How To Teach English Online To European Students
Keen to teach English online to European students?
You probably used to (or wanted to) teach English online to Chinese students and now after China’s ban you need to come up with something else.
Well, you can teach English online to European students!
You might be worried about what are the requirements, which companies are hiring, and what do they pay?
I know. You have a ton of questions and no answers and you feel under a lot of pressure.
No worries. In this article, I am going to clear the air about being an online teacher.
I will leave no room for doubts so you will have all the information you need to decide whether online teaching is right path for you.
Read on!
DISCLOSURE
Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.
In order to get started you generally need a bachelor’s degree, and some sort of teaching certificate like the TEFL.
You can easily get a 120-hour TEFL certificate online and complete it in the evenings and weekends if you work full time.
There is a 120-hour online course ran by Let’s TEFL which provides a whole module on online teaching and specific training to ensure your application, resumes, introduction videos for recruiters, is done right.
I prefer their TEFL because compared to other TEFL providers, as it specialises in preparing you to teach online.
Of course, they also train you how to teach English as foreign language, but on top of that, they prepare you for the online teaching industry .
- Top 21 Companies To Teach English To European Students
Why Teach English Online To European Students?
If you have experience teaching English to Chinese students and you found yourself with no stable income out of the blue, then teaching English online to European students is a solid backup plan.
It is a great alternative to teaching English in Europe in-person.
Although it seems that the demand is not as high as in Asia you can still secure a stable job and even enjoy a number of benefits.
1. Timezones And Cultural Similarities
If you are not an early riser, then this is big news for you. No more waking up at dawn to put on your happy face and skip into class.
Well, that’s especially true if you live in Europe.
If you are based in North America you have about a 5-7 hour time difference which you can probably handle much better.
Regardless, compared to having Asian or Chinese students, you’re most likely to have no trouble connecting with your students as they have the same background as you.
2. Adult Students
Some teachers love interacting with kids, but others have a hard time juggling props and singing in front of lovely and sometimes not-so-lovely kids.
You can say goodbye to that!
Most European students are adult learners who want to strengthen their Business English skills.
Do you have a business mindset (and ideally some experience in the corporate world) and a love for all the nuances that make humans convey their message effectively?
Then teaching in Europe will become way more rewarding for you.
Learn more about how to teach business English online!
3. Better Teacher Support
When it comes to teaching with Asian companies, the language barrier is an issue.
Countless teachers have also complained of being mistreated or just having a bad employee experience.
In some cases that is due to poor management, but in other cases, it is really just the language (and cultural) barrier that gets in the way.
That’s why it is very appealing to teach abroad in Europe or teach European students online.
It’s very unlikely that these incidents will happen if you teach with a European company as most of their staff can speak English fluently and they also have a similar background.
4. Job Stability And Pay Potential
Given that demand is not as high, if you manage to secure a job with European companies, which are known for their strict requirements, it would probably look better on your resume.
Therefore, you could then move on, leverage that experience, position yourself as a seasoned Business English teacher and boost your earning potential.
It could even open doors if you want to teach in Europe in the future.
Teach English Online To European Students
Top 10 ESL Jobs In Europe
1.Twenix
What is Twenix?
Twenix is a Spanish online teaching platform that offers 26-minute, one-to-one English conversation classes to adults in Spain and Italy.
What sets Twenix apart?
- Twenix is ultra-flexible; you can work as much or as little as you choose. You simply open slots in your schedule, and the system matches you with students. You can also transfer classes to other available teachers at no penalty when life throws you a curveball.
- With Twenix you can teach and earn from day one. No setup or self-marketing is needed – once hired, you can start teaching immediately.
- Twenix is simple and fun; teachers are supplied with full lesson plans, requiring minimal preparation and no homework grading. All classes are conversation based and all our students are adults.
Requirements:
- High level of English fluency. Non-native speakers welcome!
- Registration as a freelancer in your country of residence.
- No experience, degree or TEFL certificate is required.
- TEFL certification and knowledge of different business sectors are a plus.
Pay rates:
Pay rates vary from country to country based on the cost of living and local market rates.
