studies: Working fewer times to earn the maximum tax-free EUR 450 as a student; aiming for professional student jobs that you can easily continue your career in that direction after studies; if interested in the language, opting for jobs with opportunities to interact with the locals etc.

The English language is mostly a second language (unofficial) in some European countries and Germany is not an exception – hence, this presents English language tutoring is an attractive job opportunity in Germany and other European countries for international students with an excellent command of the English language. As an English tutor in Germany, you can be sure it would earn you a living wage at the very least. The target group of people to tutor are usually kids in primary and secondary schools and the idea is mostly initiated by the kids’ parents. The mode of teaching comes in different ways – from serious, semi-serious to relaxed modalities. The serious mode is usually a one-on-one style with the candidate – the tutor comes with prepared topics and notes for the day and discusses them with the candidate in a school-like atmosphere. The semi-serious style may come in the form of babysitting the student; there may be no notes or specific topic to discuss, rather it is more about spending time together and just speaking English with the kid. This is similar to the relaxed mode, except that the latter is mostly for adults who may already have some English language background or experience and are looking for ways to practice and improve their English language skills. The student and the tutor may meet in a bar or coffee shop for an agreed number of minutes or hours and just chat while having a drink.

Tutoring jobs are usually private and organized by the parties involved but may also be arranged by companies that specialize in side-jobs like that. Depending on the arrangement, a proof of English language proficiency may be waived, e.g. in the former, or required, as in the latter case. English tutors from English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand may not need to show any proof but those from countries where English is not the only official language may have to show proof via qualification from one of the four most widely-accepted English proficiency tests; the TOEFL, the IELTS, the CAE, or the CPE. These test bodies show that you have the expertise to teach English efficiently, not just speak it.

How much you earn as an English tutor in Germany depends on many factors, but for sure you will earn above the minimum wage in Germany. If you work as a private English tutor, then the agreed amount paid per hour will be arranged between you and the student or their parents. The amount charged is usually fair on both sides; something around EUR 15 to 30 per hour can be expected. Of course, depending on your qualification as a tutor and the budget of the student, you may charge as high as up to EUR 70 per hour. English language tutors who also babysit at the same time earn double the amounts since they are doing two jobs at the same time. There may also be cases where the babysitter is given accommodation by their host family – this is a special case that may require legal permissions to first be granted by the state of residence, as in Au Pair, where young people from overseas legally travel to another country to care of children on a cultural exchange visa.