There are many ways to learn a language: lessons, books, social media, and my app 'Podo Korean.' Among these, private lessons with a native teacher tend to be the most effective. However, they also come with significant drawbacks, like higher costs and time limitations. If you’ve decided to find a native Korean teacher, it's important to choose the right one to maximize your learning experience. In this post, I'll share three tips on how to find a great Korean teacher, based on my personal experiences.
Consider the Hourly Rate
First, you need to think about the cost. As mentioned, lessons with a native speaker are often the most expensive option. Typically, prices range from $10 to $30 per hour. Finding a teacher within your budget is essential because 'consistency' is key. It’s unlikely that your Korean skills will improve significantly with just a few lessons, so it's important to find an affordable option that you can stick with for at least a year. I recommend taking lessons 1-2 times a week for the best results.
Keep in mind, however, that a higher price doesn’t always mean a better teacher, and a lower price doesn’t mean a bad one. The key is to find a teacher that fits your learning style, but your budget will affect your options.
Know What You Want
One time, before my first lesson with an American student, he sent me a detailed document via Google Docs outlining exactly what he wanted from the lessons. The document included topics he wanted to discuss, subjects he didn’t like, and how he preferred to learn. At first, I was worried that this student might be too demanding. But once we started lessons, I realized how helpful it was to already know his preferences.
Usually, the first lesson is focused on getting to know the student—their Korean level, motivation, and personality. But when a student clearly communicates their needs beforehand, it benefits both the teacher and the student.
Later, when I was looking for an English teacher myself, I used this approach. I created a document outlining what I wanted from the lessons and sent it to my teacher before the first class. This allowed me to quickly see if the teacher was a good fit for my needs.
Finding the Right Teacher
It would be great to find the perfect teacher after just one lesson, but it's not that easy. When I was looking for an English teacher, I took lessons with over 10 different teachers before selecting 2-3 that fit me best. Why not just one? As I mentioned earlier, one of the downsides of lessons with a native speaker is time limitations. If you only choose one teacher, there’s a chance they may not be available when you are, or they may have to cancel due to personal reasons.
Additionally, hearing a variety of accents and voices can be more beneficial than sticking to one person’s speech patterns. Worst case, your teacher might stop teaching altogether—this actually happened to me. If I had only relied on one teacher, I would have had to pause my learning while searching for a new one.
➤ Finding a good teacher is important, but practicing what you learn on your own is even more crucial. If you don’t review or practice outside of class, you’re wasting your money.
If your Korean is at a beginner or intermediate level, I recommend taking lessons 1-2 times a week. You’ll need time to absorb new expressions and come up with questions. If you're an advanced learner focusing on speaking, I suggest shorter but more frequent sessions—about 30 minutes, 3-5 times a week.
Are you looking for a native Korean teacher? Check out my "italki profile" to schedule a lesson. If your preferred time isn’t available, try my app, "Podo Korean," designed for serious learners like you. :)
