Looking for a way to make some extra cash from the comfort of your home? Online English teaching might be the perfect side hustle for you. It’s a flexible and profitable gig that you can do in your spare time. The demand for learning English from native speakers is huge. In fact, China’s online language education market alone is expected to hit a whopping $77.39 billion by 2022. So, if you’re a native English speaker and want to help students worldwide learn English, here’s what you need to know.
First, let’s talk about the requirements. There are many companies out there that hire native English speakers to teach English online. Each one has its own pay rates, bonus structures, expectations, and onboarding process. But there are some common requirements across the board.
Most high-paying online tutoring companies require teachers to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but the field of study doesn’t matter. If you don’t have a degree, don’t worry. You can still teach English online, but having a degree will open up more opportunities for you.
Many online English education companies are based in China and they have certain regulations. For instance, online teachers now need to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Getting certified can give you more job opportunities and allow you to work for higher-paying companies. Plus, you can find online TEFL and TESOL courses for less than $100. Some companies, like VIPKid, even offer free TESOL training as part of their onboarding process.
Being a native English speaker isn’t enough to land a job teaching English online. You also need to meet certain tech and skill requirements. You’ll need a stable internet connection, a computer (most companies require a laptop or desktop), and a headset microphone.
There are also some factors that can increase your chances of getting hired. Having a bright, well-lit teaching area is essential. Using educational props can enhance your lessons and keep young students motivated. Being able to create engaging, educational videos is a big plus. And since most students are in elementary school, having a friendly demeanor and prior experience working with kids can be a huge advantage.
Now, let’s talk money. Teaching English online can be a bit slower to start than other side businesses due to the requirements and onboarding process. But once you get started, you can make a decent income. According to Glassdoor, online ESL teachers earn an average salary of approximately $36,800 per year for full-time work. Some popular tutoring companies like VIPKid pay between $17 and $21 per hour depending on your experience and bonuses, and SayABC pays between $16 and $22 per hour. Magic Ears claims their teachers earn up to $26 per hour.
However, teaching English online isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. It requires a significant time investment. The hours can be odd, especially if you live in North America and have to wake up between 3am and 6am to teach at peak times. The onboarding process can be lengthy and the contractual obligations can be rigid. Plus, you need to be comfortable working with kids.
But despite these challenges, teaching English online can be a rewarding and profitable opportunity. It’s flexible, pays well, and allows you to work from anywhere. Plus, as you improve your teaching skills and build a rapport with parents and students, working full time becomes more and more possible.
There are many online English teaching companies to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Some of the best ones include VIPKid, EF Education First, Qkids, Cambly, SayABC, GoGoKid, Magic Ears, and Italki.
Getting hired as an online English teacher isn’t as simple as filling out an application. You need to optimize your resume, prepare for the interview, and practice Total Physical Response (TPR), which involves teaching language by including physical movements in reaction to verbal stimuli.
In conclusion, teaching English online is a potentially profitable opportunity that requires dedication and effort. But if you’re willing to put in the work, it can be a rewarding and lucrative side hustle.
