Teaching English online can be a great way to make some extra money for out-of-school graduates. Demand for English online is increasing as people can learn English right from the comfort of their homes at their convenience in flexible hours. With the scope to reach students worldwide, you can now easily find opportunities to get higher pay rates.
If you are looking for a side hustle or a legit way to make money online where you decide your work hours and pay rate, and where you are own your boss, teaching English online can be the perfect opportunity for you.
I have many friends who Teach English online and Make money traveling the world like I do!
The best part is, teaching English online is an ideal way to make a meaningful impact on others. By helping students improve their English language skills, you can help them achieve their academic and career goals. In today’s globalized world, proficiency in English is often a requirement for success, and as an online English teacher, you play a key role in helping students attain this skill.
Many online English teaching companies offer competitive pay rates. However, they often require a degree or certification, which can be a major obstacle if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet.
Fortunately, some companies offer online English teaching jobs without a degree. This article explores the requirements, benefits, and reviews of those companies. By understanding these, we will help you make an informed decision to find the job that best suits your skills. With the right job and company, you can find one that pays well with the flexibility you want.
What qualifications do companies require, if not a degree?
The truth about this age is that companies have started to care less about degrees. If you have the right skills and experience for the job, you should get the job. Period.
So, what qualities do companies look for when hiring an English teacher, if not a degree?
At the very core, If you have any social proof that can show your English language proficiency, leadership skills, communication skills, and similar soft core skills, you are golden. Companies may also look for teachers who are patient, outgoing, and adaptable, and who have a passion for teaching and working with people from diverse backgrounds.
Having a teaching certificate is a plus. In fact, some companies may require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification.
What are TEFL and TESOL? Are they necessary?
TEFL and TESOL are both certifications that prepare individuals to teach English as a foreign language.
TEFL certifies individuals to teach English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language.
Its course focuses on practical skills, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching etiquette as well as grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. TESOL is a broader certification and delves deeper into linguistics, language learning, and cross-cultural communication with specialized courses in areas such as business English, test preparation, and teaching English to young learners.
If you are someone looking to teach English part-time you can work away without a certification. However, if you plan this long-term and full-time, you may take some time off to prepare for these certificates.
Both TEFL and TESOL certifications can be highly valuable for your career if you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language. Securing a TEFL or TESOL certification can be great for your professional development, allowing you to stay up-to-date with the latest teaching styles and trends, and acquire new skills and knowledge.
Pro tip: You can actually do the TEFL course online!
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Teaching English Online without a Degree?
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Online English teaching allows for a flexible schedule, which can be ideal for those who have other commitments or prefer to work from home.
- Opportunity: Many online English teaching companies are open to hiring teachers without a degree, providing opportunities to earn an income and gain teaching experience.
- Ease of entry: Without the requirement of a degree, it can be easier to enter the industry and start working.
Drawbacks:
- Limited earning potential: Some companies may offer lower pay rates to teachers without degrees, which could limit earning potential.
- Fewer job opportunities: While there are online English teaching companies that hire teachers without degrees, some companies may require degrees as a prerequisite, limiting job opportunities.
- Lack of credentials: Without a degree or teaching certification, it may be challenging to establish yourself as a qualified and credible English teacher.
What are the responsibilities of an online English teacher?
The responsibilities of an online English teacher will vary depending on the company or platform they work for, but typically include the following:
- Planning and delivering lessons: This includes creating lesson plans, choosing appropriate materials and resources, and adapting your teaching style to meet the needs of individual students.
- Conducting online classes: This involves setting up the virtual classroom, using the whiteboard or other features to illustrate concepts, and managing the overall class environment.
- Monitoring student progress: It is important to monitor the progress of your students and provide feedback and support to help them improve their language skills. This may involve assessing students’ work, providing feedback on assignments, and tracking their progress over time.
- Communicating with students and parents: Effective communication is key in teaching online, so you will need to communicate with your students and their parents or guardians on a regular basis. This can be done through email, chat, or video conferencing, and may involve answering questions, providing updates, or addressing concerns.