For example:
- UK, Netherlands, Belgium: 13-15€/hour
- Argentina: 7-11€/hour.
Seasonal bonuses can boost pay rates by as much as 20%. Your rate will be confirmed during the selection process.
Students:
Adults only.
All based in Spain & Italy.
Classroom size:
One-to-one.
Class schedule:
24/7 – choose your own timetable
No minimum weekly hours
How to apply:
Click here
Link: Apply to Twenix here
2. Vivaling
Want to be part of a thriving community of educators while earning a decent income teaching children aged 3-15?
If you have a solid experience teaching Chinese kids English online, then Vivaling is a great place to start.
Vivaling is an international online ESL company based in Singapore and it has rapidly gained the reputation of being a good company that rewards great teachers with good pay and a solid booking rate.
- The starting salary is USD20 per hour, but it can go up to USD26 per hour
Most Glassdoor positive reviews highlight the fact that teachers feel valued and not just a number like it was the case with many Chinese companies.
The best part is that you get to work with nice students who are willing to learn with a fun and engaging curriculum. It also accepts Non-native speakers who can speak English at a native level.
On the flip side, you may spend extra time tailoring each lesson to the learners’ needs and you need to go through 1 month of unpaid training in order to get hired.
In addition to this, they stress on having teaching experience and they have strict requirements:
- A Native/Near-Native level of English
- At least 2 years of teaching experience
- A teaching certificate OR a relevant degree
- A solid internet connection
- Availability of at least 12 hours a week over 4 days during after-school hours in Europe (4-9pm CET) and weekends
3. Preply
Preply is an online ESL marketplace that connects students with teachers from all around the world, especially teachers who want to teach ESL online.
To apply you must be a near-native English speaker and have some experience teaching English. Bonus points if you speak another language or you have other credentials to display on your profile.
- There is no average pay as you set your own rate. Top teachers can charge north of USD35 per hour.
The best thing is that you have unlimited earning potential, while the low point is that your schedule can fluctuate a lot, making it an unreliable source of income. If you can market yourself properly it can become a solid source of income, though.
You can read more about the pros and cons of teaching with Preply here.
4. Fluentify
If conducting 1on1 classes with motivated business professionals sounds more like a good fit for you, Fluentify – a European company based in Italy and the UK – is the option for you.
It’s a well-known and respected company with a number of reviews and will be a great platform to teach English to Europe individuals.
- The pay is around USD24 per hour
To apply you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a near-native English teacher
- Have a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience
- Have a business background (preferred)
4. Lingoda
Lingoda is a renowned online language school based in Germany.
Teachers get to teach European adults in small classes.
It’s a legit company and it’s been around for a while. You can check out the reviews here.
- The pay is USD8-13 per hour, but all material is provided and they are very popular in Europe
#nolessonplansfromscratch
To teach with Lingoda you must:
- Be a near-native English teacher
- Have a minimum of 2-3 years of teaching experience
- A teaching certificate OR a relevant degree
5. Woospeak
Woospeak is a French company that focuses on business professionals, and is a great platform to explore teaching English jobs in Europe.
- The pay is USD16-20 per hour
To qualify as a teacher you must:
- Be a native or a bilingual English teacher from North America
- Have at least 3 years of teaching experience with children
- Have a business background
If you can speak French you will have a leg up over everyone else, as you will be able to connect with your students more effectively which will make you stand out.
6. Buzzy English
Buzzy English is an Italian company and it is a great option for North American teachers who love teaching children on a 1-on-1 basis.
If you want to know how to teach English in Europe or how to teach kids English online, this platform will help you get better on both fronts.
Not only do they train you, but they also provide you with all the materials you need.
- The pay is USD10-12 per hour, but again all material is provided and they are a good option for teaching kids
#nolessonplansfromscratch
To land the job you must:
- Be a native English teacher from North America
- Have at least 1 year of teaching experience with children
- A teaching certificate (preferred)
Bonus points if you speak another language.
7. GoForLanguages
Another good option if you want to teach professionals is GoForLanguages. It is an international company with offices in different countries.
- The pay is USD12.5-16 per hour
To qualify as a teacher you must:
- Be a near-native English speaker
- Have some teaching experience
- Have a teaching certificate
As usual, a business background goes a long way.
