ESL tutoring nearby and online

According to the British Council, English is the main language of newspapers, books, airports, advertising, sports and international business. Most standardized tests in the United States are in English, as are college entrance exams. A majority of businesses require applicants to be fluent in English.

The difficulty encountered in learning English may be partially influenced by a person's native tongue. Those who speak a language closely related to English, such as German, might find learning English much easier than someone who speaks Japanese or Chinese.

Conversation is an integral part of learning the nuances of the English language, however in a classroom setting where lectures are the norm, learning the language can become more difficult. Those learning English might find they need a tutor to help them understand the small nuances of pronunciation and other challenges of learning the language.

Great resources for ESL tutoring

Whether you or your child needs a little help with the finer points of English or you are learning English as a second language, these resources for English tutoring could be helpful:

• Tutor matching. Our TutorFinder can help you locate tutors in your area. TutorFinder can help you search by grade level, subject and location.
• Community centers and libraries. Literacy programs sponsored by a library or community center often meet on a regular basis. These programs can often provide tutoring for everyone from those who speak very little English to those who speak the language well but simply need to brush up on key concepts.
• Peer tutoring. Those who know English very well can often help their peers who don't. This works well in all levels of education, from elementary school to college. Swapping services--offering tutoring for math in exchange for English tutoring, for example--are also good options.
• Volunteer organizations. Places like the Boys & Girls Club of America or the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring organization might offer English assistance in your local area. Volunteer sites on the Internet, such as Volunteer Match, can help connect you with tutors.
• Private tutors. Paid tutor organizations can provide tutoring for all subjects and all grades.
• Online help. Online resources can be very helpful for those who like to learn at their own pace. Community message boards and English language-related social network sites like Englishforums.com can offer a boost to English studies from the comfort of your laptop.
• Self-guided options. Programs like Rosetta Stone can be expensive, but they can also be quite helpful for those who have trouble finding the time to fit in tutoring sessions.

Before choosing a tutoring resource, consider your needs. Look at your budget, the grade level of the student and the best learning styles for that individual. Start by exploring resources online, including our TutorFinder, to help determine the best English tutoring for your skill level.