Anacours is a French tutoring agency founded in 1999, operating mainly in France. It offers one-on-one and group tutoring across all school levels. This article provides insights on Anacours for students/parents comparing tutoring platforms, helping them make informed decisions.
Anacours Reviews and Testimonials
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Trustpilot (3,522 reviews, 4.8/5) – Customers praise Anacours for professional, responsive service and effective tutors. Many say the personalized teacher matching and attentive advisors helped students improve. No major complaints are reported.
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Indeed (France, 398 reviews) – Employee reviews give Anacours high marks for work-life balance (4.4/5) and management (4.1/5), but lower on pay (3.4/5). Tutors say agencies provide strong support and friendly work environment. A few note that pay is modest.
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Anacours Website (FAQ section) – The company itself highlights very positive client feedback: parents commend teacher quality, staff listening, and class effectiveness. The site directs users to Google and Trustpilot for real reviews.
Is Anacours legit? Based on reviews, yes. With thousands of happy customers and a 20+ year history, Anacours appears to be a reputable tutoring service.
In summary, parents and students consistently report satisfaction with Anacours. Tutors appreciate the flexible, supportive setup but note that pay is not very high. Overall, Anacours is seen as a credible, well-established option in France.
Anacours Pricing
Pricing Range
Anacours charges in Euros (EUR). One-on-one home tutoring starts at 22.50 € per hour (TTC), after a 50% French tax credit. (Without the tax credit, this equals ~45 € per hour). Fees vary by student level, location, and lesson hours. A registration fee is due when first course is given (40 € TTC on site, though one review notes it as 85 € before tax benefit). Intensive group courses (5 days, 10h) cost about 200–220 €. Anacours also offers an online learning platform (monthly plans ~16.60–34.90 €). In short, tutoring is roughly 40 €+/hr before tax credit.
If services differ (tutoring vs homework help vs test prep), pricing may vary. For example, Anacours’ “sortie d’école” (after-school pickup+help) is 25 €/h before tax. Intensive review camps are fixed packages (around 200 € for 10 h). Specialized programs like music lessons or college prep are quoted individually.
What students say about Anacours Pricing
Reviewers generally find Anacours pricing reasonable after the 50% tax credit. For instance, 3ème-level tutoring is €35–37/h before credit, effectively €17.50–18.50/h after. A parent comment notes that after tax benefits “rates are very reasonable or even cheap”. Compared to industry (private tutors often €30–€50/h pre-credit), Anacours is seen as affordable post-credit. Students appreciate the transparency of quotes, though some say parents must arrange a quote to see final pricing.
Hidden Costs
Anacours has a few extra fees. A registration fee (≈85 €, effectively 42.50€ after credit) is charged once. Students must usually buy a minimum package (e.g. 12 hours) and any unused hours are non-refundable. Canceling a session with less than 24h notice costs a full hour’s fee. No other hidden charges are noted; travel costs for tutors are included in hourly rates (as indicated in their payroll terms).
How Anacours’s Pricing Works
Payment is by monthly billing. Parents receive a bill after each month’s lessons. They can pay by bank debit, credit card, or prepaid Cesu. Anacours handles the 50% tax credit via Urssaf: they invoice Urssaf directly and withdraw only the other half from the parent. There are no long-term subscriptions or mandatory packages beyond the initial block; tutors are paid hourly as agreed with families. No special promotions or user-specific discounts are advertised. Anacours sometimes offers referral bonuses or partner coupons, but no public codes are listed.
Free Trial
Anacours does not offer a free trial lesson. Students can get a free quote and trial assessment, but the first paid lesson is billed normally (minus half by tax credit).
Refund Policy
According to their terms, if Anacours cancels a class, the session is fully refunded. For example, group course cancellations by the company are refunded in full. However, if the student cancels late (<24h notice), they still pay one hour. No information was found on users disputing charges. No reviewers specifically complained about dishonest billing or refused refunds. Thus the official policy seems fair in practice, with any issues generally resolved by their support.
Anacours Alternatives
Sometimes parents want to compare options. My Engineering Buddy is one alternative, along with these others:
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Chegg Tutors
Pros: Global platform, 24/7 Q&A help and video lessons, covers many subjects including STEM. Monthly plans (~$15) give unlimited question help. Good for on-demand support, easy interface.