8. Myngle
Myngle is another company that allows teachers to teach business professionals and get paid well.
It is a legitimate online company that holds its own against other European online English schools.
- The pay is USD18-24 per hour
To qualify as a teacher you must:
- Be a near-native English speaker
- Have some teaching experience
- Have a teaching certificate
The only problem with this company is that it seems that they have limited teaching openings.
9. Fluentbe
Fluentbe is an established Polish company that focuses on teaching adults (although they have students of all ages). The Fluentbe student space is easy to use and navigate.
- The pay is USD10 per hour
To qualify as a teacher you must:
- Be a near-native English teacher
- Have some experience
10. Novakid
Novakid is a well-known company with students from countries like Russia, Spain, Poland, Turkey, and Germany aged 4-12.
- The pay is around USD19 per hour for native speakers. However, non-native speakers make around USD2.5 per hour – that’s why it ranks number 10
Other than that, teacher support seems to be great and the material is game-based and entertaining for students.
To qualify as a teacher you must:
- Be a native English teacher from North America
- Have teaching experience with children
- Have a teaching cert
11. Tutlo
Tutlo is a small Polish-owned company that has a strong European customer base, and could be a great space to start to teach English online in Europe or out of.
- The platform pays online English mentors about USD11 per hour.
To be an online English mentor on the platform you must:
- Be a native English speaker from the US or UK
- Have at least 6 months of English teaching experience
- Relevant teaching certificates
12. Engoo
If you used to teach English to Chinese or Japanese students then you might be familiar with Engoo, a company behind some of the most popular language-learning applications in Japan.
While Engoo does have a big Japanese student database, there are increasingly more students from countries like Spain, Russia, and Brazil.
The best part is that Engoo provides lesson plans and teaching materials so you save time on lesson planning!
- Native English speakers can earn USD10 per hour
Requirements on the platform are relatively lenient:
- Be proficient in English
- Have access to high-speed Internet, a laptop, headset and webcam
13. Learnlight
Learnlight is a reputable education tech (EdTech) company that has more than 400,000 learners across 150 countries.
If you join them as an online English teacher, you will surely have the opportunity to help European students better their command of the English language.
- Pay ranges from USD13 to USD18 per hour and you will be paid in Euros.
In terms of requirements, Learnlight prefers if you can commit to a fixed schedule for at least one year, and 10 hours per week. Other requirements include:
- Foreign language teaching qualification
- At least 2 years of language teaching experience
- Near-native proficiency
- Preferred if you have an advanced level in a second language and a business background
14. Chatschool
Yet another Polish school on the list, Chatschool is an English language platform that has a strong focus on helping students improve their conversational skills.
- You can get paid from USD8 to USD13 to speak with students
As the focus is mainly on speaking, there aren’t many formal teaching requirements:
- No bachelor’s degree required
- No previous teaching experience required
- Need to work during the Central European time zone
- Must commit at least 10 hours a week
15. Rype
If you speak more than one language fluently aside from English, you might want to consider signing up as a tutor with Rype, a Canadian app.
The app connects students with teachers teaching English, Spanish, and Mandarin among other languages.
- Expect to be paid USD9 to USD 11 for your efforts
Requirements to be a tutor with Rype include:
- Previous teaching experience
- Certification preferred
- 10 hours a week of commitment
16. Italki
If you’re looking for a more free-and-easy platform to begin teaching without the limitations of a contract or needing to have teaching experience, then iTalki is your place to start.
- You set your own rates so you can earn anything from USD3 to USD35
There are also no requirements needed to start teaching on the platform.
Having certification and prior teaching experience will help you get students faster.
17. Babbel
Similar to other conversational platforms, learners typically head to Babbel for conversational practice or to learn business English.
While you don’t need certifications to begin teaching on Babbel, it is preferred.
- Tutors on the platform get paid upwards of USD12 to USD35 per hour.
18. Educastream
If you’re a French-English speaker who specially wants to teach French students, Educastream is the company you’ll want to work for.
- You can get paid USD12 to USD15 per hour.
