How Can I Teach English Online with No Experience?

How to Teach English Online with No Experience

Want to get paid to teach English online? Read on to learn how you can start teaching English online with no prior experience—just a TEFL certification!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever come across scammy ads promising you endless ways to get paid while traveling the world. I hear you! But what if I told you there’s a legitimate way to work online (yes, you’ll actually need to put in the effort) while enjoying the freedom to travel?

The best part? You can teach English online with no prior experience, and it won’t take years to start making money—unlike building a blog or an online business from scratch.

If you’re a native English speaker, you can become an online English teacher. Some schools also hire non-native speakers who are fluent in English, though the process may be more challenging.

At a time when many people are looking for new career opportunities, teaching English online offers a flexible, rewarding, and well-paying option to earn an income from anywhere in the world. Sound good? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

1. What Does Teaching English Online Mean?
2. 6 Advantages of Teaching English Online
3. What Do You Need to Teach English Online?
4. Get Started: Obtain Your TEFL Certification
5. Choosing the Right TEFL Course
6. Why Accreditation Matters
7. 5 Schools That Hire English Teachers with No Experience

What Does Teaching English Online Mean?

Teaching English online involves helping students improve their English skills, whether they are beginners or advanced learners. You can work as a freelance tutor or join an established school that provides students and materials.

The beauty of online teaching is that you can connect with students across the world—something that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. With online learning becoming increasingly popular, teaching English remotely is now a valuable skill that you can use to build a stable income.

Depending on the school, you may teach group lessons, one-on-one sessions, or specialized courses such as Business English. Each school has its own teaching platform and methodology, and you can choose to teach either adults or children.

Additionally, students from any country can access high-quality English education without commuting, saving them both time and money. And teachers? They benefit just as much!

6 Advantages of Teaching English Online

Work from Anywhere – Teach from a beachside resort in Cancun, a cozy apartment in Chiang Mai, or while road-tripping across Italy. Many digital nomads sustain their travels by teaching English online.

Or Stay Put – You don’t have to travel if you don’t want to. Teaching English online allows you to work from the comfort of your home while earning a stable income.

Flexible Schedule – Most online schools allow you to set your own hours. Some have a minimum hour requirement, but you can choose between full-time, part-time, or occasional teaching.

Save Time and Money – No need for commuting, gas expenses, or public transport costs. Plus, working from home gives you more free time or allows you to teach more hours.

Competitive Pay – Many online English schools offer solid hourly rates. Some teachers earn thousands of dollars per month without working full-time, especially if they live in regions with a lower cost of living.

Cultural Exchange – If you enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, teaching online offers a unique opportunity to connect with students from around the world while getting paid.

What Do You Need to Teach English Online?

To start teaching English online, you’ll need just a few essentials:

• A laptop, smartphone, or tablet (depending on the platform)
• A stable internet connection
• Access to lesson materials (provided by most schools)
• Teaching knowledge, which you can gain through a TEFL certification

Some schools allow you to teach English online without a degree, while others require at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field.

Get Started: Obtain Your TEFL Certification

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Most online teaching jobs require a TEFL certification, even if they don’t require prior teaching experience.

TEFL courses are available both online and in-person. Given the current global shift towards remote learning, an online TEFL course is a great option.

Investing in a TEFL certification is an investment in yourself and your future. And the good news? You can recover the cost in just a few days of teaching once you start earning.

Choosing the Right TEFL Course

There are various TEFL courses available, but a 120-hour TEFL certification is the industry standard.

One highly recommended option is TEFL.org’s 120-Hour Premier Online TEFL Course, which includes:

• 50-hour TEFL training (teaching methodology, classroom management, and lesson planning)
• 30-hour grammar course (to strengthen your language fundamentals)
• 20-hour video course (real-life teaching observations)
• Two 10-hour specialty courses (covering telephone teaching and large classes)
• Lifetime access to the TEFL Job Center (job listings and career advice)
• A personal tutor for guidance
• An internationally recognized TEFL certificate (both hard copy and digital)

Special Offer: Use code “STEPH20” for 50% off!

Why Accreditation Matters

Not all TEFL courses are created equal. Look for an accredited provider to ensure your certification is recognized worldwide. TEFL.org holds prestigious accreditations such as:

• BAC (British Accreditation Council)
• ODLQC (Open and Distance Learning Quality Council)
• SQA Approved Center
• Ofqual Approved Level 5 Courses

Choosing a trusted provider means better training, stronger credentials, and higher job prospects.

5 Schools That Hire English Teachers with No Experience

Here are five reputable platforms where you can start teaching English online:

1. Cambly – One-on-one conversations with students from around the world. No teaching experience required; just fluency in English.
2. PalFish – An app-based platform where you can set your own rates. Fluent English speakers (including non-natives) can apply. TEFL certification required, but no degree needed.
3. Qkids – A fun, game-based platform for teaching children. Pays $16–$20 per hour. Requires a Bachelor’s degree but no teaching experience.
4. VIPKid – One-on-one lessons for Chinese students. Pays $14–$18 per hour with incentives. Requires a Bachelor’s degree and eligibility to work in the US or Canada.
5. EF Education First – A global leader in education. Offers flexible hours and professional development opportunities. Requires a TEFL certificate and fluency in English.

Ready to Start Teaching English Online?

If you’re looking for a flexible, rewarding career that allows you to work from anywhere, teaching English online is a fantastic option. With a TEFL certification, you can start earning money quickly while making a meaningful impact on students worldwide.