Frequently Asked Questions

• Which TEFL should I get?

  A Level 3 qualification is the industry standard, and is more than sufficient. We’d say a Level 3 course would be more suited for university graduates.

  A Level 5 certificate is a premium qualification and held in higher esteem, so if you really want to stand out (or make up where you may lack in qualifications) this may be the one for you.

• When and how much am I paid?

  Each company is different in terms of their base pay and bonuses, but the online English teaching industry is known for having generous pay rates. Most companies tend to pay around £12-£30 per hour on a monthly basis via bank transfer, Paypal or Payoneer.

  Qualified, experienced freelance teachers can hour £30-£50 per hour and much more. You’ll need to register as self-employed in your country’s revenue office, but being self-employed is the BOMB as you can be your own boss!

• Is it better to go freelance or work for a company?

  If you’re starting out, we’d recommend working for a company because they will provide you with students and lesson plans, so you can focus on your teaching. Then after you gain more experience, freelance may be a better option. You will choose what you teach, pick the hours you work and set your own pay rate.

• How often do I work?

  This is completely down to you and your flexibility as a teacher, and one of the biggest benefits of teaching English online. Most companies will require a minimum of 3-4 teaching hours. Chinese schools tend to offer about a max of 25-30 hours per week, as they mainly operate in the peak times, which is after school hours in China (or midday in the UK). However, if you wanted to reach 40+ hours per week this is easily doable, as you could work for two companies simultaneously.