In terms of requirements:
- 1-year teaching experience preferred
- Degree or diploma is required but not a teaching certification
- You should be a native English speaker
19. Inglesissimo
Inglesissimo is a Spanish platform that helps users learn English online on a flexible schedule.
- Payment on the platform ranges from USD8 to USD12.
Teachers who want to teach with the platform should:
- Be native English speakers or have a neutral accent if they are non-natives
- Be able to commit 15 hours minimum a week
20. Skima Talk
Skima Talk is a one-on-one coaching platform comprising learners who primarily want to pick up business English, so it helps if you have taught this type of English before.
Lessons are short – 25 minutes each.
- Payment ranges from USD10 to USD16
If you’d like to teach on the platform:
- You do not need a degree
- You should ideally have experience teaching business English
- You should ideally have certifications
21. Cambly
If you have next to no qualifications but are keen to start teaching English to European students, Cambly is a good platform to begin from because of the low barriers to entry.
Almost anyone can teach on the platform as long as they can speak English fluently and have an Internet connection.
- Payment is approximately USD10 an hour
There are no requirements to teach on Cambly and you can tutor anytime you are able to.
What Exactly Does It Mean To “Teach English Online”?
These days everyone and their cat want to take their English to the next level.
So if you meet certain requirements you can teach English online via Skype, Zoom, or any other virtual conferencing platform and get paid for it.
In fact, the requirements for teaching English in Europe may not be as stringent as compared to if you were to teach English to Chinese students.
Not bad, right?
That’s why many people who want to get started teaching English in Europe online are wondering:
- Can I teach English online as a non-native speaker?
- Can I teach English online with no experience?
- Can I teach English online without a degree?
The answer is YES and NO.
If you are brave (and competent) enough to find your own students all you need to do is prove to your students that they are making massive progress.
If you do, you are all set.
But, in case you want to teach with an online teaching company – there are plenty – then you must meet the requirements for the position you want to apply for – you can find them below.
So it really depends on the company you want to apply to.
On top of that, major changes have taken place since the China ban on online teaching.
Whether you are just getting started or you are an experienced ESL teacher, you have probably heard of the latest Chinese regulation regarding after-school teaching programs.
If you haven’t let me give you a heads up!
In short, China has essentially banned overseas teachers from teaching English online to Chinese students.
‘Oh, so there is no point in reading this article. This is the end of online teaching.’
Not really!
Actually, the global English language learning market is growing and set to continue to do so in the coming years, with the uptake of online education being accelerated by the pandemic.
If you want to know everything about how you can get started as an online ESL teacher after the regulatory changes, check out my in-depth guide.
In this guide, I am going to dig deeper into all the alternatives to Vipkid and other Chinese ESL companies.
How Much Can You Get Paid For Teaching English Online?
Generally speaking, you could make anywhere between $5 – $23 USD per hour depending on your level of qualification.
Yes, that is what you can earn as your teach English online salary.
Tip: If you want to make more money as an online English teacher you must niche down!
‘What’s that?’
It’s very simple.
Teach a skill along with English. For instance, I have helped students ace their IELTS exams. More motivated students are better students, and guess what?
They are willing to pay more.
I know that as a non-American Asian English speaker, I may not earn as much as someone else teaching English in Europe as an American, so I choose to niche down.
Which English Teaching Online Company Pays Most?
That’s not quite the right question.
I mean, think about it. You could make USD40 per hour and have a very irregular schedule. On the other hand, you could make around USD20 per hour with a solid booking rate.
Only the latter would allow you to quit your job and earn a full-time income. So the (hourly) rate goes hand in hand with the booking rate.
Vipkid and other Chinese companies used to be well-known for paying a good hourly rate (USD20 per hour) and offering a stable full schedule.
However, that is not the case anymore, especially after July 2021 (the Chinese regulation concerning after-school courses).
So, the question is:
What’s the best ESL company now?
After reading this article you will have a clear understanding of everything that is out there if you want to teach English online to European students.
That said, I strongly recommend that you apply and create a profile on Preply .
It’s an ESL marketplace – you create your profile and set your own hours and rates.
