ESL Online Teaching Jobs | The Best Online Platforms of 2023
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Hoi An, Vietnam
Why you should teach online
If you’re interested in living abroad and experiencing new cultures then being an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher could be the right path for you. Let’s get ready for those first steps in the journey- before you go any further, let’s make sure you’re certified. Once you have that certification, you can apply for jobs abroad and with any luck, soon you’ll be packing your bags!
Once you’re abroad, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ll catch the travel bug, and that’s if you don’t already have it. Many of us discover a passion for travel and get so hooked that we want to pursue it full-time. Staying in one place and being employed in a school or language center has massive benefits and I’d recommend the experience to anyone. As much as I love teaching in person, sometimes we just have to scratch that itch. Teaching online definitely differs from an in-person classroom experience but nothing beats what it gifts you, the flexibility and freedom to move.
After the last few years of COVID mayhem, it seems like everyone these days is in search of working remotely. A massive shift has occurred in the workplace and people’s mindsets on what they want out of their careers. People have come to realize that they want more control over the time they put into work; where the job works for them and not the other way around. Whether you want to drastically switch up your life, travel more or simply get a little extra income on the side, teaching online could be an easy answer to all those prayers.
Pros & cons of teaching online
So, what’s it like? Teaching online has some really appealing benefits. On many platforms, you are completely in control of your schedule and the curriculum you’re teaching is provided for. This means very little lesson planning and complete control over when you work which means flexibility, and we love that! While this is the case for most, it isn’t one size fits all, there will be variation amongst the platform curriculums, student demographics and salary. With many pros and cons to teaching online, it’s all about whether or not it suits your needs and the same goes for whichever platform you end up choosing.
Cons
Work schedule can be inconsistent
Income can vary and be lower
Less rapport than in-person teaching
Reliable wifi and teaching background are required (if traveling this can be difficult to do)
Time zones- work evenings or early mornings depending on your location
Pros
Make your own schedule
Very little to no preparation depending on the company
Work from home and anywhere in the world
Flexibility in time off
Relaxed work environment
Some platforms allow you to set your own pay rate
General requirements & hiring process
Most ESL online teaching jobs will complete a hiring process of these four main steps:
1. Submit an Application
2. Complete an Interview
3. Training
4. Mock or Demo Class
Generally, the process is fairly chill and the expansive amounts of resources online make it pretty hard to ‘fail’ the interview process. With the right experience, positive energy and the ability to listen to directions, the mock classes will be a piece of cake.
Requirements
Requirements and necessary qualifications may vary from company to company. While you can expect most to be looking for the list below, it is very much possible to find a job with very little to no ‘teaching’ experience and even without a degree.
Some companies have specific requirements for accents. For example, VIPKid only hires a North American accent which means native English speakers from Australia or the UK, unfortunately, wouldn’t be eligible. This is something to pay attention to.
Most common requirements:
Native English speaker or C2 proficiency
TEFL/ TESOL Certification
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Teaching Experience
Headset, camera, appropriate teaching space and reliable internet
As I said, landing an online teaching job can be done without experience or a degree, but for the best salaries and most reputable companies, you’ll need both. When it comes to certifications, my recommendation is to enroll in a 120-hour TEFL certification course. The 120-hour course is not necessarily required for online jobs, but it is without a doubt preferred. To get started and build up some experience, you can sign up on one of the many adult-based conversational platforms, such as Cambly. Platforms like this are quick and easy to get started with and will allow you to gain both experience and familiarity with the nature of online teaching.
China ban
Teaching online was very different only just a year ago. You could find an even wider array of options and that’s because a giant portion of this business was generated by China. With such a large population and a heavy priority placed upon English learning, Chinese students generated a high demand for online ESL tutors. It was likely that the most popular companies and platforms sourced their students from China. It was a booming billion-dollar business.
In the summer of 2021, China rained on the parade and placed a strict ban on private tutors operating online and during after-school hours. This shut the doors for many companies virtually overnight. While this has drastically changed the industry, there are plenty more options still available and China isn’t the only country supplying a demand for this market. Since the ban was implemented many businesses have had to pivot and rearrange their teaching models so that they could stay afloat and adhere to the new restrictions. You can still find many Chinese-based platforms in business and some are even on this list.
My experience
I worked with VIPKid for about a year and ended my time there just before the China ban came into place. I enjoyed working for them and they were once one of the best out there in terms of salary and overall quality of the platform. Since the ban took place, VIPKid remains open but has since adjusted its methodology and rebranded itself into VIPKid Global, offering classes to students all around the globe. I would implore you to do some research, just be aware that things may differ from the booming popularity they had a few years ago. I will say that I was quite happy working for them and during COVID, they were an answer to my prayers in terms of sourcing an income.
In fact, I have recently renewed my contract with VIPKid so that I may supplement my income while abroad and traveling. I will be sharing an update soon, on how VIPKid operates now and the ins and outs once I have spent some time teaching on the ‘new’ platform.
Best Online Teaching Platforms
Now, let’s look at actually landing that mula-making remote life. In no particular order, here are the best ESL online teaching jobs for 2022.