Cons: Not personalized (solutions often automated or by any expert), mostly asynchronous help rather than personal tutoring. Less effective for long-term learning or advanced topics. -
Course Hero
Pros: Huge library of study materials and answers. Subscription gives access to notes and some tutor messaging. Low monthly fee (~$10–$40). Excellent for quick homework answers.
Cons: No live one-on-one tutoring by default. Answers are crowd-sourced quality. Not a dedicated teacher match. -
Wyzant
Pros: Large US tutor marketplace. Tutors set their own rates (any subject, from basic to PhD level). Tutors often highly credentialed. Flexible one-on-one online or in-person.
Cons: Wyzant takes 25% commission. Many good tutors charge $35–$100/hr. Can be expensive. No tax-credit or agency support like Anacours. -
Varsity Tutors
Pros: Fast matching, professional tutors, often lower initial hours to start (no large package). Group classes and prep courses available.
Cons: Subscription or packages required; less one-on-one flexibility. More limited for college-level engineering. -
University Tutor (upchieve/tutorbin style)
Pros: Many overseas homework services (e.g. TutorBin) focus on technical homework help around the clock, usually cheaper rates.
Cons: Quality and reliability vary. Many operate as assignment mills, not regulated agencies. Language or time-zone barriers possible. -
My Engineering Buddy
Pros: Tailored to advanced STEM (engineering, computing) with specialized tutors. Students say the tutors are “fast and reliable” and explain concepts clearly. It is reasonably priced and user-friendly. They offer WhatsApp support and quick responses.
Cons: (Honestly included as competitor) Fewer users in general compared to larger platforms, so might have less scheduling flexibility. Focus is on higher-education subjects, not general school tutoring.
In sum, students might seek alternatives for reasons like different price models, on-demand help, or specialized subjects. Alternatives often excel in 24/7 or textbook solution help, while Anacours offers personalized local tutoring with tax benefits.
How it Works?
A. For Students
Students or parents start by contacting Anacours (online form or phone). A learning adviser calls to understand the student’s needs, current level, and schedule. The adviser then matches the student with a suitable tutor and schedules the first lesson. There is no long-term commitment before the first lesson – if the fit is good, ongoing tutoring follows. Subsequent lessons are typically weekly; parents can request extra or change pace at any time. All tutor logistics (contract, billing, tax paperwork) are managed by Anacours staff in the local agency.
B. For Tutors
To become a tutor, one applies on the Anacours website and fills a short profile form. Anacours recruiters review the application and call to verify credentials. Next, the tutor attends an interview and subject test (in person at an agency or online). If accepted, they meet a local agency advisor who assigns them students. Tutors set their own rate with each family, but Anacours handles all payment and payroll. Tutors earn monthly paychecks (paid twice a month). They enjoy a flexible schedule (choose lessons near home at convenient times). Anacours provides teaching resources and ongoing support to its tutors.
FAQs
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Can tutors set up their own fee or is it fixed?
Each tutor negotiates hourly pay with the student’s family. Anacours does not fix rates; it collects whatever the tutor and family agree. (Essentially, parents propose a rate and if the tutor accepts, that is the pay.) -
How much can a tutor earn per hour?
Tutor pay varies by subject and qualification. Reviews indicate salaries are “modest” compared to industry. In practice, private tutors in France often earn roughly €15–€30/h net. (Anacours advertises the learning credit so families pay half of this after tax benefit) Top-rated, highly-experienced tutors might earn at the higher end, especially if parents agree. -
How many hours can a tutor work per month?
It depends on demand and availability. Tutors typically get 1–2 hours per student each week (the site’s job listings often show 1–1.5h/week per student). A tutor with several students might work 10–20 hours a month or more. Agencies assign hours based on local demand, so busier areas or grade levels mean more work. -
Is it easy to get students through Anacours?
