Application and Interview

Q: I want to join Speak Zone, but I don’t see interview times that work for me. What can I do?

A: No problem! If none of our available interview slots work for you, email us at info@speakzone.org and we’ll do our best to accommodate your schedule. We also offer the option to record and submit a video interview as an alternative.

Q: I can’t make it to my scheduled interview. Can I reschedule or cancel?

A: Yes! Just let us know as soon as possible by emailing info@speakzone.org, and we’ll help you reschedule.

Q: I missed my interview. What should I do?

A: Email us and we’ll help you set up a new time or provide you with instructions for an alternative video interview.

Getting Matched with a Tutor

Q: When will I be matched with a tutor?

A: After your interview and form submission, we usually match students within 1–2 weeks. If there is a delay, we’ll email you with updates.

Q: Do I have to communicate by email?

A: We mainly send important info through email, so please check it regularly. Once you’re matched, you and your tutor can agree on your preferred way to communicate (Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Chat, etc.).

Q: I received my match email. What do I do next?

A: Reach out to your tutor to introduce yourself and schedule your first session! We’ll also send you a welcome guide to help you get started.

Issues with a Tutor

Q: Can I ask to be matched with a different tutor?

A: Yes—if there’s a serious issue, please contact us. However, we do not rematch based on a tutor’s nationality, accent, or background. We celebrate diversity and believe learning from different voices is part of the experience.

Q: My tutor isn’t responding. What should I do?

A: Wait 3–5 days, then email us if there’s no response. We’ll step in to check on the situation.

Q: My tutor and I can’t find a time that works. What now?

A: Let us know! We’ll help you both coordinate, or if needed, rematch you with someone who better fits your schedule.

Q: My tutor doesn’t seem interested. Can you help?

A: Yes—please contact us. We’ll reach out to the tutor and, if needed, assign you a new one.

Leaving or Taking a Break

Q: How can I leave the program?

A: Just email us at info@speakzone.org with at least 1 week’s notice so we can properly close your profile.

Q: Can I rejoin later if I leave?

A: Absolutely! Just contact us when you’re ready, and we’ll restart your profile.

Progress and Feedback

Q: How will I know if I’m improving?

A: Your tutor may offer informal feedback during sessions. You can also track your progress using self-assessment forms we send out every few months.

Q: Can I receive a certificate when I complete the program?

A: Yes! After attending at least 10–12 sessions and actively participating, you can request a completion certificate.

Program Format and Details

Q: What are the tutoring options available at Speak Zone?

A: Speak Zone currently offers 1-on-1 tutoring, where one volunteer is matched with one learner for personalized weekly English conversation sessions. Each session lasts around 45–60 minutes, and you can work with more than one learner if you’d like.

Q: Can I get community service or volunteer hours?

A: Yes! We’re happy to confirm your hours. After you’ve completed at least 10 sessions, email us at contactspeakzone@gmail.com to request a verification letter or certificate.

Q: How long is the program commitment?

A: We ask tutors to commit to at least 10–30weeks (depending on the amount of times tutors meet per week, e.g. 10 week program track requires meeting 3 times a week, 20 week program track requires meeting two times a week, and 30 week program track requires meeting once per week), with a minimum of 1 hour per week.

Q: What kind of learners will I be matched with?

A: Our students vary in age, English level, and background, but all are eager to improve their speaking skills. Many are teens or young adults from countries in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and beyond.

Q: Do you provide materials or do I make my own lessons?

A: We provide a full curriculum with structured lesson packets and fun discussion topics. You don’t need to prepare your own materials—just show up ready to talk!

Q: Where should sessions take place?

A: All sessions are usually done over Zoom. You and your learner can also use WhatsApp, Google Meet, or similar tools if both agree.

Q: Do I need to use video? Can we speak without it?

A: We recommend using video to make sessions more personal, but if a learner has internet issues or prefers audio-only, that’s okay.

Q: English isn’t my first language. Can I still volunteer?

A: Absolutely! As long as you are fluent in English and can carry a natural conversation, you’re welcome to volunteer.

Application and Interview

Q: I can’t find an interview time that works for me. What do I do?

A: Email us at contactspeakzone@gmail.com and we’ll offer you more time slots or let you submit a recorded video interview instead.

Q: I missed my interview—can I reschedule?

A: Yes, no worries! Just email us and we’ll help you reschedule or send you the video interview option.

Q: I completed an interview but didn’t get a follow-up. What now?

A: Please wait up to 5 business days and then follow up via email if you haven’t heard back.

Getting Matched to a Student

Q: When will I get matched?

A: Once your application and interview are complete, we typically match you with a student within 1–2 weeks.

Q: Can I request a student based on preferences (age, gender, etc.)?

A: You may indicate your preferences during your interview, and we’ll do our best to accommodate them—but we can’t guarantee specific matches.

Q: I just got my match email. What do I do next?

A: Reach out to your student to introduce yourself and coordinate your first session!

Issues with a Student

Q: My student isn’t responding. What should I do?

A: Wait 4 days, then email us. We’ll reach out to the student and help get things moving again.

Q: We can’t find a time that works for both of us.

A: Let us know—we can offer guidance or rematch you if needed.

Q: My student seems disengaged. Can I get help?

A: Yes! Email us with details and we’ll check in with the student or reassign you if necessary.

Q: I want to work with more than one student. Can I?

A: Definitely! Just email us to request a second match after you’ve settled into your first one.

Leaving or Changing Matches

Q: Can I switch students or take a break?

A: Yes—just let us know by emailing info@speakzone.org. We ask for a 1-week notice before any schedule changes so we can support the learner.

Q: Can I come back if I take time off?

A: Absolutely. We’d love to have you return when you’re ready.