Frequently Asked Questions


^top What kind of operation do you run? How big is Tutors Int'l?

Tutors International runs out of a small office in Oxford; it has two full-time employees. Adam Caller - the person you really need to speak with - is often away seeing clients, interviewing tutors, etc. The demand for tutors is variable. Sometimes we may be working with six new clients, but usually we only handle two or three enquiries a month.

^top Does the business require any special licence?

In the UK, running an agency to place tutors abroad does not require a special licence. Nevertheless, we are subject to all the usual strictures of company law and trading standards, and by the particular requirements concerning teachers. Thus all our tutors must have clearance from the UK's Criminal Records Bureau.

^top Can I contact clients who have given testimonials?

We show a few testimonials on our website, but the clients who provided them are not contactable. We follow a strict policy of confidentiality and the clients we handle have very good reasons for keeping it that way. While the experiences of other clients may be of interest, your confidence in our service will ultimately be based on the tutor we find for you. Their references will be shown to you.

^top Do you employ your tutors? How are they contracted to you?

Our policy is to act as intermediary rather than introducer. The practice of most agencies is to act as a 'finder' for which they charge a one-off fee. The person 'placed' - tutor, butler, chauffeur - is the client's responsibility, and this includes: wages, visas, insurance, etc.
Tutors International follow a different path - we sign a contract with the client to provide tutoring services, and a corresponding contract with the tutor to supply those services. This means that the tutor is our responsibility, which is why we take so much trouble in recruitment.

^top How do you pay your tutors? How do you make your money?

We require the client to set up a monthly standing order to pay us. We then do the same for our tutor - paying a monthly salary directly into his or her account. We make our money by the difference between these two figures.
Clearly, the longer a contract lasts, the more we stand to make. This incentivises us to find the right tutor and ensure that the placement continues to satisfy the client. It is this ongoing relationship that makes Tutors International different.

^top Can the client specify particular attributes in a tutor?

This tends to be the norm. Clients may insist on a non-smoker, for example. Other attributes we've been asked for have included: creativity, sportiness, ability to ride, musical ability, good swimmer, love of animals, a sense of humour, etc. We do our best to get a good match with the family. It is, quite simply, in the interests of both parties that their interests and lifestyle should be compatible.

^top You put forward two tutors for interview. Can we see more?

Assuming that more is better, some clients have specified in advance that they want to interview 4 (or even 5) candidates. When this has happened they invariably find themselves spoilt for choice - with so many good candidates choosing becomes more difficult. It's actually less trouble to start with two. If neither is acceptable we will certainly put forward another two.

^top What are your standard terms of business? Can we see them in advance?

Our standard contract is a multi-page legal document arranged in specific sections, one of which is a Schedule. We are often asked to send it in advance and have no problem in doing so. In practice, we are usually asked to amend a few clauses here and there and, within reason, we try our best to oblige.

^top Why do you insist on a meeting? Can't we just agree things over the phone?

Our meeting you is vital. We get to see what kind of family you are and the circumstances the tutor will live in. And we meet the children, which gives us an opportunity to assess their needs. We really can't begin interviewing tutors until we have this background information - it is vital if we are to achieve a good match.

^top How long does it take to get a tutor in place?

It takes about 3 months - there's a detailed process to work through...
Following an enquiry we have to arrange to meet the client, draw up a spec, place adverts, receive CVs, check references, interview candidates, then arrange for client interviews, draw up contracts, and allow for the tutor to work through his or her notice period.

^top Are support visits really necessary?

Support visits are well worth the trouble. We've found from experience that the first weeks of a placement set the pattern, and a new tutor is likely to be reticent about any tensions or uncertainties. A visit from head office provides an opportunity to deal with these unseen difficulties.
Later on, things may seem to be going well. But it is our desire to keep things going well, and support visits help to foster this ongoing relationship. Our minimum recommendation is one support visit per annum. We make no profit from them, and ask only that you cover the air-fare and minimum expenses.