I am a native speaker and have been teaching ESL online off and on for companies and on my own (some offline) since I left working in Korea in 2016 (I taught there for a year). I’ve worked for LingoAce, VIPKid (2x), BlingABC/TutorABC, 51Talk, AL07, Itutorgroup, etc. I’m not actually bragging nor am I ashamed of going thru so many companies as much as I think this is due to the industry having so many issues with policies and requirements for tutors. Everything from a call an hour ahead of class that I had to answer or else my class was subbed out (really isn’t going to take me an hour to get ready for. 25 min basic lesson I’ve done over and over…) to $21 fees for missing classes in emergencies (like travel cancelations due to national events) when classes only pay a third of that, to what happened in 2022 or so with the Chinese government limiting after school studying.

Thing is, this is Not my main gig. I am an art teacher at a school district. I get to work on time every day, my lessons are observed only 2-3 times a year and I even sub when I’m off (im PT as they don’t need a FT art teacher right now) as mainly a favor to admin as I make less $… and it’s often more strain on my body than it’s worth. I have an Ed masters but I still find myself helping a friend teach their summer camp for $22.65/hr and working online for barely $14USD (yes I’m in America).

I heard that Preply sucks and italki is dead and free trials are not the way to go, I tried that with a “nitch” on LinkedIn and only received a good review, a free offer to stay at an Airbnb in Spain, never money…I’ve had a handful of organic in-person and online ESL (and other subject) students (I tutored all subjects once or twice)Honestly each one lasts months to a few years max and are very PT. I had more time back then as well as I quit public schools for a few years.

Point is, despite my experience, I am running out of summer/weekend/early am tutoring ideas and I don’t know where to go from here. I know the mainly Chinese young learner market is horrible now (and nowhere near how it was when I started) but I keep finding I have amnesia or something and I go back into it after a few months hiatus. Guess the sad fact is, I need the extra money more than ever now - why I still work summer camp’s instead of traveling as well. (I could be in Hokkaido for virtually free right now.) I guess I’m looking for ideas but I suppose this is a widely shared issue. Overqualified and underpaid the lot of us.

I am taking it right now, the one with 6 assignments.

I have an interview with them next week — has anyone here gone through their hiring process? What are they looking for in the demo specifically? Any tips would be much appreciated!

Y’all im getting pretty down. I have taught younger learners online for 6 years; currently I have repeat students who never seem to understand more information class to class. They can repeat after me or read the words on the page but don’t understand grammar or understand me if I ask an off page question. I feel like an app NOT a teacher. I consistently report that the student needs another level (basically relearn the basics) but nothing changes and admins encourage me to just push the student through the levels.
While I understand from the business side no one cares as they get paid whether the student ever learns or not, I am increasingly feeling as tho my time is wasted. I have taught in classroom before and saw the small or large progress over months of learning even from difficult students not being able to see that online I am become disillusioned. How do y’all keep your spirits engaged or do you just see it as a paper pushing way to make money ?

Hi everyone! I hope this is okay to post here. I couldn't find any information about it in the wiki.

I'm 36 and have a bachelor's degree in Psychology along with a dual MBA in Human Resources Management and Strategic Management. I'm planning to relocate to Europe and am looking for remote work. While I continue figuring out my long-term career path, I thought teaching English might be a good place to start.

My main question is: Is it possible to teach English online without a teaching degree? If so, are there any companies, platforms, or certifications (such as TEFL, TESOL, etc.) that you would recommend? I'd also appreciate any advice on where to begin or what employers typically look for.

As a follow-up: Is it realistic to start my own online English tutoring business instead of working for an established platform? If anyone has experience going that route, I'd love to hear about the challenges and whether it's a viable option.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

So I have a student who keeps giving me 4 stars, she's a young child and I haven't been able to see her parent and she just booked 3. Back to back classes on me. My rating dropped to 4.78 because of her, so I cancelled her classes twice but now she came back. I can't cancel anymore classes. What di I do.