- Maintaining records and reports: You will need to keep accurate records of student progress, attendance, and grades, as well as other administrative tasks such as invoicing or preparing reports.
Where To Teach English Online
1. Cambly
Cambly is an English teaching platform with 5 years of experience connecting students from around the world with native English speakers for conversation practice. Cambly provides English learning for two types of audiences, for Cambly kids aged 3-15 years, and for adults aged older. You can teach English and can get paid at the end of every week through Cambly subscription fees students pay for a custom amount of hours you choose, right from the comfort of your home.
Requirements for teaching:
- Must be a native English speaker
- Must be over 18 years old
- No degree or certification required
Hours:
- Work as many or as few hours as you want, on your own schedule. No minimum or maximum hours are required.
- Students are available 24/7, so tutors can log in and work at any time
- No lesson planning or grading required
Pay rate:
- Pay is $0.17/min ($10.20/hour) on Cambly and $0.20/min ($12.00/hour) on Cambly Kids.
- Paid every Monday via PayPal
Application process
Create an account on the Cambly website, complete your tutor profile, pass a short screening interview and a background check to ensure the safety of its students, then start teaching!
The entire application process can typically be completed within a few days. It’s one of the simplest (& legit) ways to get paid to chat!
2. Open English
The Open English language learning platform is specifically for students in Latin America and neighbouring countries. The company has ready-made lessons. You just have to follow through with their curriculum and make it a fun experience for people of all ages and of all language proficiency levels- beginners to advanced.
What’s more?
If you know how to prepare students for competitive exams like TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTS, you can get extra pay and special assigned classes well-equipped with prep material.
The best part is they offer professional development opportunities for teachers with training, podcasts, and other resources on their teacher community website.
You can use a variety of materials and multimedia resources to create customised lesson plans tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals.
Requirements for teaching:
- Native English speaker from the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand
- Professional EFL experts and are internationally certified in TEFL / TESOL or the like
- Teaching experience is required.
- Must be able to commit to at least 15 hours per week.
Pay rate:
- Pay is competitive and based on experience, qualifications, and student satisfaction ratings
- Teachers are classified as independent contractors and paid via direct deposit
- Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
- Health benefits for full-time employees.
Hours of work:
- You are required to commit to at least 15 hours per week
- Classes are available 24/7, so you can choose their own schedules within their agreed-upon time commitments
- Classes are typically 45 minutes long, with a 15-minute break between classes
3. ITalki
Italki is a global language-learning community with a vision to help people become fluent in foreign languages by building connections with people from other cultures. Its community forum helps you connect with other language learners and teachers for conversation practice and cultural exchange. Be it one-on-one private sessions or group classrooms, people of all ages and from all levels of language proficiency are welcomed to Italki.
Such inclusivity calls for a high demand for teachers. But sometimes, even high competition for students.
Fortunately, Italki also has a review system for both teachers and students. Teachers are rated on their teaching ability and reliability, and students are rated on their behaviour and attentiveness. The better you teach, the better student base you can build!
You can structure your lessons in the way you like, depending on the needs and preferences of your students. Lessons can include speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural topics. There are two types of teachers in Italki, community tutors and professional teachers. Professional teachers have proven experience teaching and the qualifications required to help you learn a language efficiently. Community tutors are passionate language lovers who want to share their knowledge with others. They can apply without a degree or certificate. So, whether you fall under either category, you can teach without a degree and get paid well!
Click Here To Sign up on Italki
Requirements for teaching:
- Teachers must be native or near-native speakers of the language they teach.
- Certificate, degree, and experience required for professional teaching. No requirements for community tutors.
Pay rate:
- Teachers set their own rates. Professional teachers can earn from $10-80 per lesson.
- Community tutors can earn from $5-80 per lesson.
- Italki takes a 15% commission.
- Payments are made through the platform and teachers can receive payments in their preferred currency.
Hours of work:
- Teachers set their own schedules and can work as much or as little as they like.