If you teach a skill (e.g. communication skills) along with English and market your service well, you can make way more than what you will ever make with other companies.
When I started off I could barely charge USD15 per hour, but then I learned how to position myself as an expert and I started making over USD50-60 per hour.
I have created a masterclass where you can learn my strategies too.
If you are looking for an online ESL teaching company instead, Vivaling is the best pick.
Requirements To Teach English Online
If you want to teach English online here are the basic requirements you must meet:
- You must speak English fluently
- You must have some teaching experience
- You must have a good internet connection
Some companies also require that you:
- Have a passport from a native-speaking country
- Have a TEFL certificate
- Have a degree
If you don’t have a teaching certificate I always recommend Let’s TEFL. I have done it myself and it is great.
Note: According to some, the demand for English teachers in Europe is much lower compared to the Asian market so there are stricter requirements.
For instance, most companies require that you are a native speaker.
That is true to some extent, as European students have been more exposed to English from a very young age.
But more and more adult intermediate to advanced learners are actually looking for ways to boost their English skills even further to advance their careers. So there is a hidden market that is rising rapidly.
On top of that, some companies (e.g. Preply) are actually realizing that many students want teachers who can speak their own language.
Where Can I Find Students To Teach English Online?
If you want to teach English online you have three options:
- Online ESL Companies – You can apply to a company and land a job
- Online ESL Marketplaces – You can create your profile on a freelance marketplace and have students book lessons with you
- Start your business – You can market your services and find your own students
European Companies That Allow You To Teach English To European Students
There are some other great companies that are not included in the list above because they pay less or they are not as popular (e.g. Learnship and Learnlight).
Don’t worry, you don’t need to scour the Internet. You can find them below along with relevant information such as requirements, pay, class type, and minimum hours.
If you want to teach English online to Spanish students you will probably find a company that suits your expertise and interests.
PS: By the way, if you do, I strongly recommend you check out my article about teaching English to Mexican students – or you want to teach English to French students online
If you don’t, you can head over to my Vipkid Alternatives guide and read about even more companies you can work with.
German Companies
- Learnship
- Requirements: You must be a near-native English speaker, with an exceptional background in Business English. Bonus points if you have a degree and teaching certificate. Ideally, you must be based in the Asia-Pacific area and be an intermediate German/French speaker.
- Class Type: 1on1 and group classes
- Student type: Adults (mostly)
- Rate: USD10-30 per hour
- Speex
- Requirements: You must have at least 2 years of teaching experience in a corporate environment and a teaching certificate.
- Minimum Weekly Hours: 20 hours a week
- Rate: USD15-25 per hour
Spanish Companies
- OS Connect
- Requirements: You must be a near-native English speaker
- Class Type: 1on1 and group classes
- Class type: Speaking, Writing, Proofreading
- Rate: USD7-10 per hour
British Companies
- Englishtogo
- Requirements: You must be a native speaker, have teaching experience and have a teaching certificate.
- Class Type: 1on1
- Rate: USD17-20 per hour
- Pinata Education
- Requirements: You must be a native speaker. Also, you must have 1 year of teaching experience.
- Class Type: 1on1 and group classes(up to 4)
- Student type: Children(mostly)
- Rate: USD20-25 per hour
French Companies
- 1to1progress
- Requirements: You must be a native speaker with a teaching certificate and a strong background in a business environment. Bonus points if you can speak another language.
- Minimum Weekly Hours: 15 hours a week
- Student type: Adults (mostly)
- Rate: USD12-16 per hour
- Break Into English
- Requirements: You must be a native English speaker and have experience teaching Business English
- Student type: Children and adults(from Europe)
- Rate: USD15-18 per hour
Russian Companies
- Enline
- Requirements: You must have 5 years of teaching experience. Bonus points if you can speak Russian
- Minimum Weekly Hours: 10-20 hours a week
- Student type: Teens and adults(from Russia)
- Rate: USD13 per hour
- Skyeng
- Requirements: You must have a degree and a teaching certificate.
- Rate: USD4-5 per hour
Other Online ESL Marketplaces To Teach English Online To European Students
Online ESL marketplaces like Preply – read the full description above – are awesome alternatives to ESL companies if you are a self-starter and want more flexibility, without the hassle of running your own business.
