Individual language courses in a teacher's home

Learning a language is a complex and highly individual process. It is possible to work through a syllabus intensively, even in three months of daily lessons, but this alone does not provide real command of a language: fluent communication, a sufficient vocabulary and knowledge retained in long-term memory. Learning works better when it is structured and progressive from the outset, with a competent teacher. Advertising may promise that you will be speaking tomorrow, but expressing a simple thought is not enough for business negotiations or university study. Conversation practice matters, yet without grammatical foundations it is easy to reinforce mistakes. Relearning is often harder than learning systematically from the beginning.

In a group, you follow a standard programme. You may, however, have particular gaps in your knowledge or topics that need more attention. Individual lessons with a skilled teacher help identify those needs and focus on them. This makes thoughtful use of both your time and your energy: neither is unlimited.

One particularly good option is 2:1 tuition: two students with one teacher. These programmes should be booked well in advance. The school needs to find a partner of a similar level from another country with a different first language, while also considering age, interests and accommodation rules. Some programmes match students of the same gender. When a suitable pair is found, lessons usually cost less than 1:1 tuition and can be a rewarding experience for both students. This can also engage a child who is reluctant to study. Help them find their motivation, and the language becomes a real means of communication. We have seen this happen many times!