Jump to
Pinata | iTutor Group | Lingoda | Open English | English First | Preply | Voxy | Outschool | Cambly | iTalki | VIPKid Global | Learnlight | Engoo
1. Pinata Education
This company is based in Beijing and provides English learning for Chinese students aged 6-12.
Job Details:
Materials and curriculum are provided for
Classes taught on Zoom and last 30-60 minutes
1-1 classes, up to 4 max. in a group class
A fixed schedule with regular students, providing a steady income
Weekdays: 5 p.m.-9 p.m (GMT+8 Beijing time)
Weekends 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (GMT+8 Beijing time)
Requirements:
At least 1 year of prior in-classroom teaching experience or 2 years online
Native UK or North American accents
TESOL / TEFL Certification
Complete a minimum of 5 hours a week
Pay Rate: $12-26$ / hour
The company is currently offering a higher starting salary for 1-2 years of in-person classroom experience
$20 per hour to start for EFL (beginner-intermediate) teachers
$25 per hour to start for ESL (intermediate-advanced) teachers
2. iTutor Group
This company offers classes for both adults and children. iTutor Group operates as an umbrella company with many sub-brands and affiliated companies falling underneath it.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Kids classes last 25 minutes long and adult classes last 45 minutes long
Faster interview process for current online teachers/ teachers with previous online teaching experience
24/7 schedule availability and a fixed schedule booked by the system and according to the fixed hours in the Beijing Time zone
Requirements:
Native English speaker or at an idiomatic level
TESOL / TEFL/ CELTA Certification or Teaching License
Complete a minimum of 6 peak hours a week
Bachelor’s Degree or above (major in Education is preferred)
Past teaching experience (online preferred)
Accepted accents:
Native north American, Native UK, Native Australian/ New Zealand, Native Ireland, Native South African, Non-native neutral
Pay Rate: Up to 12$/ hr for adults
Up to 18$/hr for kids
The pay rate is more favorable for UK/US/Canada teachers
3. Lingoda
This company is based in Germany and is one of the largest online learning platforms in Europe. Classes here are offered in multiple different languages and for adult students.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1 or in small groups
Classes available 24/7
Structured curriculum and materials are provided for
Multiple languages available for teaching and learning- English, German, Spanish and French
Classes are 60 minutes long
Choose your own schedule
No minimum hours required but prefer at least 5 hours a week
Requirements:
Native speakers in the language being taught or are C2 Level proficient in their chosen language
TESOL / TEFL Certification or relevant certification to the language
3 years teaching experience
No degree required
Online experience not required but preferred
Teachers must legally be able to work as freelancers.
Pay Rate: $8-13 / hour
4. Open English
This language learning platform is operated out of Latin America and teaches adult students.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1 or in small groups
Part-time means a minimum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 26 hours
Full-time means working 36 hours per week
Spanish speaking is a bonus
Curriculum and materials are provided for
Requirements:
Native North American speakers ( US/ Canada)
Education or training in TESOL / TEFL or related field
Complete a minimum of 10 hours per week
Pay Rate: Starting at $17 / hour
5. English First
This company is based in China and has many language centers throughout the country, offering English learning to children. In addition to available jobs in China, they offer online learning to adults.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1 or small group conversational classes
Adult students from all over the world
Curriculum and materials are provided for
24/7 schedule availability and you make your own schedule
Requirements:
Native UK or US English speaker
TESOL or TEFL Certification
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
No previous experience required
Pay Rate: $10-17 / hour and can earn up to $20
6. Preply
This company operates in a way that gives tutors the utmost freedom and control over what and when they teach.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1 and conversational
Lessons available in 27 different languages
Students are from all over the world
Choose your own schedule and lesson content.
Students and teachers are matched by their profiles
Easy application process:
Sign up and create a profile then get approved in 5 days. Students can then book you based on your profile.
The commission for a trial lesson with a new student is 100%. The commission for the subsequent lessons starts at 33% and decreases to 18% with every class you teach. The more you teach, the lower the commission will be.
Requirements:
No minimum requirements, qualifications or experience!
Pay Rate: Tutors set their own rates, most charge $15-25 / hour
7. Voxy
This US-based company offers specialized and highly tailored classes to professional adults.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1 and centered on task-based learning
Lessons are ‘highly specialized’ and tailored for the student can cover
Adult students are from all over the world
Resources are provided and the tutor creates a lesson plan around it
Schedule availability for
4:00 PM-12:00 AM EST weekdays/weekends
12:00AM-6:00 AM EST weekdays/weekends
Hiring process includes an application, one assignment, two interviews and then an offer
Requirements:
TESOL/ TEFL Certification
At least 2 or 3 years of teaching experience
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Native speaker or non-native speaker with a neutral accent
Complete a minimum of 10 hours per week
Pay Rate: $15 USD an hour + 5 minutes’ prep time per class (total: $17.50 USD an hour).
8. Outschool
This language learning platform classifies itself as a live marketplace for independent teachers.
Job Details:
Live 1-1 or small group classes, maximum group size decided by the teacher
Classes take place over video chat, messaging and group discussion
Students from all over the world, ages 3-18.
