Classes, Tutoring & Membership FAQ

Updated August 2023

Please feel free to email info@ihouseri.org with any questions

Classes & Tutoring

Q: What levels of English classes and tutoring are available?

A: We currently offer classes and tutoring in Intermediate and Advanced levels. Please see our English class and tutoring page for details.

Q: I’m just beginning to learn English. Is there a class at my level?

A: At this time we do not have a Beginner’s English class but we can do an informal assessment to test your level to see if you would be a good candidate for our intermediate classes. Additional English classes in RI can be found at the following organizations: 

Q: I can’t attend any of the class times for my preferred language and level. Is private tutoring my best option?

A: Yes, if the timing of our classes is prohibitive, we suggest you consider private tutoring. With tutoring, you’ll be able to gain instruction with a more flexible schedule. 

Q: How does tutoring work? Will I be able to set my schedule? How do I pay? 

A: We do our best to pair tutors and students with shared interests. Scheduling is done on an individual basis with the availability of both the student and the tutor in mind. Most tutoring sessions happen between M-F from 9 - 5 pm EST. That said, if both the tutor and the student’s schedules allow, it is possible to schedule lessons during evenings and weekends. Students typically request one or two sessions a week. Payment can be made upfront or by the session according to your preference. You can submit a request for a tutor using this form. Depending on the match, we can arrange tutoring sessions either in person or via Zoom.

Q: Are there classes other than English? What about tutoring?

A: Currently, we offer language classes or clubs in French and Spanish. Our French Salon de Conversation is appropriate for intermediate to advanced speakers, and meets weekly on Mondays. We also have a monthly French Club on the first Monday of each month during the academic year (September - June) at 7PM open to all French levels. Our Spanish Conversation Club meets weekly on Wednesday mornings at 10AM and is open to all levels.

Thanks to the generosity of our volunteer base, we have provided students with tutoring in Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Chinese. Our language tutoring is dependent on tutor availability and tutoring is not currently offered for beginners, except for English. You can always submit a request for a tutor and we will try to find a match.

Q: Do you offer classes for children?

A: Typically, we offer language classes and tutoring for adults. Occasionally, in individual situations, we have some exceptions for tutoring sessions. Please inquire at info@ihouseri.org for more details. 

Q: Are classes available remotely?

A: We offer both virtual and in-person classes. For some classes we also offer a hybrid options. Please contact us for more information or see our current class schedule for details. 

Q: Is tutoring offered remotely?

A: Yes, tutoring is available remotely or in person. 

Pricing & Membership:

Q: What is membership? How does it work? Are there benefits to membership?

A: Membership is open to all and supports International House. There are three types of membership and they last for one calendar year: Individual ($40/year), Family ($60/year).

Current university students, graduate students & visiting international scholars (and their spouses J2/F2 visa holders + families) receive a free membership. Members receive discounts on classes, tutoring, events, and other International House activities. Classes are offered at a discount rate to all members, and you can check the class page for more pricing information. 

Being a member opens up the opportunity to be part of an engaging community, attend dinners and talks, gain quality instruction, and volunteer to benefit the international community in Rhode Island. 

Q: What are the prices for classes and tutoring?

  • English Language Class Price: $50 for 7 classes (about $7 per class). $10 for drop-in class. (click here for more detailed class information)

  • English 1-1 Tutoring: $15 (non-member), $12 (member) per session

  • French & Italian Classes: $25 (non-members), $18 (members) per session

  • ELL 1-1 Tutoring: 

  • Community Classes and Clubs - all open and free or by donation to members

    • Weekly Spanish Conversation Group with Bob - Every Wednesday at 10:00 

    • Potluck Lunch is every Thursday at 12:30 and free for all members, students, teachers, volunteers and community members to attend

    • Additional Public Events

Q: I would like to take both classes and sign up for tutoring. May I have a discount?

A: With all English classes, we offer the first class for free so you can try a class and determine if the class is right for you, regardless of pricing. English classes are intentionally priced at a student rate. Other language classes are at a higher price level, but they are still less expensive relative to other local options. As a nonprofit, we rely on class fees for sustaining our operating budget. That said, we believe that the cost should never be prohibitive when it comes to learning a language. We do have work-study options and scholarships. Please email info@ihouseri.org and we will answer any of your questions.