Are you dreaming of studying abroad in an English-speaking country? If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your ability to speak English to be enrolled in an English-taught course. A requirement for your university application will be to submit your scores for an English language test.

There are a few tests you can choose to sit, with IELTS being the most popular. IELTS stands for “International English Language Testing System”, and it is a standardized testing system that is accepted all around the world. Because of the popularity of IELTS, there is a huge teaching community to support the millions of students taking the exam annually.

Before sitting the IELTS test, it is important to be well prepared, as you need to pay a fee of hundreds of dollars every time you attempt the exam. Therefore, passing the test with a great score the first time not only looks good, but it can save you significant time, effort and money.

Having a teacher is one of the most effective ways to learn, practice and feel prepared for an exam. However, depending on where you live, finding a qualified teacher to help you develop your English language skills and prepare for an upcoming IELTS exam can be hard. Luckily, there are many websites and platforms that can help you find English teachers who are specialised in preparing you for the IELTS exam. This guide offers you some options when it comes to finding the right IELTS or ESL teacher for you.

Benefits of Online IELTS Teachers

There are several advantages of learning with a teacher online, such as:

Flexibility: Choose your learning schedule.
Accessibility: Access teachers from around the world.
Convenience: Learn from the comfort of your own space.

Qualities to Look For In a Good Tutor

When you’re searching for the right online IELTS teacher, here are the key qualities you should look for to find the best teacher:

Qualifications: Make sure they have the right qualifications for teaching English and IELTS preparation.
Experience: It’s a big plus if they have experience helping students like you with IELTS.
Expertise: Find a teacher who really knows the IELTS test inside and out.
Effective Communication: Look for someone who can explain things clearly, especially because English might not be your first language.
Tailored Lessons: The best teachers will customize lessons just for you, focusing on what you need to improve.

Where to Look For Online IELTS Tutors

Online Tutoring Platforms

Many dedicated online tutoring platforms connect students with certified IELTS instructors. The platforms allow you to search for teachers based on their qualifications, reviews and rates. Some websites you can look at are:

iTalki

iTalki is an online platform offering language teachers for over 150 languages, including English. They have nearly 1,000 teachers that specialize in helping students prepare for IELTS. You can use the search filters to find a suitable teacher based on your preferences and budget. Expect lessons with native English speakers to cost between $10 and $80 per hour. You may also want to look for a teacher who offers 30-minute trial lessons at a lower price, to see if they are a good match for you. Each teacher’s profile includes availability, student ratings, and the number of lessons they have delivered.

PrePly

Preply is a popular platform for students worldwide to find IELTS tutors and learn new languages. With over 49,000 tutors from 185 countries, it’s widely used by students worldwide. You have the choice between private lessons and group classes, though we recommend private lessons for effective IELTS preparation. Preply offers convenient search filters to help you find a tutor that fits your needs, such as price range, availability, native English speaker preference, language proficiency, and teaching style (British or American English).

Verbling

Verbling is a widely recognized online platform used by over 10,000 tutors offering classes in more than 70 languages, including many who specialize in teaching English and preparing students for the IELTS exam. Notably, Verbling has gained the trust of major brands seeking language training for their employees, including prominent names like DHL, Uber, Adidas, and Puma.

Educational Websites and Forums

Websites such as English Club and the British Council often provide directories featuring IELTS tutors. These directories can be a convenient starting point in finding a suitable tutor.

Engaging in discussions on forums related to language learning and IELTS can prove to be very helpful. Forum members frequently share their personal experiences and recommendations regarding online tutors. Platforms like Reddit and Quora are excellent places to start your search. On these forums, you can ask questions, seek advice, and gather valuable insights from individuals who have embarked on similar journeys.

Social Media and Professional Networks

There are IELTS tutors who actively advertise their teaching services on social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn. However, you should also broaden your search to Facebook, where you can search in relevant groups, as well as on Twitter and Instagram. These online spaces offer direct connections to experienced teachers. They also facilitate discussions around the IELTS tests, so you may find posts containing useful information and tips from other students and teachers regarding different aspects of the test.

Language Schools and Institutes

Some language schools and institutes offer online IELTS courses with experienced instructors. These institutions often have a reputation for providing quality language education, so you can be assured that you’re in good hands.

Online Marketplaces

General online marketplaces such as Gumtree, Craigslist, Upwork and Fiverr can be some of the best resources for finding IELTS and ESL tutors. While using these platforms, use the search efficiently by first entering “IELTS tutor” or related keywords, and then filtering results by criteria such as tutor ratings, price range, and delivery time.

Explore the profiles of potential tutors. Look for details on their qualifications, experience, and teaching style. Some tutors may provide sample lessons or portfolios to showcase their expertise. Importantly, pay attention to reviews and ratings from previous students. This feedback can provide insights into the tutor’s effectiveness and teaching approach. Most online marketplaces allow you to communicate directly with tutors, so it can be a good idea to message tutors you’re interested in with any questions or concerns you may have. Some tutors may even offer trial lessons at a reduced rate, which can be a good way to assess the tutor’s teaching style and compatibility with your learning preferences.

Recommendations and Referrals

Sometimes, the best way to find a reliable IELTS teacher is through word-of-mouth. Don’t hesitate to ask friends, colleagues, or fellow students for recommendations. Personal referrals can help you discover teachers who have a proven track record of success.

Finalizing Your Choice

As you approach the final steps of selecting your online IELTS teacher, it’s essential to consider these factors to make an informed decision:

Qualifications and Experience: Confirm that your chosen teacher possesses the necessary qualifications and extensive experience in IELTS preparation.
Teaching Style: Assess whether the teacher’s teaching style aligns with your unique learning preferences. Effective communication and teaching methods can make your IELTS preparation more fruitful.
Budget: Carefully review the cost of lessons and select a tutor whose fees fit comfortably within your budget. Keep in mind that investing in your language skills is an investment in your future.
Trial Lesson: Take advantage of trial lessons offered by many teachers. These sessions allow you to experience their teaching approach firsthand, helping you gauge compatibility and teaching effectiveness.
Student Reviews: Pay close attention to feedback provided by previous students. These reviews can offer valuable insights into the teacher’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance.
Direct Communication: Maintain open and clear communication with your chosen teacher. Effective communication ensures that your specific learning needs and goals are addressed during your IELTS preparation.

Other Resources to Prepare for IELTS

In addition to seeking the guidance of a dedicated IELTS tutor, there is a plethora of supplementary resources available to aid in your exam preparation. Platforms like YouTube offer a treasure trove of educational content, with numerous channels dedicated to IELTS preparation. From comprehensive tutorials on each section of the test to sample exams and invaluable tips from experienced test-takers, these videos can serve as valuable companions on your journey to IELTS success. Furthermore, don’t overlook IELTS preparation books and mobile apps, which can provide structured study materials, practice tests, and interactive exercises.

Apply to Your Dream Program

Preparing for IELTS with the help of a tutor can be a significant step toward securing successful admission to your desired program and university. Proficiency in English opens doors to academic opportunities worldwide, and a qualified teacher can significantly impact your language skills. Don’t forget to connect with a teacher who aligns with your learning preferences so that you are motivated and focused.

We encourage prospective students to explore a wide range of programs available through our platform. You can create an account and apply to multiple programs through our platform, or book a free call with one of our student advisors to discuss your options further.