9 Best Platforms for Teaching English Online: Side Hustle Opportunities for Language Enthusiasts
Teaching English online has become a popular way to make extra money from home.
You can set your own hours and work with students from around the world.
It’s a flexible job that lets you use your language skills to help others learn.
You can earn $16-$26 per hour teaching English online with some companies. This makes it a great side hustle to boost your income.
With many platforms to choose from, you have options for finding one that fits your schedule and teaching style.
Whether you want to teach kids or adults, there’s likely an online English teaching job that works for you.
1) VIPKid
VIPKid is a popular choice for teaching English online.
It connects North American teachers with Chinese students aged 4-12.
You can work from home and set your own schedule.
To join VIPKid, you need a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience.
The platform provides lesson plans, so you just focus on teaching.
This makes it great for beginners.
Classes last 25 minutes.
You can earn $14-$22 per hour.
Some teachers make up to $26 per hour for short-notice classes.
VIPKid has grown a lot since 2014.
They now have almost 1 million students.
This means there’s always demand for teachers.
Peak teaching hours are 6-10 PM on weekdays and 10:30 AM-10 PM on weekends, Beijing time.
This works well as a side gig for many teachers.
You’ll need a fast internet connection and a quiet space to teach.
A headset and webcam are also must-haves.
VIPKid offers a flexible way to earn extra money.
You can teach as much or as little as you want.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a teaching side hustle.
2) Qkids
Want to teach English from home? Qkids might be your ticket.
This online education platform connects English teachers with kids in China.
You’ll teach kids aged 6-12 using fun games and stories.
The lessons are already planned for you, so no need to stress about making materials.
To join Qkids, you need to be from the US or Canada.
You’ll also need a college degree in any subject.
Having some teaching experience is a plus, but not a must-have.
The pay is pretty decent.
You can earn between $16-$20 per hour.
That’s not bad for a side gig you can do in your PJs!
One cool thing about Qkids is the flexible schedule.
You pick when you want to work.
But you do need to commit to at least 6 hours a week.
The classes are small, usually with 1-4 students.
This makes it easier to give each kid attention and keep things under control.
Qkids provides training to help you get started.
They’ll show you how to use their special teaching software and give you tips for keeping kids engaged.
So if you’re looking for a fun way to earn extra cash, teaching with Qkids could be worth a shot.
Just remember, you’ll need to be a morning person – those time zones can be tricky!
3) Magic Ears
Want to make some extra cash from home? Magic Ears might be your ticket.
It’s an online platform where you can teach English to kids aged 4-12.
You don’t need to be a pro teacher to start.
Magic Ears is cool with folks who are just starting out.
But you do need a bachelor’s degree and be from the US or Canada.
The pay is pretty sweet.
You can earn between $18-$26 per hour.
That’s not too shabby for a side gig!
One neat thing about Magic Ears is their class setup.
You’ll teach up to four kids at once.
It keeps things lively and fun.
The platform provides all the teaching materials.
You just need to bring your energy and enthusiasm.
Kids love interactive lessons, so get ready to be animated!
Flexibility is a big plus here.
You can pick your own hours.
This makes it easy to fit teaching around your main job or other commitments.
Magic Ears has a unique booking system.
It lets you set your schedule in advance.
This gives you some stability while still keeping things flexible.
To get started, you’ll need to pass an interview and demo lesson.
Don’t stress though – they offer training to help you succeed.
Remember, teaching online can be a great way to boost your income.
With Magic Ears, you can earn money while helping kids learn English.
It’s a win-win!
4) Cambly
Want to teach English from home and make some extra cash? Cambly might be just what you’re looking for.
This platform connects you with students from all over the world who want to practice their English skills.
You don’t need any fancy degrees or certifications to get started.
As long as you’re a native English speaker, you’re good to go.
It’s super flexible too – you can log on whenever you have free time and start chatting with students.
Cambly uses video chat for lessons.
You’ll have conversations with learners to help them improve their English.
