How To Teach English Online And Get Paid: A Complete Guide

How To Teach English Online And Get Paid: A Complete Guide

With the rapid rise of remote work opportunities, teaching English online has become a highly sought-after way to make money from home. Whether you’re a native speaker or proficient in English as a second language, you can tap into the growing demand for English teachers across the globe. This guide will walk you through how to teach English online and get paid, providing the essential steps to kickstart your journey as an online English tutor.

Teaching English online offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to set your schedule, choose your preferred students, and even teach from anywhere in the world. With access to millions of learners worldwide, online platforms have made it easier than ever to reach students and start earning money. How to teach English online and get paid is no longer a mystery, and this guide will give you everything you need to know to succeed in this booming industry.

Whether you’re looking to replace your current job, supplement your income, or pursue a new career, teaching English online can be rewarding. In this guide, you’ll discover the requirements to get started, the best platforms to work with, and expert tips to maximize your earnings while enjoying the benefits of a flexible, online teaching career.

Why Teach English Online?

Before telling you how to teach English online and get paid, let’s take a look at some of the most important reasons why you should even consider teaching English online as a career or as a side hustle. English has become a global lingua franca and below are some of the reasons learners worldwide are looking for ways to improve their English skills.

English Is A Global Language For Business 

English has become the global gold standard for conducting business and promoting international trade. It is the language used in official business proceedings and is widely spoken across geographically scattered companies.

This simplifies business and contract negotiations by eliminating the need for costly translations or other intermediaries. Having a common language also facilitates communication between vendors, partners, and customers from different countries.

Finally, English is quickly becoming the default language for worldwide communication via digital channels like email and messaging services. Companies can communicate with their international colleagues in near real-time by employing a single language that all sides understand.

English is Widely Used in Travel and Hospitality Industry 

Travel is an interesting and enlightening experience that allows people to discover different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. Globalization has made the world more interconnected, making cross-border communication increasingly important. In this changing setting, English has evolved as the worldwide lingua franca.

The popularity of English in the travel sector cannot be emphasized. From major airlines to hotels and tourist information centers, English is widely utilized as the default language of communication.

Furthermore, English proficiency is sometimes required for customer-facing positions in the hotel business. To appeal to international travelers, tour guides, hotel workers, and restaurant employees are regularly trained in English. This trend also extends to digital channels. Many travel-related websites and apps use English as the predominant language, making it easier for tourists to plan their trips and navigate unfamiliar situations.

English is Used in International Education

Globalization has hastened the spread of English, making it an essential instrument in the pursuit of knowledge and international opportunities. For many, English proficiency is more than just a benefit; it is a requirement. English is the predominant language used for academic resources and scientific research. As a result, both students and professionals devote substantial time and resources to acquiring the language.

The increased demand for ESL classes reflects this trend. Countries worldwide are adopting English into their school curricula, recognizing it as essential for success in the modern world. As we investigate the significance of English in global education, it becomes clear that the language acts as a catalyst for academic and professional development.

English empowers people and enriches educational experiences by encouraging communication and providing access to a multitude of information.

The Global Market Of English

According to a GlobeNewswire analysis, the global market for English Language Learning is expected to be worth US$24.8 billion in 2023 and US$70.7 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 14% between 2023 and 2030.

The ESL (English as a Second Language) market is thriving across various regions, with some leading the charge in demand and growth. In North America, countries like the United States, Canada, and Mexico are at the forefront, driven by a diverse population and an increasing need for English proficiency. 

Europe, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Russia, also remains a strong market, particularly due to migration and international business demands. Asia-Pacific, with powerhouses like China, Japan, Korea, and India, is experiencing explosive growth in ESL as English becomes essential for education and global trade. 

South America, particularly Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, shows steady demand, while the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, is seeing a rise in ESL due to global connectivity and economic expansion.

Benefits Of Teaching English Online

As a tutor, there is a vast array of benefits to teaching English online but we have summarized some of these reasons below.

