Coming out of the shadows: investing in English private tutoring at a transition point in Kazakhstan’s education system during the global pandemic

Unequal access to language learning resources has been exacerbated by the global expansion of English private tutoring (EPT). Despite its popularity, no study examined implications EPT during COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this mixed-methods explored nature and effectiveness that first-year Kazakhstani undergraduate students had experienced over previous 12 months It was informed Benson’s (2011) model beyond classroom. Data were collected through a close-ended questionnaire semi-structured online interviews. The found 318 out 750 (42.4%) EPT, 64% respondents received face-to-face although it considered health risk All interviewees perceived sessions as an encouraging environment for coaching towards university entrance examination expanding their knowledge. They attributed mainly individual attention they obtained from tutors, which lacking in classes with teachers due teachers’ indifferent attitude students’ questions limited duration video conferencing sessions. participants acted agentively evaluating advantages drawbacks EPT. Pedagogical areas further research are suggested.