Have you ever wanted to earn a living while exploring the world, meeting new people, and enjoying the freedom of working on your own terms? For the past four years, I’ve been doing just that. My journey started as a simple English language tutor and evolved into a certified ESL teacher. Along the way, I’ve had conversations with people from every corner of the globe, helping them improve their English skills while learning about their cultures and lives. Today, I’m excited to share how you can also make money while traveling by teaching English online.
In this post, I’ll cover how to get started as an ESL tutor, the benefits and challenges, the best platforms to work on, and why this opportunity has been so fulfilling for me.
How I Got Started as an ESL Tutor
My journey as an online English tutor began when Covid started and I was against working with outside with others. I was initially drawn to tutoring because it required minimal setup, an easy onboarding process, the ability to set my own price, and as a native English speaker, I already had the most important qualification. My early roles were straightforward: just having casual conversations with non-native speakers who wanted to keep up their skills. Eventually, I decided to formalize my career path, got certified with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, and expanded my skills in conversation practice, vocabulary enhancement, and grammar correction.
Today, as a certified ESL teacher, I work with students from all age groups and backgrounds, helping them gain confidence in English. While my role as a tutor is often just about having fun and engaging conversations, my job as an ESL teacher is more structured, focusing on specific language goals and milestones.
Why Teaching English Online is Accessible to Anyone
One of the most exciting things about teaching English online is how accessible it is. As a native English speaker, you already have a valuable skill that’s in high demand worldwide. You don’t necessarily need a degree, teaching experience, or even an interview to start tutoring on some platforms. However, having a degree and a TEFL certification can help you access better-paying roles and more reputable platforms, and it’s something I recommend if you’re considering making this a full-time venture.
Several platforms allow you to set your own hours and rates, so you’re in control of your earnings. If you work across multiple platforms, you can take advantage of a nearly 24/7 opportunity to work with students from different time zones.
The Easiest Platforms to Work On
There are several platforms that connect English tutors with eager learners around the world. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options, including their pros, cons, requirements, and pay range.
1. Cambly
- Pros: No degree or TEFL certification required, flexible schedule, easy-to-use interface.
- Cons: Pay rate is relatively low compared to other platforms.
- Requirements: Native English speaker.
- Pay Range: $10–$12 per hour.
Cambly is a great starting point because it doesn’t have many requirements, and you can log in and tutor anytime, which makes it ideal for filling in gaps in your schedule.
2. Preply
- Pros: Allows tutors to set their own rates, access to a large student base, flexibility.
- Cons: Platform takes a commission, so you earn a bit less per session.
- Requirements: No formal qualifications are required, but experience and certification can help you attract more students.
- Pay Range: $15–$30 per hour, depending on the rate you set.
Preply gives you control over your schedule and rates. I recommend it for those who are looking to tutor part-time or full-time with the potential to earn more as you gain experience.
3. Verbling
- Pros: Allows you to set your own rate, has a structured student feedback system.
- Cons: Higher standards for tutors; a degree and experience are often required.
- Requirements: Preferably a degree and a TEFL certificate.
- Pay Range: $15–$35 per hour, based on experience and rates set by the tutor.
Verbling is ideal for those who want to position themselves as professional English tutors, especially if they have a degree or certification.
4. Amazing Talker
- Pros: Flexible hours, set your own rate, access to a diverse student base.
- Cons: Platform commission reduces your hourly pay, high competition.
- Requirements: TEFL certification is preferred but not required.
- Pay Range: $15–$35 per hour, depending on rates and student demand.
Amazing Talker provides excellent opportunities to reach international students and is a good platform for those looking to build long-term relationships with their students.
5. Chatschool
- Pros: Aimed at conversational English, so you don’t need to prepare structured lessons.
- Cons: Limited availability in certain countries.
- Requirements: Native English speaker, reliable internet.
- Pay Range: $10–$20 per hour.
Chatschool is ideal for those who want to stick to conversational practice without diving deep into grammar or structured lessons.
My Experience: From Solitude to Connection
As someone who describes themselves as an extreme loner, this job has been more than just a way to make money. Teaching English online has given me a meaningful connection to people from around the world. Every day, I have light-hearted conversations, hear amazing stories, and learn about the cultures and perspectives of others. Some of these students have even become like friends, sharing updates about their lives, achievements, and challenges. This kind of connection has lifted my spirits and made my work feel much more fulfilling.
Benefits of Teaching English Online While Traveling
Here are some of the biggest benefits I’ve experienced:
- Flexible Hours: You decide when and where to work, making it easy to fit your schedule around your travels.
- Global Opportunities: By working across multiple platforms, you can make money any time of the day or night. Whether I’m in a new time zone or a new country, there are always students available to teach.
- Personal Fulfillment: Many students look forward to their lessons and enjoy sharing their lives, which can be incredibly rewarding on a personal level.
- Low Barrier to Entry: Almost anyone who speaks English fluently can get started, especially on platforms with fewer requirements.
Challenges of Online English Tutoring
While there are many benefits, there are also some challenges:
- Platform Fees: Some platforms take a commission, which reduces your hourly rate.
- Inconsistent Income: Student demand can fluctuate, especially if you’re new to a platform and building your reputation.
- Technical Issues: Reliable internet is essential, so you need to make sure you have access to a stable connection.
- Time Management: Since you set your own schedule, it’s easy to overbook or underbook yourself without a solid time-management plan.
Tips for Succeeding as an Online English Tutor
- Get Certified: If you’re serious about this work, a TEFL certification can help you attract more students and higher-paying platforms.
- Set Realistic Rates: When starting out, keep your rates competitive to build a strong student base, and gradually increase as you gain experience.
- Stay Open-Minded and Engaging: Students are more likely to return if you’re a friendly, open-minded tutor who makes learning enjoyable.
- Diversify Your Platforms: Sign up for multiple platforms to maximize your opportunities and avoid downtime.
- Market Yourself: Many platforms allow you to create a profile. Make it engaging, use a professional photo, and highlight your skills.
Final Thoughts
Teaching English online has not only allowed me to travel the world and be financially independent, but it has also enriched my life in countless ways. From heartwarming conversations to cross-cultural friendships, this work has made me feel more connected to the world around me. Whether you’re looking for a side gig, a full-time job, or just a way to make money while traveling, teaching English online can open doors to new opportunities and experiences.
So if you’re a native English speaker, consider giving it a try. You never know – you might just discover a new passion for teaching, or at the very least, make money while having meaningful conversations with people from around the globe.
