No, that's not a requirement, even though many have many years of educational experience. They all have native, English-speaking skills and a desire to teach and to learn.

Our Students must meet these prerequisites:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have your own email address and a computer or smartphone connected to the Internet.
- Attend a Speak English Cafe overview training session.
- Commit to one or more hours each week for online conversations with your teacher.
- Have a working ability to converse in English. We do not teach basic English skills, but we focus on sharpening the skills you already have.

We have two class types: group (up to 5 students) and one-on-ones. For 1:1 classes only male teachers meet with male students and female teachers are paired with female students.

Each class starts with a module or set of lessons. Usually these sets are seven lessons long. Each class meets for one hour each week. If you want to continue working together after the completion of all the lessons in one module, you may request the next module.

Each lesson consists of these basic items: new vocabulary, idioms, figures of speak, and then a time for dialog. Each lesson lends itself to interactive discussions that might cover a broad range of topics.

There is no cost to our students, and there are no advertisements. We are privately funded and provide our services without cost or obligation.

Once you've developed a relationship with your teacher, you may want to discuss personal matters. Although our teachers are not professional counselors, they understand the need for absolute confidentiality. You can be assured your conversations, and any specific information you provide, will never be divuldged and will only be used as needed to help us provide our services to you.