Like many gaijin living in Japan, I earned some money as a conversational English tutor. Granted this was over 10 years ago, but have times have changed that much? I imagine people trying to learn English still wish to practice with a native speaker. And although my language studies are more in the realm of computers now, I certainly would the appreciate the opportunity to speak with a native speaker when learning a new language… and I’d pay for it.

Well, I believe we now have the technology where anyone can become a language tutor or student while being anywhere in the world. Take your pick - start a new line of business as a foreign language teacher or improve your language skills by connecting with a native speaker from the comfort of your own home.

Skype has just a released a new service call Skype Prime. It facilitates the invoicing of time when receiving calls over Skype. So, when someone contacts you to speak with a native speaker (English in this example), everything is taken care of for you.

From the Skype website:

With Skype Prime™ Beta you can share your skills by setting yourself up as a call provider offering services to other Skype users - and earn money in the process. You can use it to offer all sorts of advice, from teaching others about the rules of football to giving a one-to-one cookery class over a video call.

Ok, it probably seems obvious now - teaching foreign languages would be ideal application of this technology.

If you are interested in pursuing this idea further or have any questions, feel free to contact me

The logo below will take you to the Skype Website:

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