If you plan to take the IELTS exam, it’s time to select a good coaching centre. IELTS is a widely recognized standardized test for evaluating the English language proficiency of a non-native speaker. The test scores are accepted by more than 10,000 organizations, which include colleges and universities, multinational companies and immigration departments.
IELTS is instrumental in determining your eligibility for a study program, professional or migration. It proves you have the essential communication skills to thrive in an English-speaking academic and professional setting. However, to crack the IELTS exam, you must know the fundamentals and get a genuine IELTS coach. So before you search “IELTS coaching centre near me,” keep in mind the following points to identify the best ones from the lot.
How to Find the Right IELTS Coach?
• Invest time in research:
First and foremost, you cannot settle for any random IELTS coach you come across. Like most of us, you can resort to Google search to find detailed information about potential IELTS coaches. Shortlist top-ranked coaching centres, visit their websites, and learn everything you can about the trainer. For example, if you choose AbroAdvice, one of India’s top-rated study abroad consultants, connect with the student support team for information about IELTS coaches, study materials, mock tests, and IELTS exam fee structure and solve your queries before getting started.
• Attend trial classes:
All top-ranked IELTS coaching centres offer trial classes to help students understand how everything works and if the tutor is the right choice. Aim to maximize this opportunity by attending as many trial classes as possible. Ask as many questions as you can without diverting from the main discussion. Also, don’t be hesitant to approach the coach for a one-to-one interaction. Remember, you are investing in your future. It’s better to resolve doubts before making a deposit.
• Study the reviews:
You cannot finalize an IELTS coaching centre without knowing what the students say about the coaches and language trainers. And that’s only possible when you have read the reviews and noticed student reactions. Therefore, go through all the student reviews and weigh the negatives from the positives. Ask for feedback from current and past students. Gather references, if you can and connect with them before you go on board. You can also check third-party review platforms to get unbiased reviews and feedback about the IELTS trainer.
• Know your budget:
We all want the best trainers for the best possible guidance. However, one factor that can set the aspirants on the back foot is the budget. You won’t be able to find good coaching centres if you don’t allocate a sufficient amount for your lessons. That said, it’s also important to acknowledge that several websites offer comprehensive training and study support without charging an arm and a leg. For instance, AbroAdvice.com is a brilliant study abroad consultancy backed by highly accomplished IELTS trainers who aim to prepare students for the big league without charging a hefty fee. So opt for such websites to get the best value for money.
• Personalized coaching:
If you want to score better than your nemesis, personalizedcoaching is what you need. So, find coaching centres offering personalized services focusing on the test taker’s needs. Then, compare the modules offered by different institutes. Most test takers are comfortable with trainers who offer a few online classes and study materials. Don’t settle for less. Instead, ensure that the trainer provides study resources, doubt-clearing sessions, custom-made exercises, mock test training, and more to give you a holistic learning experience.
• Teaching methodology:
Different tutors and language trainers have different teaching styles, so you must find a tutor who understands your weaknesses and strengths and offers the most suitable teaching methodology that aligns with your style of learning. For example, you will find several language centres that offer interactive learning methods, while others choose to give individual attention with one-to-one study sessions.
• Study materials & mock tests:
A genuine IELTS coaching centre provides comprehensive study materials on all test modules – reading, writing, listening and speaking. They make sure all study materials are easy to comprehend for all students, regardless of their language fluency. In addition to study materials, trainers also offer practice tests where you can appear for mock tests to get accustomed to the exam-like setting and complete the test within the given format and timing. With these practice test scores, both the trainer and you can track your progress and identify the challenges so you can improve.
• Location & transportation:
Even though it is towards the end of the list, location and accessibility are the key factors to consider when finding IELTS coaching centres. You cannot opt for centres that are at a substantial distance. You would be tired of the commute and be tempted to miss class. Bunking or missing classes due to distance can affect the overall learning experience. That’s why you find coaching centres with hassle-free travel routes. You are more likely to visit centres that are in close proximity to your home than a centre that requires you to use public or private transportation.
• Accessibility to online papers:
Like any other standardized language test, you cannot do well if you don’t take your lessons seriously. Look for websites or institutes that allow students to solve online question papers. Solving question papers will boost your confidence and help you determine how well you are prepared for the best. With regular evaluation, you can identify the benefits and drawbacks of coaching. Hence, always pick websites that assure you free online question papers.
• Weekly preparation tests:
Besides mock tests, several IELTS coaching centres conduct weekly tests to evaluate students’ level of preparation. As an IELTS aspirant, attending your classes and appearing for mock tests once a month is not enough. You need to train yourself to get a 7+ band score so you can secure a spot at your dream college. So, always choose websites that ensure weekly exams to determine if your efforts are directed at the right track.
• Qualified and experienced trainers:
Last but not least, consider the qualifications and experience of a trainer before you sign up for IELTS classes. Ensure that trainers have substantial experience in teaching and preparing for the exam days. Experienced trainers have detailed knowledge of the latest test format, marking criteria, common mistakes students usually make, etc. and can help you improve if you are stuck.
Along with relevant professional experience, checking the qualifications and certifications of the trainers is a must. Top-rated IELTS trainers have certifications such as CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or DELTS (Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. These certificates suggest that the trainer has the necessary skills and training to teach English to the test takers.
While many IELTS tutors and trainers may claim to have the skills of prepping students for the test, it’s always wiser to choose someone specializing in this language proficiency exam type. That way, you will be guided by experts who know the specific methods and strategies for mastering each test section, giving you an upper hand in the exam.
Wrapping Up
The significance of the IELTS score cannot be highlighted enough, especially if you are looking for opportunities abroad. You must secure a good band score to become eligible for admission into top-tier universities and jobs in reputed companies and migrate to English-speaking countries like Canada, the US, and the UK. The preparation process can become easier to manage with a certified IELTS trainer’s guidance. Therefore, consider the factors discussed above to find the best IELTS trainers in your area. Only then will you get the necessary help to enhance your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and secure higher band scores.
Good luck!
