April 2020 Updated
But I’m not an English Teacher.
I often heard this from my friends who’s been interested in online teaching. Most people think that you can only teach English when you have a degree in Education. Well, not anymore. It’s alright if you took Business, Music, etc..
Some of these companies even accept college students. Most of these companies look for licensed teachers. Although it won’t hurt if you do. But it is indeed possible to teach English online with no degree.
Some of these companies even give higher compensation if you are a college graduate. While some give more if you’re experienced. But, if not it’s alright you can grow with them and get your experience from these companies.
Most of these companies will let you even set your own rate and hours. Most of them provide training and help if you’re inexperienced. It’s a good start for people who want to work at home online.
This post may contain affiliate links see affiliate disclosure here. which means I may receive a small commission for clicks made through my links. they are good products and all our opinion and suggestions are unbiased I only share products and services that I use, trust and love
Tip: If you have no experience in teaching or even tutoring, I suggest you apply for companies that have a lower rate per hour. They are the ones that usually accepts good but inexperienced applicants. It’s a good way to start in this field.
But I’m not a native English speaker.
So am I. But I worked and tried some of them. Although, most of these companies require native speakers. Some look for non-native speakers as well.
Based on my experience new learners want to talk with non-native teachers, especially beginners. Then, they choose native speakers as they level up their English speaking skills. Still, many prefer both.
So how to get the job?
Each company varies from one another. Some are looking for mostly native speakers, Some are not. Do you like to talk to people? Do you enjoy chatting with different types of people, learning about different cultures?
How about teaching kids? Some of them have a market for children. But mostly adults from different parts of the world. Koreans, Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, you name it. They don’t require teachers to speak the student’s language.
Most of the learners speak basic English already. Furthermore, each of these companies requires a good internet connection, some need a webcam some don’t. Most require a degree while others don’t. You should check the list and choose the company that suits you best.
Here’s the list you should check out.
1. Palfish
First, Let me begin with Palfish. I recommend this app because I worked here last year and it was great. I like that this is a fun way to teach. Another nice thing about Palfish is it’s just an app.
You can teach anywhere you like. As long as there’s wifi. So convenient. I once had a busy student. He’s a commuter and he used to have classes while he’s on a bus on his way home. They hire both native and non-native teachers. You can earn from $15/hour to $45/hour. You can read my full review here.
2.VIPKID–
Here’s another company that requires English native speakers with any “formal” or “informal” teaching experience. Pay is around $14-$22/ hour. By the company name itself, you will be teaching children ages 5-12 years old. VIPKID needs thousands of part-time remote workers to teach English online to kids in China.
Worrying about what to teach? VIPKID provides lesson plans to teachers. This is another amazing work-from-home opportunity and don’t you worry, users do not need to know any foreign language to be able to qualify. So, If you’re a teacher who’s tired of the classroom setting, and wants to work at home. Here’s a company you should try.
3. SayABC–
Here’s another China-based online ESL school that would fit non-degree holder applicants. They accept native and non-native applicants. Pay rate starts at $21/40 minute class, means you can have up to $28/hour.
Although a bachelor degree is a requirement they still accept applicants who don’t have one. They believe that training the new generation of teachers is best done through hands-on practice.
And they offer applicants with relevant teaching experience a chance to show their skills even if they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. One thing that teachers would love about this school is they also provide lessons to teach.
4. Italki-
This is not just an English online school, It’s a language site that provides teachers and tutors from different countries teaching different languages. It’s a site where you can set your own rate.
They offer informal to professional lessons. Some teachers charge $15 per 30 minutes. This is not bad. And the application is a breeze. So you should check this one out.
5. Tutor ABC-
This company has been around for years. It’s a Taiwan-based company. Although the pay may not be as high as other companies. If you’re looking for an experience this is a good place to start. They also don’t require teachers to speak Chinese.
Based on my experience. Taiwanese speaks English. But they just need to enhance them. Schools provide English subjects but they focus more on written skills. That’s why they look for people to practice their speaking skills.
6. Tutlo–
Here’s another app that doesn’t look for a degree. They offer 20-minute lessons to students who want to learn any language. It provides help and training for inexperienced teachers as well.Tutlo pays $11/hour.
You can teach at your own convenient time. Payments are made via PayPal. You can apply here
7. Berlitz-
Is a language company that provides teachers from different parts of the world. You can teach English and any other language you choose by a native speaker from that specific country.
English teachers can earn $13/hour. You can apply online here. If you want to teach your own language you can apply here.
8. VerbalPlanet–
Here’s a website that’s more like Italki. You will set your own profile and wait for the company to approve it. It’s a language company that offers different language teachers.
You can set your own rate. Just like Palfish they suggest starting low to attract more students. Pay starts from $10 to $20/ 45 minutes of class and you can change your rate as you grow with the company. You can apply here.
9. SameSpeak–
If you’re a native English speaker, Here’s a nice company to start if you have no degree as well as experience in teaching English. You can be a personal conversation coach in no time.
And they hire from 16 years of age which is pretty good work at home side job for students. In addition, teachers can also work at their own convenient time. Payments are also made via PayPal. You should check them here.
10. Nice Talk–
Same as Palfish, Nice Talk is an English-teaching app that pays. It’s a Chinese company that won’t require you to speak Chinese to be able to teach English. In addition, Nice talk only accepts native English speakers.
If you’re a native English speaker with experience in teaching English and wants to work at your own convenient time anywhere. Therefore, you should give this a try and check this one out. Pay is $10/hour. You can apply here.
