This is one of the most convenient ways to teach English that doesn’t need experience.
This Palfish app review will guide you on how to start. Plus awesome tips to get hired.
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After setting up everything you need. You can teach English anywhere, anytime.
The convenience of using a mobile application to teach students is such an advantage to many teachers now.
Although many online English institutes use their websites as their platform to teach.
Palfish on the other hand is an app with all the features both students and teachers can use with their classes.
But what exactly is Palfish?
In This Guide
What is Palfish?
Palfish is an app-based learning platform that has been operating for a long time.
With this mobile app, you may teach or simply talk with children and adults. You can also set your own pay rate.
I joined the company many years ago. And because having a baby is a handful I need to let go of this wonderful opportunity.
Is Palfish legit?
Of course, it is. This Beijing-based company has been around for years and they have leveled up their system making it a pleasant experience for both teachers and students.
Palfish, is an app that’s more than just a free video/messaging software. It has a lot of awesome features that make teaching pretty easy.
It can store English lessons so you don’t need to open other apps while teaching.
I also want to point out that most of my former students just want to chat.
They just want someone to talk to in English.
So, It’s like just chatting while earning.
Let this Palfish reviews show you how to get hired.
You can schedule your available time so students can easily book you in the future.
It also can help you book a schedule for specific students, this cool feature can help you gain regular students.
This app is available worldwide. Thus, making it easier to teach English anywhere you are in the world.
They have a pool of teachers from the US, Canada, Australia, England, Philippines, Singapore, etc.
They’re not looking for Native speakers only.
As long as your speaking is native-like or close to native speakers then you are more than welcome to try.
How to apply at Palfish?
Download the Palfish app Here. Or go to the app store/play store and download the Palfish teacher app, not the student app. Create your account.
- Fill out all the necessary details and information needed. I suggest writing all the information correctly and truthfully.
In the bio section, try to write a strong introduction.
Make it a point to urge learners to pick you. Make an effort to come across as fascinating and enjoyable to converse with.
Keep in mind that there are hundreds of teachers to choose from, so make an effort to stand out. This should be under 100 words only.
Again, short, simple, and encouraging
Information needs to include the following:
- Your name
- Your nationality
- The college that you have attended or attending.
- Teaching experience if you have (recommended but not necessary)
- What can you offer (This is where you put your encouraging words and interesting points of yourself)
- To make you feel better, new teachers are featured on the student’s app. So, there’s a big chance that you’ll receive calls right after your account is approved.
And there are thousands of students from China and the world. As they say, there’s a lot of fish in the ocean.
- Upload ​a pleasant profile picture. Some students choose teachers with a charming smile and not those with a very intimidating look.
So smile with all your heart. Make sure that the picture is yourself, not anyone else’s. A clear photo that allows students to quickly recognize you.
Many of my students said that a teacher that looks sweet and kind helps them decide if they will call or not.
So make sure you don’t come across as Miss. Trunchbull.
- Upload a voice recording- You can just easily read your bio and record it or record a new one It’s up to you.
Make it a point to sound happy, lively, and encouraging.
Your voice recording should be:
- Longer than 30 seconds
- The recording is clear (very important)
- You need to showcase your English pronunciation and proficiency. (Make sure you don’t speak too fast)
- Finally, talk about your specialty and or forte. (what you can offer to students)
- Lastly, wait for the admin to verify your account then you can start teaching.
If your profile is incomplete. (no profile picture, Short introduction) Chances are you won’t get approved. So follow all these steps and tips to become a palfish teacher.
What are the requirements?
There are three courses that need three types of teachers
Free Talk:
- Must be fluent in English. Neutral, Native-like of speaking. Open for non-native speakers, Prefers applicants with TEFL, TESOL, and other teaching certificates but not required.
Official Kids Course:
- Native English speaker from US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
- Holds TESOL, TEFL Certificate, etc., or Teaching Certificate (issued by the local Government) Not to worry you can easily take TESOL Courses and other courses at the International Open Academy for only €19
- No degree required or experience but If you do you have a better chance of getting hired asap. I believe that the competition is very high due to a number of applicants everyday.
- Requires 3.5 hours of teaching per week.
Philippines Course:
- Fluent in English
- Holds TESOL, TEFL Certificate, etc., or Teaching Certificate (issued by the local
- Government) Again, you can easily take TESOL Courses and other courses at the International Open Academy at a very low cost.
Palfish FAQ’s
How much can you make from Palfish?
This is one of the things that I like about Palfish. You can set your own rate. from $10 up to $18 an hour.
If you are an OKC, the rate starts at $16 up to $22 per hour.
While the Philippines course starts at P180 up to P280 an hour.
My recommendation to new teachers is to start with a low rate and work your way up to a rate that you believe represents your worth.
This will assist you in attracting a large number of students who will become regular students in the near future.
But if you want to set a higher rate it’s all up to you. You can still get new students.
Palfish salary may not be the highest in the industry, but it’s a good place to start as a newbie teacher.
