@Chyro The tutorial island is a whole new thing for this game, only introduced with the beginning of the open beta, so like anything else, it is going through growing pains as it has its own fresh set of bugs to iron out. Previously, you started in one of the main starter towns with a list of starter quests to guide you, but the tutorial is one of the things we the testers had asked for and recently received.
Actually, in a lot of ways, it is early to do a free week, so those participating should feel lucky to get in on a beta week so soon. This way your truly beta testing, not jumping in on an early access product, but getting in on the part where you can find bugs, make suggestions, etc...
Welcome to the new players, by the by!