It’s pretty casual, so don’t worry about planning formal lessons.
The pay isn’t huge, but it’s a nice way to earn some side money.
You get paid by the minute, which means you can work as little or as much as you want.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a flexible side gig.
One cool thing about Cambly is that you can meet people from all sorts of different cultures.
You might chat with a student from Brazil one minute and someone from Saudi Arabia the next.
Keep in mind that the platform can be competitive.
Lots of tutors use Cambly, so it might take a bit to build up your hours.
But if you’re patient and friendly, you can create a nice little side hustle for yourself.
5) EF Education First
Want to teach English online with a well-known company? EF Education First might be a good fit for you.
They’ve been in the education game since 1965 and started their online English school back in 1997.
EF offers a chance to teach English online from home.
You can work on your own schedule and grow your teaching skills while earning money on the side.
One cool thing about EF is that they have teachers available 24/7.
This means you can find teaching slots that fit your lifestyle, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
They’ve got a huge global network with over 600 schools and offices in more than 100 countries.
This gives you the opportunity to connect with students from all around the world.
EF’s online teaching platform is built on their years of experience.
It’s designed to help you become a great educator, even if you’re just starting out.
You’ll have the chance to develop your teaching skills and grow your income as you gain more experience.
It’s a great way to dip your toes into online teaching and see if it’s the right side hustle for you.
Remember, teaching with EF isn’t just about making extra cash.
It’s also about helping people learn English and connecting with students from different cultures.
If that sounds exciting to you, EF Education First might be worth checking out for your online teaching journey.
6) Preply
Want to make some extra cash teaching English? Preply might be just the ticket.
It’s a popular online platform that connects tutors with students from all over the world.
You get to set your own hourly rate on Preply.
This means you can decide how much your time is worth.
Plus, you choose when you want to work.
It’s perfect for fitting around your main job or other commitments.
Preply offers free tools and materials to help you teach.
This makes it easier to plan lessons, even if you’re new to teaching.
You don’t need to spend hours making worksheets or hunting for resources.
The platform takes a cut of your earnings.
But don’t worry – the more you teach, the less they take.
Their commission starts at 33% and can go down to 18%.
So the more lessons you give, the more you keep.
One cool thing about Preply is you can teach more than just English.
If you speak other languages or have other skills, you can tutor those too.
It’s a great way to diversify your side gig.
Getting started is easy.
Just create a profile, set your rates, and wait for students to book you.
You might need to offer lower prices at first to attract students.
But as you build up good reviews, you can raise your rates.
Remember, teaching online can be really fun.
You get to meet people from different cultures and help them reach their goals.
It’s a rewarding way to earn some extra cash.
7) iTalki
Want to teach English as a side gig? iTalki might be your ticket.
It’s a cool platform where you can connect with students from all over the world.
You get to set your own schedule and rates.
This flexibility makes it perfect for fitting lessons around your main job or other commitments.
iTalki isn’t just for pro teachers.
If you’re a native English speaker, you can sign up as a community tutor.
No fancy qualifications needed!
The platform is super easy to use.
You create a profile, set your availability, and wait for students to book you.
You can teach from anywhere with a good internet connection.
One neat thing about iTalki is the variety of students.
You might chat with a business exec one day and a college student the next.
It keeps things interesting!
Remember, you’re running your own mini-business here.
You’ll need to market yourself well and provide top-notch lessons to get good reviews and attract more students.
iTalki takes a cut of your earnings, but many teachers find the exposure and steady stream of students worth it.
It’s a great way to dip your toes into online English teaching without a huge commitment.
8) Lingoda
Want to teach English online as a side gig? Lingoda might be a good fit for you.
This platform focuses on teaching adults in small group classes or one-on-one sessions.
You’ll teach using Zoom, which makes it easy to connect with students from anywhere.
Lingoda provides all the teaching materials, so you don’t have to spend time prepping lessons.
To join Lingoda, you need to be a C2-level English speaker.
