The safest way to book across time zones is to store one confirmed lesson instant, show both parties the converted local time and keep the tutor’s original time zone visible in the booking record.
Key takeaways
- Choose from the tutor’s published availability.
- Confirm the converted time before payment.
- Recheck times when daylight-saving rules change.
One lesson, several clock times
A Johannesburg tutor and a London learner may see different clock times for the same lesson. The booking system should preserve the exact moment and convert it for each person rather than asking families to calculate the difference manually.
Why daylight saving matters
South Africa does not change clocks seasonally, while many other countries do. The time difference can therefore change during the year even when the tutor keeps the same weekly schedule.
What to confirm before checkout
Check the displayed local date, time and time-zone abbreviation. Add the booking to a calendar that retains time-zone information. If the learner will travel, confirm which local time should be used.
Keep the booking record clear
Both tutor and learner should see the same lesson record, including status and the relevant local time. Any reschedule should update that single record rather than relying on a message thread.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the time difference change?
One country may have started or ended daylight saving time. The lesson instant can stay the same while the displayed local clock time changes.
Which time zone controls availability?
The tutor opens availability in the tutor’s own time zone; the learner should see each available slot converted to their local time.
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