Teaching English online is slowly but surely growing in popularity, with tons of recent grads, mid-career professionals, and travelers making the jump to the virtual classroom. But, why teach English online? It’s a booming industry, so you know there must be benefits attached to this career choice. From flexible schedules to incredible earning potential, teaching English online is your golden ticket to that digital nomad lifestyle you’ve always wanted!
This could be you, anywhere in the world!
Is teaching online worth it?
In a nutshell, YES. Once you grab your TEFL certificate online, it’s exceptionally easy to become an online English teacher, and the advantages can’t be overstated. Do you dread the 9-to-5 lifestyle? Does business casual attire kill your vibe? Are you a fan of high wages and low start up costs? Yes, yes, and yes! Skip the commute and find out why teaching English online is for you.
11 cool benefits of teaching English online
1. Certification is online too!
Depending on the organization, provider, or agency you’re looking at for opportunities to teach English online, they may require a TEFL certificate. So...how do you go about getting one of those? Luckily, providers like CIEE make it easy for you by offering online TEFL certification!
Just like with online teaching jobs, getting TEFL certified online allows for flexibility in your schedule. In just three months, you’ll be certified to teach around the world (including online), and have practical experience under your belt. There’s no doubt that potential employers will love that.
2. Make your own schedule
One of the coolest benefits of teaching English online is that you set your own schedule. Are you an early bird? A night owl? Either way, you can alter your work schedule according to your preferences. This is because most of your students will be from the other side of the world, and looking to get lessons at all hours of the day (like before and after school).
Additionally, classes are usually only an hour or two at a time. You’ll have the ability to decide how many classes you would like to teach each day, and when. Maybe you’ll teach a class, head to the gym, teach a class, go get groceries, and then teach another class before dinner — it’s all up to you!
3. Work in your PJs
The benefits of teaching English online are comfy and cozy.
People bring this up all the time when talking about the advantages of teaching English online and working from home in general, but can you blame them? Who wouldn’t want to be able to go to work in their pajamas and not be judged for it?
Keep in mind that with many online English teaching jobs you’ll probably be on camera, so a certain level of presentation will be appreciated by both your employer and your students. But hey, unless you’re standing up, you can definitely get away with wearing those yoga pants.
4. Go anywhere with an internet connection
Working at home is cool for some people, but maybe that’s not exactly what you’re looking for. Enter: Digital Nomad Lifestyle. Most English teaching jobs online don’t require that you be in any particular place so long as you have a reliable internet connection.
You know where they have a reliable internet connection? Well, pretty much everywhere nowadays! Work in New Zealand, the UK, Costa Rica, the Philippines, South Africa, or wherever you want without having to worry about the hassle of work visas or local bank accounts. Teach in the mornings and explore in the afternoons, or vice versa. This is a wanderluster’s dream come true.
5. It’s a one-stop shop
One of the benefits of teaching English online is that many employers provide everything that you’ll need — some even provide lesson plans and the required equipment (if they have particular software or hardware that they want teachers to use). You won’t need to run around shopping, planning, and stressing. Everything is in one place for you!
6. There are just as many students online…
Millions of students around the world are taking to the internet to gain and refine English skills due to the low supply of on-site English teachers in their home countries. Were you wondering whether you’d be struggling to book classes as an online English teacher? Don’t worry — there are more than enough students to go around. In fact, you may end up being in higher demand than you would’ve ever imagined.
7. ...And they’re all eager to learn
There are tons of students waiting online right now to learn English, and they’re all excited to do so! As an online English teacher, it’ll be rare to have to deal with students who don’t want to be in class or have no interest in what they’re learning (as may sometimes be the case when on-site).
Rather, your students will be those who have sought out English lessons for a particular reason, and who are learning in addition to their own schooling at home where they live. You can expect students to have an overall driven and hardworking attitude, making your job that much easier!
8. Your only focus is teaching
You’ll thrive as an online English teacher.
Why teach English online? Because sometimes it’s actually easier than teaching in a classroom, thanks to the separation between teacher and pupil. Whereas on-site teachers in physical classrooms must deal with unruly students and disciplinary issues, it’ll all be smooth sailing for you! Your only focus as an online English teacher will be putting on a helpful, valuable lesson. Teacher-student interactions are minimal, and won’t play any huge role in your day-to-day.
9. You can make big $$$
That’s right, online English teachers also earn decent wages! Depending on your provider or agency, your rate may be hourly, per class, or even per minute; make sure you’re clear on what the deal is prior to signing any contracts. What are rates like? Most companies pay upwards of $15 per hour, and you can expect rates to be closer to $18 or higher.
And don’t forget that the more experience you have, the more you can negotiate for — think upwards of $25 per hour. Is this all sounding too good to be true? Well go ahead and pinch yourself, pal.
10. Companies make it easy to get started
There aren’t too many hoops to jump through when it comes to getting started as an online English teacher. Once you have a TEFL certificate (if required), everything else is pretty simple. All you’ll need is a functioning computer with an internal or external webcam, a reliable internet connection, and the space to teach. (Plus, you know, a successful interview.) Once hired, you’ll be in the clear to start working your dream job!
11. Gain experience for your resume or career
This may go without saying, but one of the biggest benefits of teaching English online is that on top of everything already mentioned, you’ll be gaining valuable experience!
Perhaps you have dreams of having your own physical classroom someday, or you want to eventually move on to an agency that pays even more, or you see teaching English online as a skill-building stepping stone on the path to wherever you’re headed professionally.
Whatever the case, an online English teaching position will look amazing on your resume. It’ll require you to be self-motivated, flexible, and creative, and those are all skills that every type of employer is looking for in a potential new hire.
Ready to get started? Talk to our Online Advisor and get matched with 5 online teaching jobs for FREE!
The advantages of teaching English online can’t be overstated!
You know the benefits of teaching English online, so don’t let anything hold you back.
Why teach English online? When taking into consideration the flexible schedules, the decent pay, and the option to wear jammies and potentially travel the world, you’ll be asking yourself, why not teach English online?! Go get started and step into your future!
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This article was written with help from CIEE. CIEE is a highly-regarded travel program provider, offering comprehensive and valuable experiences abroad. Their 150-hour Online TEFL Certification Course includes a 20-hour practicum and a job assistance guide. Enrollment is currently open.
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