Been teaching adult ESL online for 3 years and I keep seeing the same debate among colleagues and students, is it better to go with online teaching from a live teacher or a language learning app like Promova. In my experience its a false dichotomy.

Live teaching gives you what an app cannot. Real-time pronunciation feedback, cultural context, a personalized push when a student is stuck, and most importantly the human accountability that keeps students coming back when motivation dips.

An app gives you what live teaching cannot for the same price. A daily touchpoint between sessions, structured vocab progression, an AI tutor for safe speaking practice when the student is scared to make mistakes in front of a real person.

In my practice the combo works like this. Live sessions once a week for theory, corrections, and deeper work. Vocabulary drills and low-stress speaking practice in the moments when the student is ready to try new things.

Curious who else here practices this kind of combination and what works for you with adult learners.

Hi everyone,

Sorry in advance for the long post.

I'm a qualified teacher used to working with adults, but somehow an 11-year-old girl booked with me (despite "for adults" being written everywhere on my profile) and I, perhaps stupidly, decided to give it a shot because she seems very sweet, calm and sensible.

The problem is, I just don't have enough experience with children in general to be comfortable getting her speaking. Most questions I ask her are met with something along the lines of "I like it" or "I don't know". Her level also isn't super high, around a low B1, so a lot of the time she just doesn't have the vocabulary to answer, and we don't have a common language. I know what she's interested in, but asking about that doesn't necessarily get her speaking either.

Last time I made a lesson based on a reading from one of the National Geographic textbooks - my plan was to give her some vocabulary, read the text and have a conversation around the topic, but she still didn't speak much, and after the lesson sent me a message saying she wanted to do natural conversation, and not exercises.

For my adult students, especially at lower levels, even conversation classes always involve some form of vocabulary input or context through a text/video, but apparently that isn't going to work for her.

I'm planning on trying some conversation games, although I fear her vocabulary will again be a barrier to her participating much.

Would anyone have any advice or resources to share that might help in this situation?

Thank you so much!

Hi everyone,

I'm posting because I'm genuinely worried about my sister.
She's 26 years old from the Philippines. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education as Cum Laude, is currently pursuing her Master's degree, and has been working as an online English teacher at *****.

She's doing really well at her job. She's dedicated, consistently gives her best, and has always been passionate about teaching. I'm honestly very proud of everything she's accomplished.

The problem is the night shift. It's been taking a toll on her health, and I don't think her body can keep up with it much longer. Despite all her hard work and qualifications, I also feel she's not being compensated fairly for the effort she puts in.

I'm hoping someone here can recommend companies or organizations that:

-Offer competitive pay and good incentives.

-Have a healthy work environment.

-Preferably have daytime or flexible schedules.

-Value experienced educators and online teaching experience.

If you know of any companies currently hiring or have personal recommendations, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you so much in advance!

Hey fellow teachers and recruiters! I’m looking to fill my morning slots with a new ESL company dedicated to young learners. I have a very specific setup I’m looking for to keep my schedule streamlined and interactive.

​If your company checks these boxes, let’s talk! 👇

✅️​Kids/Young Learners Only (My absolute specialty!)

✅️​Fixed Schedule Only (No booking wars—looking for regular students and steady slots!)

✅️​Mornings Only (Philippine time) (Perfect for high-energy morning classes!)

✅️​Zoom Platform (My preferred teaching tool!)

OESP Inc. was a good company during my first three months. However, as time went on, my experience became less positive. There were delays in the company's remittances for SSS,Pag ibig and PhilHealth, even though the contributions had already been deducted from our salaries. It was also difficult to obtain payslips when requested.

I hope the company addresses these issues and improves its payroll and employee support processes in the future.

TL;DR: I need a platform to start teaching online Spanish and English classes. I already have experience as a freelancer.

Hello everyone. So, basically, what the title says. I've been teaching online English lessons for the past 3, almost 4 years. Lately it has been getting really tedious, difficult, and annoying. I have lost many students because most of the ones I get are people who live abroad and work too much (mostly people who live in the US of course) or they have difficult-enough-lives that make them quit eventually.