11.Cambly-
Here’s an interesting site that allows anyone in the world to become an English or Spanish tutor. It’s more like chatting with new friends online. They pay by the minute.
Therefore, if the student likes you he will probably stay longer and talk with you. Means more money in your pocket. They pay $0.17/ minute or $10.20/hour. You can choose a 2-hour shift or not, so it’s still very flexible.
12. Qkids–
Although they accept US and Canadian residents only. This company is more relaxed than other programs. You can apply if you’re a college student. Pay is $20/hour.
They focus mainly on kids 6-12 years old. They accept any formal or informal teaching like coaching, mentoring or alternative education as long as you have the passion to teach. Perfect for online teachers, stay-at-home parents, and college students.
Each company has its own requirements. You can choose to teach professionally or informally. It’s up to you whether to teach via mobile phones or with your computers. You can teach on shifts or you can teach at your own convenient time.
You can teach at home or wherever you want. This list provides all that. In conclusion, we all have the power to choose if we want to work 9-5 or work from the comfort of your own home and set your own hours. Thus, making it easier for you to work at home.
13. Magic Ears
provides fun, interactive and efficient online learning experience for kids in China. Their mission is to be the superhero of Chinese children. They provide a pleasant environment that allows teachers to teach and grow with the company.
– They offer salaries of 30% higher than the average market value. Make $22-$26 per hour, higher base pay than the average. You can work anywhere as long as there’s a stable internet connection, It’s flexible you can choose your own hours.
14. Gogo Kid-
The company believes that integrating technology and education will revolutionize language learning. They offer one-on-one lessons based on the US common core standards and the Chinese standard curriculum through a virtual classroom infused with cutting-edge AI technology.
Their hourly rate is $15-$25 USD- payment commensurate with an education background, teaching experience as well as interviews. Additionally, they offer up to $300 bonus to new teachers. This is limited time offer so better apply now.
If you think that this list is not enough. Then you should check my massive list of online teaching schools. So you don’t need to scour the internet. Best of luck!
15. Education First
Last but not the least EF. It is the world’s largest private education organization. It’s founded in Lund, Sweden. With 580 offices and schools. Operating in 117 countries. With 46,500 teachers. How’s that for a strong foundation.
You can read more about EF here in my previous post.
Related Articles:
How to get started teaching English online w/or w/out a degree.
Thanks for a very informative list. I think I’ll be able to find a company to work with.
Hi Adryahn,
Thanks for dropping by! Good luck!
Sharing is caring!
Thank you for doing both!
Hi Ron,
Thanks for dropping by!
Hi, this is John … may concern is the following , I m not a native american but I grew up in New York city..
and I did all my educational back ground there . my English is like any native New yorker talks. but my place of birth is Colombia South America ? should this be of any problem for my not being a native American to teach English online? …. I speak fluent spanish also.
Thanking you much for your attention .
John j. Gregory
Hi John,
No, Some of the companies I listed accepts applicants even if you’re not a native American, as long as you speak English very well. You should give it a try. Once you gain experience then you can move to another company that pays higher. Best of luck!
Hi I Vy , thank you so much for your prompt response . may God bless you .
truly . John
Thank you for the info Mary. It helps a lot….God bless…
Great this was what I was looking for! I was in search of English Teaching sites that don’t require professional work experience or certain education level! There’re a few I find very interesting in the article, thank you for your info and great article!! Cheers great day/evening/night over there!!
Hong (From South Korea)
Hi Hong,
Thanks for that wonderful message. I’m currently writing an article about lessons and books. I hope you’ll continue to follow the wise half. God bless!
Hello there, Vipkids no longer accepts applicants without a degree. I think they must have changed things up recently.
Yes Lisa, they only accept applicants with “any” degree. As long as they can teach English very well.
Hi
I am a South African and currently in a position to teach on several platforms online. However I don’t have any teaching qualifications or experience, which platform would you recommend for me to try?
Thank you
Theresa
Hello theresa,
Have you tried palfish? or cambly? you can check my recent post
Hope it helps.
Thank you so much for this article! I have been a volunteer literacy coach and I used to tutor conversational English. I do not have a degree, but I have 280 college credits and I am about to go back to school to finish a teaching degree. I was an Ed tech and I taught the library courses. I am thinking that this may be a better way to make money while I go to school.
Thank you Kristen, I’m currently writing topics about books and sites that would help online teachers. especially newbies. As well as my new massive list of schools. Hope these posts will help you.
I will be done with my Masters in Special Reading this year. Paying back all my school loans may require me to add on a part time job for awhile. I’ve been researching how to get hired as an online teacher of English. There are quite a large number of companies offering this opportunity and many require a contract be signed. I just want to know which ones will pay me the most. I have read about others making a good salary relying on this as their only income.
Hi nicole,
I have to say it really depends on how much time you dedicate to teaching.
Some people earn as much as $1000 from VIp kid alone. Some make more with Cambly.
You can start freelancing as well. Best of luck!
Hi Ivy! I have a few questions to ask you.
I have a Master of Arts in Human Services: Marriage & Family. I would love to teach English online from my home. I have a disable son that lives with me.
1.) Do you need to setup a PayPal account first?
2. Can you teach straight from a laptop computer instead of a smart phone?
3.) Where is a good website to get ESL lessons from?
Hi Vicky,
Yes, you need to set up a PayPal account. and yes you can teach from your desktop too. You can check my post here about some English sites you can get your lessons from. And btw some schools like Say ABC, qkids has their own English lessons ready for you to use.