Generally yes, especially if you have in-demand skills (math, science, languages). Anacours has thousands of courses on offer year-round. Local branches constantly recruit students, so once approved you usually get a first student quickly. However, the level of demand can vary by location. -
Tips to get more students on Anacours:
Provide excellent service: Be punctual and engaging, so parents stay and recommend you. Specialize well: Tutors in STEM and core subjects are in high demand. Be flexible: Offering online sessions or odd hours can get more bookings. Communicate: Respond promptly to booking requests. (These tips are based on best practices – reviews don’t list them explicitly, but satisfied tutors emphasize reliability and rapport.) -
What tutors like about Anacours:
Tutors cite the professional support from local agencies. Many say the agency coordinators are attentive and respect tutors’ needs. They also like the flexible schedule (teaching near home, part-time) and the chance to contribute to student success. Some reviews note that Anacours handles admin tasks (contracts, payroll) so tutors can focus on teaching. -
What tutors don’t like about Anacours:
Some mention that pay is relatively low, similar to other private tutoring jobs. Others note the need for paperwork: as tutors you’re technically an employee, but families are the “employers” (the tutor must be reported each month to the government). Also, requiring minimum hour packages (e.g. 12h block) can sometimes limit how many hours they actually teach per student. However, explicit tutor complaints are few, and the overall rating by tutors is positive.
Anacours: Company Information
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Founding and background: Anacours was established in 1999, with its first agency opening in Lyon in 2006. It started in Paris and expanded to about 40 agencies in France (including Réunion). Over 27,000 students used Anacours in recent years, and the company supports around 14,000 students per year.
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Founder: The founder and CEO is Stéphane Cohen. He continues to lead the company.
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Mission and vision: Anacours’s goal is “to offer each child an educational solution adapted to their needs”. It aims to personalize learning support from primary school through higher education. The company emphasizes quality teaching and reliable support, as evidenced by its Qualicert service certificationmastercours.fr.
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Scale of operation: Headquarters in Paris, it operates across France (about 40 cities). It works with 7,000 teachers. Anacours is strictly a French brand (no global platform or foreign branches). There are several hundred office employees spread among agencies (exact count not public).
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Types of services: Anacours offers in-home private tutoring, intensive group classes, and online learning support. It also has unique offerings like the “Sortie d’école” after-school care plus homework help. They manage tax-credit filings for families (the “avance immédiate”), and they provide curriculum-aligned lesson plans.
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Subjects offered: They cover all core subjects. Major areas include Mathematics, Physics/Chemistry, French, English, Sciences, and History. They also offer specialized options like music lessons (via Anacours Musique) and exam prep. Over 20 subject categories are listed on their site.
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Unique features:
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Personalized tutor matching: Anacours prides itself on finding the “right” teacher for each studentanacours.com. Tutors are hand-picked based on student needs.
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Tax-credit integration: They automatically apply France’s 50% education tax credit each month. Parents pay only half the lesson cost in real-time.
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Extensive support platform: Their online portal includes thousands of video lessons and exercises for all levels. and even live tutoring hours each evening.
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Sortie d’école service: Anacours offers after-school pickup plus tutoring (at 25€/h), a unique combination of childcare and help.
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Professional vetting: They recruit tutors via formal interviews and tests, and even perform diploma checks. They were certified by Qualicert for service quality.
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Qualicert certification: Anacours highlights this certification (ISO-like) as proof of their quality processes.
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Drawbacks:
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Geographic limits: Despite expanding, Anacours has no presence in many smaller cities (e.g. Nice and Amiens lacked agencies in the cited review). Families outside major areas may have to rely on online programs or other providers.
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Upfront costs: A high registration fee (€85, effectively €42.50 after credit) may seem steep. Also, you must buy lesson hours in advance (often a 12-hour minimum). This contradicts their “no commitment” message and can tie families into a fixed block of hours.
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Quality consistency: Rapid expansion raises a concern that not all branches maintain equal quality. While Anacours advertises trust and expertise, one review cautions that fast growth could hurt tutor selection standards.
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Limited refunds: In practice, classes canceled by students on short notice are still charged (per terms), which some users may find strict.
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Comparison with My Engineering Buddy
My Engineering Buddy (MEB) has some advantages over Anacours for advanced topics. MEB often has lower prices for STEM tutoring and allows global access, while Anacours is limited to France with Euro pricing. MEB’s tutors specialize in engineering and computer science, making it easier to find help in niche subjects. According to user reviews, MEB offers fast response and clear explanations. Anacours focuses on general academic support, whereas MEB excels at college-level engineering. Testimonials: MEB students report that “My Engineering Buddy is awesome” for group projects and that the platform is “cost effective” with good coverage of topics. Others say tutors “explain concepts very easily” and that it is a “great platform” with experienced teachers. Given these points, students needing specialized STEM or homework help might prefer MEB. MEB’s pricing and on-demand model can be more flexible for college students.