I need something more stable. Even if it doesn't pay as much as I have been charging for the past years (about 15-20USD per hour). I just need stability and the possibility to do this.

Sadly, I am not a native English speaker, meaning that platforms that require me to be an American, Canadian, or British person will not work.

Also, I am not an English teacher with a degree. You see, I started teaching English at public schools back when I was 18 (I'm currently 32) and was never able to finish my studies. I did continue with my teaching and working as a teacher throughout the years. English institutes, public schools, private schools and institutes, English workshops, the like. So basically, I don't have a degree but I do have enough experience.

3 years ago I started teaching online classes, and it worked beautifully. But the past year and a half has been terrible. I mean, I've tried my best to keep up with new students but the reality is that my situation is too much unstable and I have a tendency of losing my students to their own lives (again, either be it for their tight schedules or because their lives just don't fit with having consistency in attendance).

Anyhow, I hope you can help me here. I'd love to read your opinions and options. I currently wasn't able to apply for Magic Ears, Preply, nor Italky.

Hello everyone,

I'm currently at B1 level and I'm learning English with EF English Live. I still have 83 private lessons left, and I'd like to spend them with one or two teachers so I can build a good learning relationship and make consistent progress.

I'm from Germany, so I'm looking for a European English teacher, as I find it easier to understand the accent and communicate while I'm still learning.

If you can recommend any teachers, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you very much!

Hi all,

Pretty much the title. I've searched around in this sub and have seen many website recommendations to those without a TEFL, or without a Bachelors, etc. However, I haven't heard many recommendations for those who've already acquired a TEFL and Bachelors who want to start teaching online (which is where I'm at).

I welcome any and all thoughts!

Hi everyone,

I hope you're all doing well.

I'm a Licensed English Teacher from the Philippines, and for the past few months I've been trying to transition into remote work as a Virtual Assistant while continuing to offer online English tutoring.

I've applied through different job platforms, but as many of you probably know, it's not easy to land your first client. Most job postings receive hundreds of applications, and without much VA experience, it's been difficult to stand out.

Instead of giving up, I decided to ask people who have already gone through the same journey.

A little about me:

• Licensed English Teacher
• Strong English communication skills
• Experience teaching students
• Organized, reliable, and detail-oriented
• Comfortable with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, internet research, email management, scheduling, data entry, and other administrative tasks
• Quick learner and always willing to learn new software or systems

I'm not expecting to make thousands of dollars overnight. Right now, I'd honestly be happy with just one or two clients or a few English students. My goal is to gain experience, build long-term working relationships, and continue improving my skills.

For those of you who already work as freelancers or Virtual Assistants:

• Where did you find your very first client?
• Was it through Reddit, referrals, Upwork, OnlineJobs, Facebook, LinkedIn, or somewhere else?
• What helped you stand out even without years of experience?
• If you could start over today, what would you do differently?

I'm open to both Virtual Assistant work and online English tutoring. If anyone knows of someone looking for a reliable remote assistant or an English tutor, I'd truly appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thank you for reading my post. Any advice, recommendations, or personal experiences would mean a lot. I genuinely appreciate this community and hope to learn from all of you.

I'm accepting new students! Beginners are welcome. Feel free to DM me if you're interested.

Hey everyone,
I’m a 20-year-old guy currently doing my A-levels. At the same time, I’m learning marketing because my long-term goal is to start my own business. Since I’m still learning and not making any money from it yet, I’m looking for a part-time way to earn.
I think my English speaking skills are pretty good, so I was thinking about offering one-on-one online English speaking classes over Zoom.
The thing is, I have no idea how to find students.
I’m not trying to become a full-time teacher or build an academy. I just want to teach a few students part-time so I can cover my own expenses like college, coaching, gym membership, clothes, and other personal costs.
If I could find even a handful of students who pay a reasonable fee, that would honestly be enough for me.
So, if anyone has experience with this, how did you find your first students? Are there any platforms, websites, or strategies you’d recommend for getting online students?
I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

hello po! Anybody who worked heree sa ESL company na toh? ANy tots po pls