Teaching English online with a TEFL

Teaching English online with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification in South Africa can be a great career opportunity, especially as demand for online English teachers continues to rise globally. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started and succeed in this field:

1. Understanding the TEFL Certification

You’ll need a TEFL certificate (or a similar credential like TESOL or CELTA) to teach English online. This qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English as a foreign language, including grammar, lesson planning, and teaching methods.

What you need to know about TEFL:
- Accredited programs: Choose a well-recognised and accredited TEFL provider such as The TEFL Institute. The most common requirements are around 120 hours of coursework.
- Additional qualifications: Some online platforms may prefer candidates with specialised qualifications (e.g., teaching young learners, business English, etc.).
Where to study: You can pursue TEFL courses online or through accredited institutions. Many courses are flexible and allow you to study at your own pace.
Cost: Prices for TEFL courses vary. A standard 120-hour course usually costs between $150 to $500 USD, but there are cheaper and more expensive options depending on the program and the added benefits (like job placement assistance).

2. Researching Online Teaching Platforms

Several platforms allow you to teach English online, and some may be more popular in certain regions or with specific age groups. Researching the right platform for you is key.

Popular Platforms in South Africa for Online Teaching:
- VIPKid – Teaches English to Chinese children, but they require a degree (doesn’t have to be in education).
- iTalki – A platform where you can set your own rates and teach students worldwide. Great for those who want more flexibility.
- EF Education First (EF) Teach Online – Offers teaching jobs for adults and children in multiple countries, with competitive pay.
- Preply – Offers one-on-one tutoring with flexible hours. You can teach students from all over the world.
- Cambly – No teaching experience or degree required, but the pay can be lower compared to other platforms.
- PalFish – Offers opportunities for teaching English to Chinese students, especially focused on young learners.
- AmazingTalker – Another platform where you can set your own rates and teach students from all over the world.

Requirements for These Platforms:

Some platforms may have additional requirements, such as a minimum internet speed, or teaching materials, while others offer their own curriculum.
For platforms like VIPKid, you’ll often need a degree in any subject (not necessarily education) and teaching experience. However, others like Cambly do not have such strict criteria.

3. Setting Up Your Teaching Space

As an online English teacher, you must create a professional and distraction-free teaching environment. Here’s what to consider:

Quiet space: A room or area in your home with minimal noise is crucial. Ensure you have a clean, well-lit space for lessons.
Technology:
- Laptop or desktop computer: Ensure you have a reliable computer with a good camera and microphone.
- Headset: Noise-canceling headphones with a built-in microphone are ideal to ensure good sound quality.
- Good internet connection: Stable, high-speed internet is essential for smooth lessons. You should aim for at least 10 Mbps download and upload speeds.
Background: Some platforms require you to have a neat or branded background. You can set up a simple, attractive backdrop with some educational materials, or even use digital backgrounds if the platform allows it.

4. Setting Your Rates

Rates can vary significantly between platforms and depending on your experience and the type of students you teach. Generally, online teachers can earn between $10–$25 per hour (or more), though it varies widely. Some factors that affect your rates:

Experience: More experienced teachers can charge higher rates.
Qualifications: Higher-level degrees or certifications like TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA may allow you to charge higher fees.
Platform: Some platforms set rates, while others allow you to set your own.
Target market: Teaching business English or exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL) may allow you to charge a premium rate compared to teaching basic conversational English.

5. Working Hours and Flexibility

One of the benefits of teaching English online is the flexibility to set your own hours. Many platforms cater to students in different time zones, especially if you teach students in Asia, Europe, or North America.
However, teaching English to students in countries like China often requires working early mornings or late evenings, as those time slots align with the students’ schedules.
If you’re aiming for steady work, it may help to establish a set schedule with regular students.

6. Building Your Brand and Attracting Students

If you want to stand out in a competitive field, here are some tips:

Create an engaging profile: Whether it’s on a platform like iTalki or your own website, make sure your profile is professional, warm, and showcases your skills and personality.
Offer a free trial class: Many platforms allow you to offer trial classes to attract new students. Use this opportunity to show your teaching style and personality.
Specialise: If you have a niche, like business English, exam prep (IELTS, TOEFL), or English for young learners, advertise that you offer specialized lessons.
Student reviews: Positive reviews are a big factor in attracting students. Provide excellent service, and students are likely to leave good feedback.

7. Salary and Earnings in South Africa

While your salary depends on your platform and teaching hours, many South African teachers find that teaching online offers a viable income stream. Here’s a rough idea of what you could earn:

Full-time income: Teaching 20–30 hours a week can yield an income between $1,000–$2,500 USD per month, depending on your rates and the number of hours worked.
Part-time income: For those working part-time, it’s possible to make $500–$1,500 per month, depending on availability.

Cost of living in South Africa: Generally, the cost of living in South Africa is lower than in many Western countries, which makes online teaching a good option to supplement your income or even provide full-time work.

8. Legal Considerations

Taxation: Teaching English online in South Africa, you’ll likely be considered self-employed. Ensure you understand your tax obligations, including registering as a business (if needed) and paying income tax on your earnings.
Payment methods: Most platforms pay teachers via PayPal, bank transfer, or other international payment systems. Be aware of transaction fees and currency conversion rates when receiving payments in South African Rand.

9. Challenges and Tips for Success

Competition: The online teaching market is growing, which means there is more competition. To stand out, focus on offering excellent customer service, getting great reviews, and staying consistent.
Work-life balance: With flexible hours, it can be easy to overwork yourself. Make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Technical issues: Be prepared for occasional internet issues, especially during storms or power outages in South Africa. Keep backup plans, such as a mobile hotspot or power bank, handy.

By earning a TEFL certification and setting up your online teaching business, you can tap into a growing market of English learners and build a rewarding and flexible career. If you’re dedicated and proactive in building your reputation, online teaching can offer a fulfilling profession from the comfort of your home.