• Flexible Scheduling – Set your own hours and work at your convenience, allowing you to manage both personal and professional commitments.
• Global Student Base – Teach students from various countries and backgrounds, enriching your cultural knowledge and teaching experience.
• Earn in Major Currencies – Get paid in stable, high-value currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP, improving your financial stability.
• Low Startup Costs – No need for physical classrooms or materials; just a laptop, a stable internet connection, and a few teaching tools are enough.
• High Demand for Teachers – As online education expands, there’s a growing demand for ESL teachers, ensuring plenty of job opportunities.
• Career Growth Opportunities – Specialize in areas like IELTS, business English, or kids’ education to expand your skill set and boost your earning potential.
• Location Independence – Work from anywhere in the world—whether at home, in a café, or while traveling—all you need is reliable internet.
• Job Security– With the ever-increasing need for English proficiency in business and education, online teaching offers a steady and long-term career option.

 

What You Need to Get Started

You may be wondering how to teach English online and get paid, but that’s just the beginning. There are several important questions about the requirements to get started, and in this section, we aim to provide clear, straightforward answers. While some resources may overcomplicate the process, we’ve simplified it to ensure you can begin from wherever you are right now.

Basic Requirements

This is the essential criterion for becoming an online English instructor, and many students may prefer native speakers. If you have great reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, you may begin your career as an online English teacher without obtaining a professional English language degree.

Secondly, to teach online, you must have all of the necessary hardware and an internet connection, which includes:

• A computer –  whether a laptop or a desktop will function.
• Webcam – If your computer does not have a built-in webcam, get a high-quality external one. Students studying a language learn a lot from body language, therefore they must be able to see you well.
• A headset with a microphone – so your students can hear you well.
• Solid internet connection – This may be the most difficult component if you’re looking forward to some adventurous travel, but a hotspot can give additional protection when teaching on the road.

Certifications (TEFL/TESOL)

This stage is not required to get started, but it is essential if you want to have a successful online English teaching career. There are several types of English language certification programs available, with the most prominent being TESL, TEFL, and TESOL. These certificates can also be achieved online.

An official TEFL certification will provide you with the necessary skills and qualifications to teach English as a second language both online and in traditional classroom settings across the world.

A TEFL certification course can take anywhere from 4 to 11 weeks to complete and should be conducted by a highly competent university-level instructor with substantial expertise in TEFL and at least a Master’s degree in education or TESOL.

Choosing the Right Platform

Structured ESL firms often specialize in online education and have developed the infrastructure to teach English online. They are a fantastic choice for first-time instructors, as they give a structured platform that includes an online classroom, pre-planned curriculum, and lesson plans. As a result, the teacher’s prep work is limited to reviewing the materials before each lecture.

These companies often have a defined basic salary. Positive ratings, 100% on-time attendance, teaching a set number of lessons each month, and other factors might help teachers earn additional incentive-based pay. Native Camp and Bizmates are two excellent examples of such platforms.

Marketplace online teaching platforms allow teachers to promote themselves and their English-teaching talents to attract students. Teachers are generally forced to construct their lesson plans and resources for each class they teach since their pupils range in age and ability from young children to older individuals.

Furthermore, online ESL teachers establish their tuition fees on these platforms, and the company earns a commission. This category’s major employers include Preply, Cambly, iTalki, and Palfish.

Set up a PayPal/Payoneer account

PayPal is one of the most widely used and trusted online payment options. It is mostly used to pay teachers at independent and online language schools. Consider setting up your account before beginning to hunt for clients. Payoneer is a similar platform that is widely used by marketplaces like Preply, and Platforms like NativeCamp to pay their teachers.

 

Top Online Platforms to Teach English

As the demand for learning English continues to grow globally, many teachers are turning to online platforms to offer their services. These platforms connect tutors with students from around the world, providing the flexibility and earning potential that teaching English online offers. If you’re looking to start or expand your career in teaching English online, choosing the right platform is crucial.

Here’s a look at some of the most popular platforms you can join.

1. Preply

Preply is one of the most popular platforms for online language tutoring. It connects teachers with students who are looking to improve their English skills. With Preply, tutors set their rates and can teach both individuals and groups. The platform provides a marketplace for students to find teachers based on reviews, ratings, and prices.

2. Bizmates

Bizmates specializes in teaching business English to professionals, especially in Asia. It’s a great platform if you have a background in business or want to teach students with more advanced English needs. Bizmates provides structured lessons focusing on business-related communication, making it ideal for teachers interested in corporate or business-focused tutoring.