- Flexibility: Teachers have complete control over their schedules and can teach from anywhere with an internet connection.
To apply to become an Italki teacher.
Create an account and fill out the teacher application form.
Watch the Teacher Success tutorial videos and complete the guided tutorials to set up your account.
Then, you will also need to pass quizzes and upload a short video introducing yourself and outlining your teaching experience, qualifications, and language proficiency.
Finally, pass a background check.
Applicants will be notified of the result within 10 business days. Upon receiving a pre-approval email, applicants must complete the onboarding process within 15 calendar days.
Once your application is approved, you can set up your teacher profile and start scheduling lessons with students.
4. Verbling
Verbling is an online language learning platform that connects students with linguistic teachers from all over the world. The company offers a wide range of languages, including English, and focuses on personalised, one-on-one instruction or group sessions. Verbling provides its own tools for scheduling, communications, and payments.
You can use an extensive selection of materials and multimedia resources to create customised lesson plans tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals.
Competition for students can be high, but they have a social media like system where you can find success by building up a community of followers while building your brand and identity on their platform.
Requirements for teaching:
- Native or near-native English speaker with a neutral accent
- Teaching experience and/or teaching certification are required.
- Must have a reliable internet connection, webcam, and headset
Pay rate:
- Earnings are a function of your rates, availability, and the quality of your profile page. Many successful teachers are teaching full-time on Verbling.
- Teachers are classified as independent contractors and paid through the Verbling platform.
- You can then cash out your earnings using various methods including PayPal, Wise, Payoneer, or Verbling Credit.
- Earnings can be cashed out anytime. New earnings are “unlocked” and available for cashout every Sunday or Monday, depending on your time zone.
Hours of work:
- Teachers set their own schedules and can work as much or as little as they want.
- Classes are available 24/7, so teachers can choose their own schedules within their agreed-upon time commitments.
- Classes are typically 45 minutes long, with a 15-minute break between classes.
They have an easy application process.
- Create an account with Verbling.
- Go to our Teacher Application and follow the detailed instructions provided.
- That’s it! They will get back to you within 15 business days.
5. Outschool
Outschool aims to bring high-quality education to all corners of the world and make learning enjoyable, social, and self-directed. They offer a broad selection of online classes for children aged 3-18, including English language classes. They don’t limit their teachers to any outdated curriculums; instead, teachers can create their own class lessons and curriculums, with a focus on creating engaging and interactive experiences fulfilling students’ needs.
Needless to say, Outschool shares a strong reputation among both teachers and parents, with positive reviews highlighting the platform’s flexibility, supportive community, and wide range of classes.
Click Here To Sign up on Outschool
Requirements for teaching:
- Teachers must be from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
- Outschool requires all teachers to be fluent in English and to have experience working with children. They prefer teachers with teaching credentials or certifications, but it’s not a strict requirement.
Pay rate:
- Outschool pays teachers based on the number of students in their classes, with rates ranging from $10 to $50 per hour.
- One major issue can be the service fee of 30% they take from students’ enrollments. Despite this, you have full control over the listed price for a class and the number of participants.
- The platform also offers opportunities for teachers to earn bonuses and extra income through referrals and incentive programs.
- You receive payment via PayPal after the class begins.
- Outschool guarantees secure online payments and responsive support via chat, email, and phone.
Application process:
You’ll be happy to know that Outschool is always looking for new teachers and classes to add to its offerings.
- The application process is the same as the others. Create an Outschool account, submit your application, introduce yourself in a video, and pass a background check.
- The application process may take several weeks, and not all applicants are accepted. But once you are in, you can join Outschool’s exclusive community and enjoy a steady income.
6. Palfish
Palfish is a teaching platform for students aged 3-16 in China looking to improve their English speaking and listening skills. The company offers its own official curriculum, and teachers are encouraged to use body language and fun props to engage students.
The Palfish mobile app provides an interactive classroom experience with responsive star rewards, game-based practices, and smart AR VFX. Despite a strict selection process with an acceptance rate of only 5%, the pay is fair, and the teaching experience is enjoyable. Many tutors find success by building up regular students through word of mouth and positive reviews.
