TLDR
Sherpa has launched an international platform, advertising EFL to international learners.
To be eligible, add 'English as a Foreign Language EFL' as a subject to your profile, then build your TEFL profile.
You'll get your first EFL enquiry which tells you the learner's CEFR level, native language and goals.
Learners will pay for and request a 20 minute Trial Lesson with you.
You'll need to ensure you're properly prepped for Trial Lessons.
EFL lessons run as normal on Sherpa.
❓ Why are we launching an English as a Foreign Language platform?
We're always working hard to get our tutors additional enquiries.
EFL offers an opportunity to fill our tutors' daytime availability, reduce the seasonality impact from UK subject tutoring and increase the overall volume of enquiries they can receive.
⭐ How do I advertise to EFL students?
EFL profiles are structured slightly differently to your main profile. You can read how to set up your EFL profile here.
🔍 What's different between the EFL platform and the main platform?
The main thing to be aware of is that EFL students will pay for Trial Lessons, which are used in place of Introductions.
🎯 What should I expect when I receive my first enquiry?
When a student views your EFL profile and decides to send you an enquiry, we send you the request for a Trial Lesson and a first message which aims to give you context about the learner.
We aim to include:
Their English CEFR level
Their native language (and country, if possible)
What their English-learning goals are.
You'll need to accept their Trial Lesson request in the same way you would accept an Introduction. If you're not able to make the requested time - please try to reschedule by messaging the student. You can then use the Bookings page to move the Trial Lesson after confirming it with your student.
📹 How should Trial Lessons work?
You can read more about Trial Lessons and what they entail here.
💸 How does payment work for the EFL platform?
Whilst the EFL platform is in Beta, you'll be paid for your Trial Lessons outside of Stripe Connect. During this period, you won't be able to see payments for Trial Lessons on your Payments page, and you'll be paid for Trial Lessons monthly. The standard platform fee applies to Trial Lessons.
Once the platform is out of Beta, you'll be paid as normal through your Stripe Connect account - and be able to see Trial Lesson payments in your Payments page. You'll start to receive payments every 2 weeks in line with the main platform after that.
How does it work from the student's perspective?
Students pay for Trial Lessons upfront (i.e. when requesting them) and will have the option to be charged in their native currency or GBP when they are paying for their Trial Lesson.
You'll always be paid out in GBP.
Students will be charged in GBP for full lessons.
🌎 How do time zones work?
The platform is completely localised for EFL students. They'll see all dates and times in their local timezone, and the platform is translated into their native language.
For example, when a student goes to book in with you, they'll be able to see their current timezone - with your availability translated.
When you're looking to book hourly lessons - it can be easier to ask them to book from their end. That allows them to see your calendar converted to their local timezone - and choose a time that suits both of you.
🙋 Learner Age Ranges
Unlike the existing Sherpa platform, EFL learners can range in age from children to adults.
🗣️ Teaching Different CEFR Levels
Occasionally, you may have an enquiry from an absolute beginner (A1 level) learner. If you do not have a shared language, or experience teaching A1 learners, you may not want to accept the Trial Lesson.
This is completely fine - we just ask you get in touch with our team in the bottom right to let us know, so we can help the learner find an alternative tutor.
💬 What else do I need to know?
You're not able to book in Trial Lessons with students. They must send you a request for a Trial Lesson from their end by going to your profile page.
Students are automatically refunded for a Trial Lesson if it's cancelled, declined or not confirmed in time.
Student's enquiry messages are automatically translated from their native language to English - but following messages aren't.
Bookings work in the exact same way as the regular platform for EFL students.