Giving private tutoring to middle and high school students over summer and winter vacation is typical for many KAIST students. Because tutors from prestigious universities such as KAIST are in high demand, getting a tutee is not difficult for KAIST students, especially in Daejeon. Rates are incredibly high for a part-time job, with at least 25,000 Korean Won per hour. Compared to other short-term part-time jobs during summer or winter vacation, such as serving at restaurants, private tutoring is often called a “honey” part-time job that requires little physical labor but pays well.

The major reason why KAIST students turn to private tutoring is that while monthly financial aids and allowances from parents may be sufficient to cover the cost of living, additional expenses invariably incur if one is to get actively involved in social life. For example, it is traditional for seniors to buy lower classmen meals or drinks. Dating costs also burden lovers, especially the male students. Shopping or buying birthday gifts are also major sources of expenditure. Since it is embarrassing to rely on parents for extra money every time allowance runs out, students choose to do private tutoring, the most time-efficient way to earn money. Below are several tips for private tutoring.

How to get private tutees

The beginning of, or one to two weeks before, summer and winter vacation is the best time to get tutees. If it is your first time giving private lessons, the easiest way to get students is by asking parents or their acquaintances to connect you to willing students. Posting advertisements on streets and apartment lobbies, or checking private tuition agency websites will also be efficient. Some parents ask for a “test class” before deciding to hire you as a private tutor. Remember, the student may be taking multiple test classes to choose the best tutor, so thoroughly preparing and planning the lessons are recommended.

Negotiation of price

University students are not professional tutors who are well versed in the most recent trends and styles of college entrance exams, so few parents are willing to give very high payments. Because there are many KAIST tutors eager to get students, parents may simply look for other tutors if you call inordinately high payment. Nevertheless, marketing yourself by providing resumes, report cards, or test scores can help to increase the payment.

Potential difficulties

There are so many types of students, and so many types of parents. Some students do not concentrate in class and do not do their homework or copy answers off the answer sheet. Others may get low grades despite their hard work. Some parents expect a dramatic change in their children’s grades over a short time. Tension and stress level are elevated even more if the student is in high school because the grades they get is directly related to their potential college and future. Dealing with the parents and students’ expectations and frustrations is inevitably also a part of a private tutor’s job.

In spite of these difficulties, private tutoring is largely an easy, quick way to earn money for KAIST students. During summer and winter vacation, many KAIST students fill up their entire week with tutoring schedules to earn much money over a short time. However, is this the best, most meaningful way to spend the precious youth and holiday? Summer is an open-ended question, do what floats your boat.