Requirements:
- A minimum of one English teaching certificate TEFL/TESOL is required.
- Must be a native English speaker
- Must have a stable internet connection and a quiet teaching environment
Pay rate:
- Pay varies depending on the type of lesson, but ranges from $10-30 USD per hour
- Paid weekly via PayPal or WeChat
Hours of work:
- Flexible schedule – work as little or as much as you want.
- Students are available 24/7, so tutors can log in and work at any time.
7. Preply
With over 1 million active student streams, Preply is always looking for quality tutors. They don’t limit themselves to just English teaching; you can offer private tuition in a variety of subjects and make triple-digit income per hour. Their barrier to entry is low, giving you a chance to bowl without a degree. Students come from all ages and levels of English proficiency, and they request a flexible class structure tailored to their needs and goals.
Click Here To Sign up on Preply
Requirements of teaching:
- Have outstanding communication skills
- While a formal teaching degree is not required, tutors should have experience in teaching or tutoring their chosen subject.
The pay rate:
- The pay rate for Preply tutors varies depending on their experience, qualifications, and the subject they teach. Tutors can set their own hourly rates, but the average rate on the platform is around $15-25 per hour.
- Preply takes a commission fee of 100% of the first lesson fee and then 18%-33% of the subsequent lesson fees, depending on the tutor’s total number of completed hours.
To apply to become a tutor on Preply, you can create a profile on the website and indicate your teaching experience and qualifications and introduce yourself in a video. It may take up to 9 business days for your application to be reviewed.
8. Amazing Talker
Amazing Talker is a language-teaching mediator. If you have the passion and qualifications to teach, you will be connected with your students automatically.
Yes, you heard it right!
This is because Amazing Talker uses AI to connect teachers and students based on their needs and preference – no need to market yourself or worry about any of that stuff.
But wait, There’s more!
You don’t have to limit yourself to online teaching. Amazing Talker connects you to students offline, and that too at no mediator cost.
The platform receives a diverse range of students, including beginners and more advanced learners.
They have a review system in place for teachers and students. You can know about students before you meet them and you can build a positive reputation by getting feedback to build a higher student base both online and offline.
One of the unique features of AmazingTalker is that it offers a range of tools such as the student management system, allowing teachers to keep track of their student’s progress and adjust their lessons accordingly.
Click Here To Sign up on Amazing Talker
Requirements for teaching:
- No degree or certificate is required.
- You need to be fluent in English.
- Teaching experience preferred.
Pay rate:
- Pay varies depending on the teacher’s qualifications and experience. Teachers can set their own rates.
- According to their data, most English teachers charge US$15–28 per 50-minute private lesson and US$6–10 per 25-minute trial lesson. They guide you on setting better rates.
- Amazing Talker takes a variable fee that applies to the hourly rates you set. The fee decreases as you earn more. You can refer to their income calculation guidelines for more details.
- Once you complete a lesson successfully, your tutoring fees will be credited to your income balance, and you will get paid on the 2nd day of every month. You can choose to receive payment through PayPal, TransferWise, or Payoneer.
They claim to have an acceptance rate of 3%.
The application process can be completed in 3 Steps:
1. Register and Submit Application (10 min)
Create an account and go to the “Apply To Teach” page to apply, and submit basic information for review.
2. Interview – Demo Class (1-3 Days)
During the interview, you will be required to give a 25 min demo class to demonstrate your teaching skills.
3. Recruitment Tool Practice and ID Verification (10 min)
Practise using recruitment tools and familiarise yourself with how to use the platform while completing identity authentication.
And Start Teaching!
All Your Frequently Asked Questions In One Place :)
If you aren’t yet convinced, and still have questions- I’ve scoured the internet for some of the most common queries people have had while doing this.
Do I need a degree to teach English online?
If this is still a question- shame on you. Go back and read the article.
Can I teach English online without a teaching certificate?
