How the International Tutoring Market Is Quietly Transforming Education

In the past few years, tutoring has shifted from a simple after-school help to a global, dynamic industry. Students and families are no longer looking just for academic support; they're searching for personalized experiences, flexible schedules, and new ways to connect with learning. This quiet but powerful change is being led by entrepreneurs and educators who are rethinking what tutoring can mean — and who it should serve.

Across Europe, Asia, and North America, tutoring platforms are growing to meet this new demand. Whether through online classes, one-on-one mentorship, or community-driven language learning, the industry is moving fast. Global tutoring revenues are expected to rise to over $278 billion by 2028, according to recent studies. But behind the numbers are stories of real people making education more accessible, more personal, and, in many cases, more human.

Building Smarter Systems for Schools

For Sandro Kratz, founder of Tutorbase, the road to building better tutoring systems began with frustration. Running several language schools across Hong Kong and Singapore, Kratz noticed how much time was wasted managing schedules, billing, and payroll with outdated tools.

"We were juggling spreadsheets, emails, and clunky software that just made everything harder," Kratz said. "I started Tutorbase not as a business idea at first, but simply to solve our own problems. Once other centers saw it, they wanted in too. Today, more than 500 tutoring centers use it, and the best feedback we get is that teachers can finally spend more time teaching, not chasing down paperwork."

His experience reflects a growing trend: educational technology that supports, rather than replaces, the human side of learning.

From Student Tutor to EdTech Innovator

Alexander Liebisch's path into the world of education technology began during his university years in Munich, where he worked as a private tutor to support his studies. Recognizing the inefficiencies in traditional tutoring methods, he envisioned a more accessible and flexible approach to learning. This vision led to the co-founding of Easy-Tutor in 2017, alongside Massimo Cancellara and Jessica Contento.​ Alex later went on to found TinderProfile.AI after the success of his first startup.

"We started Easy-Tutor from a small office, driven by the idea that quality education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location," Liebisch recalls. "Through dedication and continuous innovation, we've grown to support over 12,000 students with a network of more than 1,000 qualified tutors. Securing nearly €10 million in venture capital funding has been a testament to our commitment and the impact we've made in the online education space."​

Easy-Tutor's platform offers personalized, one-on-one tutoring sessions across various subjects, utilizing advanced digital tools to enhance the learning experience. The company's success reflects a broader trend in the education sector, where technology-driven solutions are increasingly meeting the diverse needs of students worldwide.

Supporting the Whole Student

The pressure to perform academically is real, and it’s affecting students' mental health in serious ways. Aja Chavez, Executive Director at Mission Prep Healthcare, works with adolescents facing mental health challenges and sees firsthand how emotional well-being ties into educational success.

"When students come to us, it's often because they’re struggling far beyond the classroom," Chavez explained. "We focus on building emotional resilience first — teaching skills like managing anxiety and building healthy relationships. We've found that when students feel emotionally strong, their academic confidence grows too. In our programs, participation rates went up by 40% after adding mental health supports alongside schoolwork."

Her work is a reminder that tutoring today isn’t just about grades — it's about supporting the whole student, mind and body.

Language Learning That Builds Community

While technology plays a key role, the heart of tutoring is still personal connection — something David Cornado, Partner at the French Teachers Association of Hong Kong, knows well. Cornado has built a network where learning French isn’t confined to a classroom but weaves into real conversations, community gatherings, and everyday life.

"When we started, it wasn’t just about offering classes," Cornado explained. "We organized meetups, movie nights, and cooking classes, all in French. It turned lessons into real experiences, and students stayed engaged much longer. In one year, we saw a 35% higher retention rate just by focusing on that human connection."

In a time when isolation can easily creep into online learning, Cornado’s model shows how community can keep language learning alive.

Conclusion

The international tutoring market isn’t just expanding — it's evolving. Entrepreneurs like Sandro Kratz, David Cornado, Alexander Liebisch, and Aja Chavez are pushing education forward with tools, ideas, and communities that feel more human, not less. As tutoring becomes more about connection, confidence, and care, it's clear that the future of education is being built one personal story at a time.