While a teaching certificate is required, you don’t need a college degree.
This makes it accessible if you’re looking for a flexible side job.
Classes last 60 minutes, and you can choose how many hours you want to work.
There’s no minimum requirement, so you can fit it around your main job or other commitments.
The downside? The pay isn’t the highest in the industry.
You can expect to earn between $8 and $13 per hour.
But many teachers enjoy the work and find it satisfying.
Booking classes works on a first-come, first-served basis.
This means you’ll need to be quick to grab the slots you want.
But it also gives you flexibility to pick up extra hours when you have time.
If you’re comfortable with technology and enjoy helping adults learn English, Lingoda could be a fun way to earn some extra cash on the side.
9) teach
Want to make some extra cash teaching English online? Check out teach
It’s a cool platform that lets you set up your own virtual classroom.
You can create and sell English courses on teach
The best part? You’re in control.
You decide what to teach, how much to charge, and when to hold your classes.
No need for fancy tech skills. teach
You can even do live sessions if that’s your thing.
Got a knack for teaching business English? Or maybe you’re great at helping kids learn through songs? Whatever your style, there’s room for it on teach
The platform takes a small cut of your earnings, but you keep most of what you make.
It’s a sweet deal for a side gig.
Marketing your course is part of the job.
But teach
Remember, building your student base takes time.
But once you get rolling, you could earn some nice extra income teaching English from your couch.
Benefits of Teaching English Online
Teaching English online offers perks that can make it an ideal side gig.
You’ll enjoy flexibility, connect with people worldwide, and grow your skills.
Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
You can teach from anywhere with a good internet connection.
No more commutes or rigid schedules! Set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
This flexibility lets you:
- Balance teaching with other jobs or studies
- Travel while earning money
- Spend more time with family and friends
You’re in control of your schedule.
Teach early mornings, evenings, or weekends – whatever suits you best.
It’s perfect for night owls, early birds, or those with changing availability.
Opportunity for Cultural Exchange
Online teaching brings the world to your screen.
You’ll meet students from different countries and backgrounds.
This cultural exchange is exciting and enriching.
You can:
- Learn about new cultures and traditions
- Share your own experiences and customs
- Gain a global perspective
Every class is a chance to broaden your horizons.
You might chat with a student in Japan one hour and Brazil the next.
It’s like traveling without leaving home!
Professional Growth
Teaching English online isn’t just about helping others – it’s also about your own growth.
You’ll develop valuable skills that can boost your career:
- Improve your communication skills
- Learn to explain complex ideas simply
- Gain experience in virtual environments
These skills are in high demand in today’s job market.
Plus, you’ll build confidence as you tackle new challenges.
Many online teachers find their experience opens doors to other opportunities in education or remote work.
Essential Tools and Resources
To teach English online, you’ll need some key tools and resources.
These will help you create a professional setup and deliver engaging lessons.
High-Quality Webcam and Microphone
Your webcam and microphone are crucial for online teaching.
A good webcam lets students see you clearly, which helps build trust and connection.
Look for one with at least 720p resolution.
For your microphone, consider a USB or headset option.
These can reduce background noise and improve sound quality.
Clear audio is vital for language learning.
Test your equipment before lessons.
Make sure your lighting is good too.
Natural light or a ring light can make you look more professional on camera.
Interactive Teaching Software
Digital teaching tools can make your lessons fun and effective.
Look for software with features like:
- Virtual whiteboards
- Screen sharing
- Interactive games
- Breakout rooms
Some popular options include:
- Zoom
- Google Classroom
- ClassIn
These tools let you create engaging activities and track student progress.
They can also help you manage assignments and give feedback.
Reliable Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is a must for online teaching.
Aim for at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds.
Use an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi if possible.
This can give you a more stable connection.
Have a backup plan too.
A mobile hotspot can be a lifesaver if your main internet goes down.
Test your connection before each lesson. Online teaching platforms often have built-in speed tests.
Use these to make sure you’re good to go.