Everyone wants to learn English because it opens up a world of opportunities for them. Native English speakers, including South Africans, have an underutilized skill in their arsenal: the ability to speak and write English. It is a skill that’s desired by people across the world, from Tokyo, Japan, all the way to Transylvania, Cordoba, and a large part of South America.
Most South Africans can speak perfect English; believe it or not; you can teach it too. The only thing you’re probably asking is how you can teach English online and travel too. Well, thanks to distance learning technology like Teams, Skype, and Zoom, you can teach English to anyone worldwide. Thus, it is a side hustle with the potential to become your main hustle as you globe trot, ticking countries off your bucket list.
In this article, we’ll look at a few simple ways to get your feet wet teaching English online.
Jump Onto An Online Language Tutoring Platform
The easiest way to start is to sign up for a language tutoring platform. However, remember that most of these platforms will require you to hold a degree and have native English proficiency. But you’ll also find that there are exceptions to this. There are some that will allow you to teach with an ESL certification, while other companies may also allow non-natives with native-level proficiency to teach.
Most companies will provide you with lesson plans and materials, so you only need a bit of prep. These are mainly hourly contracts, perfect for supplementing your income when on the road. But to be fair, you can teach from anywhere, so as long as you up in the time committed.
Companies like Starkid, based in Hong Kong, and Protostar are worth checking out, as they offer very competitive rates and may except non-native speakers too.
Become A Freelance Tutor
The other option is to become a freelance English tutor. Now this is an excellent option because you are the only person to manage yourself. This means you set your schedule and salary. Plus, you choose which students to teach and which you decide not to work with.
Many South Africans are already using freelance English tutoring to make some extra rand on the side. That said, people with a tutoring background will find it easier to acquire clients on sites like Upwork and Cambly. However, these platforms and this type of English teaching come with inherent challenges, which you’ll grow to enjoy and live with over time.
Stand Out From The Crowd
An excellent method to stand out from other English tutors is to offer something beyond just instruction. Consider offering more services like proofreading essays, helping students with their assignments, and providing career advice. In other words, offering related services.
You can also build a website that attracts potential clients/leads. Some businesses like WordPress and Wix make it easy to set up a website with free templates, which can be customized to ensure your website looks sharp and inviting.