While a teaching certificate is definitely a plus, it’s not a requirement for many online English teaching companies. Some companies would rather have experienced native English speakers on board, as they believe that teaching is more about natural language ability and experience, rather than a piece of paper. So, if you’re a confident speaker with a passion for teaching, then don’t let a lack of certificate hold you back from spreading your love for the English language!
Is it possible to make a living teaching English online without a degree?
The answer is a big, bold, and beautiful YES! Online English teaching is a growing industry and the demand for teachers is on the rise. You can definitely make a comfortable living teaching English online, even without a degree. Many companies offer competitive hourly rates and flexible scheduling, allowing you to work as much or as little as you want. So, if you’re passionate about teaching and have a talent for language, then why not turn that into a lucrative career? You never know, you might just love it.
What qualifications do I need to teach English online without a degree?
You need to be a native English speaker! You’ll also need a good internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, and a headset with a microphone. Some companies may also require a TEFL certificate or previous teaching experience, but it all varies from company to company. So, if you’re a confident English speaker with a passion for teaching, then you’re already off to a great start! Just check out the specific requirements of the company you’re interested in and you’re good to go.
How much can I earn teaching English online without a degree?
Alright, let’s talk money! It all depends on the company you work for and the number of hours you put in. Some companies offer competitive hourly rates that can range from $10 to $25 or more, and you have the flexibility to work as much or as little as you want. So, if you’re looking to supplement your income or even make a full-time living, teaching English online without a degree can definitely be a great option. And the best part? You get to do it from the comfort of your home. It’s a win-win situation!
What are the working hours for teaching English online without a degree?
One of the biggest benefits of teaching English online is the flexibility it offers. Many companies allow you to set your own schedule, so you can work as much or as little as you want. You could work during the day, in the evenings, or even on weekends, depending on your availability and the demand for teachers. So, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student, or just looking for a flexible side gig, teaching English online without a degree is a great option! You get to be your own boss and set your own schedule.
Are there any benefits to teaching English online without a degree?
Teaching English online not only allows you to earn a great income, but it also offers a lot of other benefits. You get to work from the comfort of your own home, have the flexibility to set your own schedule, and have the opportunity to teach students from all around the world. Plus, you get to improve your own language skills and gain valuable teaching experience. You can even teach as you travel, which is a fun option for digital nomad types. So, whether you’re looking for a side gig or a full-time job, teaching English online without a degree can offer a lot of benefits and opportunities.
Is it safe to work as an online English teacher without a degree?
Yes, it is generally safe to work as an online English teacher without a degree, as long as you are working with reputable companies and follow their guidelines and requirements. Many online English teaching companies hire non-native speakers, and some even offer training and certification programs to help their teachers improve their skills and knowledge. It is important to do your research and carefully read the company’s requirements, policies, and reviews before applying to ensure that they are legitimate and trustworthy. If you are travelling, veer on the side of caution and check for the legality of working online.
How Can I Improve My Chances Of Getting Hired As An Online English Teacher Without A Degree?
- Get certified: While a college degree may not be required, having a certification in TESL or TEFL can make you a more competitive candidate. You can take courses online or in-person to get certified, which can demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to teaching and have the necessary skills.
- Gain teaching experience: Even if you don’t have a degree, having some teaching experience can make you stand out. You can gain experience by volunteering as an English tutor or teaching assistant, or by offering your services as a private tutor.
- Highlight your strengths: While you may not have a degree, you likely have other skills and strengths that can make you a great teacher. Highlight your experience, passion for teaching, and any specialized knowledge or experience you have, such as teaching business English or working with children.
- Build a strong online presence: Many online English teaching companies will want to see that you have a strong online presence, as this is how you will be teaching your students. Create a professional website or blog, and maintain a strong social media presence that showcases your teaching abilities and personality.
- Be flexible and open-minded: Being flexible and open-minded about the types of students and teaching opportunities you are willing to take on can also improve your chances of getting hired. Consider teaching students from a variety of countries, working early mornings or late nights to accommodate different time zones, or teaching specialized subjects such as test preparation.