3. Native Camp

Native Camp is an open platform that allows teachers to work flexible hours without needing to pre-book lessons. It’s a great choice for teachers who want to teach at any time of the day, especially if you prefer impromptu teaching sessions. The platform attracts students of all ages, and the instant lesson system makes it easy to maximize teaching time.

4. Skyeng

Skyeng is one of the largest English language platforms in Russia and Eastern Europe. The platform offers interactive teaching tools and materials that make online lessons engaging and efficient. Tutors on Skyeng teach students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced.

5. NovaKid

Focused primarily on teaching kids, NovaKid is an excellent platform if you enjoy working with younger learners. The platform emphasizes immersive teaching methods, making it an engaging environment for children aged 4-12. Tutors are provided with lesson plans, and the platform takes care of scheduling and administrative tasks.

6. iTalki

iTalki offers a marketplace model where students choose teachers based on their profiles, reviews, and rates. With over 5 million students learning various languages, including English, the platform offers a diverse teaching experience. Tutors can also offer trial lessons, helping them attract more students.

7. Cambly

Cambly specializes in conversational English, where students are looking to improve their speaking skills in a relaxed environment. It’s ideal for teachers who want to focus on casual conversations rather than structured lessons. Cambly is particularly popular for short lessons that can be taken at any time, with no prior bookings needed.

8. VIPKid

VIPKid is a well-known platform for teaching English to Chinese children. Teachers follow a set curriculum and schedule, with all lesson materials provided. VIPKid requires native English speakers and focuses on delivering high-quality, one-on-one lessons to young learners.

9. Lingoda

Lingoda is a well-established platform that offers both individual and group classes. It provides structured lessons and a more academic approach to language learning. Lingoda is perfect for teachers who prefer a formal teaching structure and work with a more varied age range.

10. Open English

Open English focuses on teaching students in Latin America and offers group and private lessons. The platform is known for its high-quality curriculum, catering to beginner and intermediate learners. Tutors are provided with teaching materials and are expected to follow a set curriculum.

Tips for Holding a Successful Online English Class

To truly succeed in teaching English online and get paid, it’s essential to master effective teaching strategies that engage students and help them achieve their goals. Below are some practical tips for holding successful online classes that can boost student satisfaction and keep them coming back for more lessons.

1. Be Friendly and Build Rapport

Students respond better when they feel comfortable with their teacher. Create a welcoming atmosphere by being friendly and approachable. Start each class with a casual conversation to build rapport and make your students feel at ease.

2. Understand the Needs of Your Students

Before diving into lessons, take time to understand your students’ goals. Whether it’s improving conversational English, preparing for exams, or learning English for business, tailor your approach to meet their specific needs. This not only helps you keep students engaged but also ensures they make progress, which is key to retaining them.

3. Have Structured Lesson Plans

When teaching English online, having a structured lesson plan is crucial. A well-organized lesson helps keep the class on track and ensures you’re effectively helping your students reach their objectives. Make sure each class builds upon the previous one and set clear learning targets.

4. Use Quizzes and Games for Kids

For younger students, keep things interactive by using quizzes, games, and fun activities. Online platforms often have tools that allow you to integrate these into your classes easily. This not only makes learning fun but also helps reinforce language skills through active engagement.

5. Identify and Correct Mistakes in Conversations

While teaching, listen carefully to your students’ speech and gently correct their mistakes. Whether it’s grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary, addressing errors in real-time helps students improve quickly. Always provide positive reinforcement when they get it right.

6. Understand Basic Teaching Tech and Tools

Being comfortable with the technical side of online teaching is vital. Get familiar with video conferencing tools, whiteboards, and any teaching resources available on your platform. A smooth and professional class experience shows students you are prepared and competent.

By applying these tips in your classes, you can improve student outcomes and increase your chances of success in teaching English online and getting paid consistently.

Conclusion

Teaching English online presents a fantastic opportunity to earn money while sharing your language skills with students around the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to teach English online and get paid, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful teaching career from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your teaching business, the possibilities are endless.

Take the first step by signing up on the top online teaching platforms, crafting a standout profile, and offering valuable lessons that cater to your student’s needs. With dedication and the right strategy, you’ll not only get paid for teaching English online, but you’ll also build a sustainable income stream while doing something you love.

Now is the perfect time to seize this opportunity—start teaching English online and get paid today!