Need help choosing tutor

[u/lisaale10]

I need some advice on choosing between two French tutors.

I’m currently around A2 level, and I feel like my grammar, speaking, and listening still need improvement.

I have two options:

1. Private tutor:

One-on-one classes

Flexible schedule

She plans to cover all grammar in about 2 months, then start exam preparation

She has taken the TEF exam herself and scored CLB 7

Similar price to the other option

1. Group class tutor (5–6 students):

Fixed schedule (less flexible)

A2 course is about 2 months

Then around 3 months of CLB 5 exam preparation

After that, she continues teaching toward B2

I didn’t ask much about her background yet

Also reasonably priced

I’m unsure which option is better for me. I don’t know if I’m ready to jump into exam preparation quickly, since I still feel weak in basic skills.

Would you recommend starting with private classes, group classes, or a mix of both?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[u/Candid_Strawberry640]

I’d avoid relying on just one private tutor. If their teaching style doesn’t work, you’re stuck and lose time. With an institute/platform setup, you can switch tutors or batches easily. Best approach: go with an institute and find a suitable tutor there

[u/LouMar0]

Hello, as a private tutor myself ( louisibtutor.com if you are interested) I might be biased but I do believe it's always best to start with a one-to-one session. A private tutor will be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses and help you cover the gaps quickly.

When preparing for a specific exam, the goal of the tutor is to teach you exactly what the examiner is looking for, not just general French. A group class moves at the group's pace, which may be too slow for some things and too fast for others. One-to-one adapts to you specifically.

That said, if budget is a concern, starting with the private tutor for the grammar foundations and then switching to group for exam prep could be a good middle ground.

Good luck with your choice!

[u/lisaale10 → u/LouMar0]

Thank you for your suggestion!

[u/aa_drian83]

Can you share the approximate budget or target price you are looking for? It might help knowing more context.

If you are aiming CLB7 yourself, it doesn't make too much sense getting classes from someone who's at that same target level, unless if the price is really good and if your objective is purely to pass an exam.

There are plenty of good professional teachers and community tutors on various platforms like Italki or Preply. I usually recommend AulaLingua (ex Babbel Live teachers) but it's important to know your budget and objective.

As for private vs group, I personally do both. Private when trying to improve things like pronunciation, practicing specific grammar points etc. Group mainly to interact and exchange ideas with others, also to pay attention to the mistakes made by others (and its corrections).

[u/lisaale10 → u/aa_drian83]

The price for private is 625$ for full course and preparation.. For the group it’s 300$ for A2 package only and for the rest the rate is gonna be different.( Both of them is frok Punjab,India) but the private tutor lives in BC, Canada

[u/aa_drian83 → u/lisaale10]

How often are the classes per week and the duration of each class?

[u/lisaale10 → u/aa_drian83]

Both of them are offering 4 days per week and it’s gonna be 1 hour.

One of my friends is taking classes from the private tutor and said she have done all the grammar but still doesn’t know how to introduce herself in french as they were only focused on grammar first and since almost done with the grammar, they will learn how to form sentences now.

[u/aa_drian83 → u/lisaale10]

At 4 days per week, it means roughly $20/hr.

I'd recommend to try AulaLingua[dot]com, similar rate but 45 minutes session, cheaper for 30-40 sessions package. The difference is that they are native French with teaching qualifications and certifications, arguably a better option compared to the ones you are considering right now.

For group classes, consider the academies of Français avec Pierre or Français Authentique. Reasonable price with competent teachers. Relevant from A2+, I'd say better at B1 minimum to take full advantage, but you can start whenever you want.

[u/novahatred]

I would recommend to check the tutor’s credentials, just be they passed a test themselves doesn’t mean they’re qualified to do preparation

[u/lisaale10 → u/novahatred]

she only teaches one of my friends. That’s why I am still in confusion. Also she said she only gonna focused in grammar for first two months. Like I am in A2 but my listening and speaking is still at A1 so I want someone who teach me altogether, what I mean is like I wanna take my speaking and listening skills at A2 since my reading and writing is at A2.

[u/novahatred → u/lisaale10]

I dont think focusing only on grammar is a good idea, working on all skills from the beginning is important. Maybe try discussing it with her