Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about learning and teaching Swahili on Swahili Tutors.
For Students
Do I need prior knowledge of Swahili to join?
Not at all! We have teachers who specialise in absolute beginners. Just let your teacher know your starting point and they'll tailor the lessons accordingly.
How do I find the right Swahili teacher for me?
Use our Teacher Directory to filter by specialisation, price, and teacher type. Read bios, check ratings, and watch video introductions. Most learners find their ideal match within a few profiles.
What equipment do I need for online Swahili lessons?
A computer or tablet with a microphone and webcam, and a stable internet connection. Lessons take place in our built-in video classroom — no extra software needed.
How much do Swahili lessons cost?
Rates start at $7 per hour, and each teacher's rate is shown on their profile. You pay by the minute from your wallet, only for the time you're both in the lesson. There are no packages or subscriptions.
Can I have a trial lesson before committing?
Yes. Your first lesson with each teacher is free for 20 minutes, so you can see whether you're a good fit before you pay anything. If a teacher isn't the right fit, try another: your first lesson with every teacher is free.
How do I pay for Swahili lessons?
Add funds to your Swahili Tutors wallet through Paystack (card, M-Pesa or bank transfer). Lessons are then charged per minute from your wallet. Never pay a teacher directly: payments made off the platform lose all refund and booking protection.
For Teachers
How do I become a Swahili teacher on Swahili Tutors?
Fill in the application form on our Become a Teacher page. We review every application, usually within 48 hours, and email you with next steps.
Do I need formal teaching qualifications to apply?
Formal qualifications are preferred but not always required. We value native fluency, teaching experience, and genuine passion for helping learners. Each application is reviewed individually.
Can I set my own teaching schedule?
Yes. You set your weekly hours so students know when to book, and you confirm each booking request or suggest a different time.
How much do I earn, and when am I paid?
Swahili Tutors keeps 40% of what a student pays for the first 60 paid minutes you teach them, and 30% after that, to run the platform, find students and process payments. You receive the rest. Your earnings page shows every lesson, and payouts go out on Fridays to the M-Pesa or bank account in your settings.
General
What languages are taught on Swahili Tutors?
Our platform focuses exclusively on Swahili (Kiswahili). This allows us to maintain deep expertise and quality in one language rather than spreading thin across many.
Is Swahili Tutors available worldwide?
Yes — both students and teachers from anywhere in the world are welcome. Lessons take place online via video call, so geography is no barrier.
How do I contact Swahili Tutors?
Use our Contact page or email us at hello@swahili-tutors.com. We aim to respond within 24 hours on weekdays.
Technical
What video platforms are used for online Swahili lessons?
Lessons take place in our built-in video classroom powered by Daily.co. Just click "Join Lesson" from your dashboard — no downloads or extra accounts required.
I'm having trouble with the website. What should I do?
Please contact us at hello@swahili-tutors.com or use the Contact page. Describe the issue and include your browser and device type if possible.