Can I Teach English Online Without A Degree From Anywhere In The World?
Yes, you can teach English online without a degree from anywhere in the world as long as you meet the requirements of the online English teaching company you want to work for. Many online English teaching companies have different requirements for their teachers, but not having a degree may not necessarily disqualify you from being hired. It’s important to research and understand the specific requirements of each company before applying, as they may vary. But generally speaking, there are many opportunities for individuals to teach English online from anywhere in the world, with or without a college degree.
Will My Lack Of A Degree Affect My Earning Potential As An Online English Teacher?
Yes and No. The amount of money you can earn as an online English teacher depends on numerous factors, including the company you work for, your experience level, and the classes you teach. Initially, not having a degree might cause friction, but if you are competent, it will no longer matter. While not having a degree may affect your earning potential, there are still plenty of chances to earn a competitive salary as an online English teacher, so don’t hesitate to research and explore the various opportunities available to you.
How Does One Improve Their English Speaking Skills?
Here are a few ways to improve your English teaching skills:
- Take a TEFL course
- Watch videos of experienced teachers
- Read English teaching books and articles
- Attend webinars and workshops
- Practice teaching with a language exchange partner
- Volunteer as an English teacher
What are some common challenges of teaching English online without a degree?
For full disclosure, here are a few things to watch out for on this journey. Nothing you can’t deal with, but a heads up is always nice:
- Lack of credentials: Without a degree or teaching certification, it may be more difficult to prove your qualifications to potential employers or students.
- Limited job opportunities: Some companies may have specific requirements for hiring online English teachers, such as a degree or certification, which can limit your job opportunities.
- Difficulty building trust with students: Students may be hesitant to trust a teacher without a degree or certification, which can make it harder to establish a good rapport with them.
- Communication barriers: Teaching online may require additional effort to overcome communication barriers such as language or technical difficulties.
- Time management: Balancing a teaching schedule with other responsibilities can be challenging, especially if you are teaching across different time zones.
- Variable pay: Online teaching rates can vary depending on the company or platform you work with, making it difficult to rely on a consistent income.
What Makes A Good Online English Teacher?
Teaching English Online isn’t all fun and games. Don’t expect this to be easy. Here are a few ingredients that make a good Online English Teacher:
- Strong communication skills: Online teaching requires excellent communication skills to convey complex ideas in a clear and concise manner.
- Patience: A good online English teacher should be patient and understanding, especially when working with students who are struggling to understand certain concepts.
- Creativity: Online teaching often requires creativity in adapting to different learning styles, creating engaging lesson plans, and making use of digital tools and resources.
- Cultural sensitivity: An effective online English teacher should be able to work with students from different cultural backgrounds, understand their unique needs, and respect their cultural differences.
- Flexibility: Online teaching can require a great deal of flexibility, especially when working with students in different time zones or dealing with unexpected technical issues.
- Passion for teaching: A love of teaching and a desire to help students learn and grow is an essential quality for any online English teacher.
- Continuous learning: A good online English teacher should be dedicated to ongoing learning and professional development, staying up-to-date on the latest teaching techniques and technologies.
Conclusion
Teaching English online is an excellent way to make money, with flexible hours and the potential to reach students worldwide. If you haven’t secured a degree yet but want to teach English online, don’t worry there are companies that offer English teaching jobs online.
Companies offering online English teaching jobs without a degree look for teachers with social proof of their English language proficiency, communication skills, and other soft skills. TEFL and TESOL certifications can be valuable for professional development, but not always necessary. Some companies that offer English teaching jobs are Cambly, Open English, Verbling, iTalki, Palfish, Outschool, Preply, and Amazing Talker.
Requirements vary depending on the company, with some requiring a TEFL or TESOL certification, while others look for native English speakers with experience and skills such as leadership, communication, and patience.
To increase your chances of getting the job, present your best managerial and leadership skills with a well refined portfolio. If you don’t have any prior experience, create a demo video of teaching voluntary classes. Finally, don’t forget to confidently pitch yourself.
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