As long as you speak English fluently and have some experience you should have no problem setting up your profile.
But in some cases, they require that you have a degree, a teaching certificate, and/or a passport from an English-speaking country.
Here are the most well-known ESL marketplaces:
Teach English Online To European Students – Start Your Own Business
This is probably the best way to teach English online for non-native speakers.
Is it easy? Nope!
But the rewards are far greater than the effort you put in. Here is what you should do to get started:
- Find a niche
- Create your own curriculum
- Craft your messaging
For instance, you could help ambitious medical professionals to accelerate their careers with advanced presentation skills.
As I mentioned, this is the best option for non-native speakers, as you get to earn what you want by setting your own rates and if you target students who speak your native language, they may choose you over a native speaker – as long as you can deliver.
‘Sounds cool, I want to know more!’
Do some research yourself… Or you can read my article about teaching Business English online.
FAQs On Teach English To European Students
Can You Teach English Online To European Students If You Only Speak English?
You can absolutely teach English online to European students if you only speak English.
Being a native speaker will increase your chances of landing a teaching job to teach English in Europe.
That said, most Asian companies actually required that you don’t speak the local language during class.
That’s not the case with European students, at all. Speaking your students’ language could help you build rapport and show that you are a language learner (and lover) yourself.
How Can I Teach English Online To Foreigners?
You can teach English online to foreigners if you have a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) qualification.
While not all sites or companies require this certification, it is best to have one if you plan to become an online teacher.
It is also beneficial if you have had teaching experience (in any capacity!) and also a college or university degree.
How Do I Become An Online English Tutor For Foreign Students?
To become an online English tutor for foreign students, you should have a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) certificate and a stable internet connection.
If you’re looking for foreign students, most of them would prefer if you are a native English speaker or have near-native fluency.
If you’re non-native you should ideally have a neutral accent.
If you want to know how to get started even if you don’t have a certification or aren’t a native speaker, I have some tips in my guide to becoming an online teacher.
How Can I Teach English To Foreign Students?
To teach English to foreign students, you should start by first taking a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) course, which will take about 120 hours to complete.
You should also have a keen interest in teaching students of different cultures, and lots of patience.
I share some of my personal experience teaching English to foreign students in my online course on being an online teacher.
Is There A Demand For Online English Teachers?
Yes, there is absolutely a demand for online English teachers and this demand is growing every day with more people realizing the value of being able to speak the English language.
The fact that you’re here reading this article means you are aware of the demand and are considering this route of becoming a teacher.
Not quite sure how to get started? Here’s a free guide on how to get started being an online English teacher.
Which Country Pays The Most For English Teachers?
These are the countries that pay the most for English teachers:
- South Korea
- Japan
- China
- Vietnam
- UAE
There are even specialized English language teaching programs for native English speakers keen on teaching the language in Japan and South Korea.
Korea’s program is known as EPIK (English Program in Korea) and you should have a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) certificate and a bachelor’s degree to apply.
Japan’s program is known as the Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program and invites young graduates to teach English in an international exchange program around Japan.
How Can I Earn Money By Teaching Online?
These are the five steps you can earn money by teaching online:
- Decide on what subject you would like to teach.
- Ensure you have the right certifications, for example, a TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language) cert if you want to teach English
- Prepare your equipment to teach online, like a high-speed Internet connection, a laptop, and a headset.
- Market your online teaching services or join an online teaching company.
- Build a solid customer base by showing up, putting in the work, and asking for feedback.
Repeat the process every time you decide on a new subject to teach. You don’t need experience, you just need to be willing to put in the work.
I teach you more in my course here on how to become an online teacher.
Whether you want to go solo or teach with a company, teaching English online to European students could be your chance to up your teaching game, learn new skills, and position yourself as an expert.
If you want to teach English online in 2023, I hope you have all the resources you need to get started now!
If you want to know more about teaching business English online you can read my article.
Or if you want to start as soon as possible, there’s always my program which helps you get started teaching online in 30 days.
Happy teaching!
How To Teach English Online To European Students
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