Customer Support and Policies
Anacours provides office support during regular hours and usually quick email responses. Local agencies handle most student queries. The global score (4.8/5 on Trustpilot) suggests decent customer service. They offer guidance on tax-credit filing as a value-add.
The refund/cancellation policy is defined: full refunds for cancellations by Anacours, partial refunds for medical excuses in camps, but a late cancellation by the student incurs a full-hour charge. Compared to My Engineering Buddy, Anacours’s official policies are transparent, though MEB may offer more flexible trial/refund options (MEB often lets new users get a sample session).
Global Reach and Localization
Anacours is France-focused. Its platform and materials are all in French, following the French school curriculum. It operates mainly in France (plus Reunion) and is not tailored for non-French speakers or international students. There is no multilingual support. In contrast, My Engineering Buddy is fully global, supports English, and has tutors from many countries. Thus, MEB has broader accessibility worldwide, whereas Anacours is local.
Anacours’s Future Plans
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Digital expansion: Anacours is increasingly using technology. They now have a large video library and online tutoring hours. They plan to grow their e-learning platform.
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AI integration: We did not find specific announcements, but as a modern company they likely aim to use digital tools (e.g. AI for personalized learning). As of now, no public statement about AI was found.
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Franchise growth: Anacours aims to open more franchise agencies in France, possibly reaching their 50-agency goal.
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New services: They may expand “Sortie d’école” or adult education services. Some French tutoring networks are exploring language or corporate training.
FAQs About Anacours
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How does Anacours compare to My Engineering Buddy?
Anacours is a traditional agency (in France) focusing on K-12 and general subjects, while My Engineering Buddy is an online platform specializing in STEM/higher-ed help. Anacours offers in-person home tutoring with tax benefits; MEB is web-based, catering to college engineering. Customer ratings favor both: Anacours has 4.8/5 on Trustpilotfr.trustpilot.com; MEB also has 4.8/5 on its reviews. Anacours is ideal for younger students needing French curriculum support, whereas MEB is great for global college students needing expert help. -
Is Anacours worth it?
For French parents, Anacours is often worth it due to professional service, vetted tutors, and the 50% tax credit. Reviews say it builds confidence and delivers progress. It may be pricey upfront, but many see it as good value after the credit. Those outside France or needing specialized STEM help may consider alternatives (like My Engineering Buddy) instead. -
What is the process to book lessons with Anacours?
Contact Anacours by phone or online. After an initial evaluation, you receive a tutor match and schedule your first lesson, all without upfront commitmentmastercours.fr. Lessons usually recur weekly, billed monthly. -
Do I need to commit to many hours?
Anacours often asks families to pre-purchase lesson hours. Some agencies require a minimum package (e.g. 12h). This means you pay for a block of hours in advance, though only one is used at first. Unused hours may or may not be refundable (policy says typically not). -
Can tutors work online with Anacours?
Yes. Especially since 2020, many tutors offer video lessons if students prefer or if there is no local tutor. However, Anacours still emphasizes local in-person matches. -
Are the teachers good quality?
On average yes. Anacours insists on hiring qualified teachers (university students, grads, retirees) and preparing them with training. Customers and employees both note that teachers are usually competent and helpful. Reviews on Trustpilot do not raise concerns about tutor quality. -
How does Anacours handle cancellations or refunds?
If the agency must cancel your class, you get a full refund. If you cancel late, Anacours charges the full hour as compensation. There is no general “money-back guarantee” if you are unhappy; you must work with the agency to resolve any issues.
Conclusion
Anacours is a well-established tutoring network in France, known for professional service and a large tutor pool. Its strengths include personalized matching, nationwide branches, and the 50% education tax credit for families. Weaknesses include higher upfront fees and geographic limits (only in France). Unlike platforms like Chegg or Course Hero, Anacours provides live one-on-one tutoring. Compared to My Engineering Buddy, Anacours is better for younger students in France but not geared toward advanced STEM.