How do you get paid with Palfish?
Palfish sends their payments monthly and on time through Payoneer. If you don’t have any, signing up with Payoneer is free and easy. Plus you get a $25 bonus on your first $1000 in earnings.
They used to send payments through PayPal but because of increased fees they switched to Payoneer
Does Palfish really work?
Definitely. I don’t think Palfish is the best online English institute.
But, Palfish is one of the schools that give chances for teachers who have no degree and experience.
This is also a good place to gain experience for newbie teachers.
Does Palfish pay weekly?
Just like what I mentioned above. Palfish sends their payments on a monthly basis. Payout will be sent once you reach its minimum of CNY200 which is around $20.
Final thoughts:
My journey with Palfish may be short due to my sensitive pregnancy.
But I must say it was fun and surely an unforgettable experience.
Like I always mention in my previous posts. This job may fit your lifestyle or maybe not.
But there’s nothing wrong in giving it a try and see for yourself.
Palfish is just one of the many teaching institutes that use mobile apps as their platform.
Hi There,
Please send me some lesson plan ideas
Cindy Acutt
Hi Cindy,
I’m currently writing an article about lesson plans, books etc. Because I received tons of emails about it. I will post them this week.
I want to register but it keeps tellin me : your username has been used. What can i do. Thanks.
Hi Wendy,
You have to choose another username. Teachers need to have different usernames/teacher’s name. My teacher name is different because my real name has been obviously taken. So student won’t get confused if there are too many teachers who have the same name.
Hi Ivy,
Does any iphone cellpone can be use in this kind of job? Does mode of payment can be transact with any paypal account since Im from the Philippines?Thanks for feedback.
Hello Khen,
I think for the more recent ones only. Palfish updates its app to be compatible with the latest phones. I’ve learned that they now remove PayPal as a mode of payment and use payoneer instead. You can easily create a payoneer account online and they will send you your ATM card anywhere you are in the world.
hello ivy
i want you to tell us some tips to how overcome the fear of teaching in the beginning, have you finish the article? and can you recommend some sites for non natives and inexperienced teachers?
thank you
Hello Mohamed,
Don’t be nervous. It’s really fun Just after few classes you’ll get the hang of it.
BTW, I posted them already you can check it here.
The resources can be found here.
Good luck!
Hello, I have downloaded the app am not able receive a verification code from them. Do you know why that might be? Is there a way to contact them?
Hello Natalie,
There are days that those things happen, Maybe it’s a glitch or something you just need to wait for few hours or a day then try again. And make sure that you type your correct phone number.
Hello, I have a question. When you teach with Palfish, is it through the app on your phone? Or somehow on the desktop/laptop? Sorry, I know you no longer work with the company. Hope you can help. Thank you.
Hi Sheena,
No problem. As far as I know yes only mobile phones or Ipad are allowed.
Thank you for all the useful information! I am a native speaker from the USA living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I have 4G internet. Is that fast enough to teach online with palfish? It seems that my uptime isn’t quite as good since I moved across the river so changing cell phone companies is always an option.
Hi Boogie,
I’m not sure if 4g would work best. But if you have no problems calling abroad with 4g that’s fine. But I would suggest to make sure your upload and download speed is above average in your location. You really need a stable internet when having classes. Best of luck!
Hi Ivy,
Thanks for sharing this. I have been looking for a work -at- home part time job and teaching caught my attention. I am very grateful that you shared this idea. I would love to receive some link regarding lesson plans.
Hi Sheryl,
Thanks for dropping by! I believe I sent you an email reply already. Best of luck!
Hi Ivy,
Is your rate per hour? Also, may I please request for some links of teaching materials? Thank you! 😊
Hi Rosalie,
Yes. You can check elllo.org, they have a lot of online resources you can use every day. Best of luck!
Hello Ivy,
First of all, thank you for your detailed instructions and feedbacks on different English teaching sites and apps. A little bit about myself: I’m a 19-year-old freshman at Humber College, Canada. I come from Vietnam and already have a 4-month experience of English online teaching back in my country through a company called Topica Native. Currently I’m looking for a part-time job to support myself financially while keeping up with my intense studying schedule. So I’d be very grateful to further discuss with you on some teaching experiences, tips and advice through email.
I hope to receive your response soon. Have an excellent week and may God bless you! 🙂
Hello Vu,
Wow, So sorry for the uber late reply. I got tons of comments that I thought I have replied already. Anyways, I already have posted blog posts regarding these you can check the online teaching category. Wish you all the best and God bless!
Hello Ivy,
Thanks for the article! You mentioned that you can earn $15 to $45 an hour with this app. I was wondering how long do you think (on average) it takes to be able to start making $15?
Hi Jake,
I worked here around 2017 but they are still active. As far as I can remember I didn’t increase my rate until I had a lot of students, Some of them are begging me not to increase my rate as most teachers do, That’s why I waited for a month and a half before I increased it. It’s really up to you. And if the students think you’re worthy of your rate they’ll definitely call you again and again.