Freedom in what you teach, teach any topic you are passionate about
You are required to prepare all of your own curriculum and teaching materials
Create your own schedule
No minimum requirement
70% of earnings go to you and 30% goes to Outschool
Payments are made via PayPal
Requirements:
Background check
Residents of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom.
No certifications required
Pay Rate: Set your own pay rate
9. Cambly
This language learning company has two operating platforms, one for children and one for adults. The adult platform is conversational and the kids’ platform provides a little more structure. Both offer resources and materials for the lessons.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Conversational-focused lesson
Adult or teen students ages 16 + up
Set your own schedule
Offers a built-in library of resources and materials for lessons
Operates a separate platform for teaching children- Cambly Kids
Fast and easy hiring process
Sign up, create a profile and students can start booking you straight away.
Requirements:
Native English speaker
No other qualifications or minimums are required
Pay Rate: $10.12 / hour or $.17 a minute
10. iTalki
This language learning platform teaches adult students and also operates as a live marketplace for independent teachers. There is no commission fee for trial lessons, but there will be 15% on regular classes.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Classified as either a Professional Teacher or Community Tutor
Community Tutors give informal lessons, they are not formally trained or certified to teach.
Professional Teachers are formally trained and/or certified to teach a language.
Easier to start out as a community tutor- many teachers start there and then advance to a professional teacher.
Adult students and conversational classes
Multiple languages available
Complete control over what you teach and what platform you use (Skype, Zoom, etc.)
Create your own schedule
No minimum hours or requirements
Company takes 15% commission of the classes
Students search and book teachers based on their profiles
Requirements:
As a Community Tutor
Age 18+ up
Native speaker or C2 proficient in the language you will be tutoring
Must submit a short introduction video
As a Professional Teacher
Age 18+ up
Native speaker or C2 proficient in the language you will be tutoring
Bachelor’s degree OR TESOL/ TEFL Certification / Teaching License
Must submit a short introduction video
Must submit your CV, references or employment statements
Pay Rate: Set your own pay rate, the range varies anywhere from $5 - 80 /hour.
The minimum you can charge is double for Professional teachers than that of community tutors.
Average Professional Teacher: $15.73/ hour
Average Community Tutor: $9.79/ hour
11. VIPKid Global
This popular US-based company used to solely operate with students from China and since the ban, they have expanded to teach students from all over the world.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Curriculum and materials are provided for
Child students ages 6-14
Set your own schedule
Schedule has 24/7 availability with peak hours of:
Weekdays: 5 p.m.-9 p.m (GMT+8 Beijing time)
Weekends 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (GMT+8 Beijing time)
Requirements:
Native English speakers from the US or Canada
Background check
Bachelor’s Degree in any subject
Recommended to have at least 2 years of teaching, tutoring or mentoring experience
Eligibility to work in US or Canada
Pay Rate: $16-19 / hour. The payment structure is scaled so that the more classes you teach a month, the more you will earn.
* The link above will connect you to the application portal using my personal referral link. At no extra cost to you, I can earn a small commission from your sign-up.*
12. Learnlight
This online platform promotes not only an environment for tutoring but mentoring as well. They offer a wide range or languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Curriculum and materials are provided for
Students are children and adults, ages 5 - 18+ up
Schedule has fixed availability
06:00 -9:00 / 12:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 20:00 / 22:00 – 01:00 (UTC/GMT)
Requirements:
Foreign language teaching qualification (i.e. TEFL, CELTA, TESOL, FLE, DAEFLE, DELE, ELE, DaF, DITALS, EPE)
A minimum of two years’ language teaching experience
No degree required
Preferred accents:
Native North American, Native UK, Native Australian/New Zealand, Native Ireland, Native South Africa
Native speaker or proficiency in the language being taught
Ability to commit to a fixed schedule for a minimum of one year
Complete a minimum of 10 hours per week of fixed availability during peak hours:
06:00 -9:00 / 12:00 – 15:00 / 17:00 – 20:00 / 22:00 – 01:00 (UTC/GMT)
Pay Rate: $14-16/ hour
13. Engoo
This online platform promotes not only an environment for tutoring but mentoring as well. They offer a wide range or languages including English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian.
Job Details:
Classes are 1-1
Classes are 25 minutes long
Curriculum and materials are provided for
Students from all over the world, children and adults
Make your own schedule with 24/7 availability
No minimum hours
Requirements:
No degree or certification required but TESOL or TEFL qualification is preferred
Hire native and non-native speakers but pay more to the native English speakers
Complete training and demo lesson
Headset, webcam and fast internet
Must be 18+ up
Accepted accents:
Native North American, Native UK, Native Australian/New Zealand, Native Ireland, Non-Native Neutral, Philippines
Pay Rate: $2-10/ hour, native speakers earn on the higher end.
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In 2020 the pandemic flipped the world upside down and it wasn’t until recently that life resumed its old ways. Today, the effects of the pandemic still linger and affect us each in our own way. Covid challenged my patience and resolve, as it did for most of us. In the end, the virus gifted many of us with new insights and perspectives. In the end, many lessons were learned.