You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over.
Richard Branson
How to Start to Teach English Online
Do you have lots of questions about teaching English online?
It’s ok. It can be overwhelming to start. The truth is, you have to jump in. One of my favorite quotes is from Richard Branson:
“You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing and by falling over.“
He should know.
Before he was a British business magnate, Branson had a failed business selling budgerigars (that’s a budgie for you Americans). Then, he grew a successful magazine business, but people sued him, and his parents had to re-mortgage the family home to help pay the settlement. You won’t be remortgaging anyone’s house to start your ESL business, so take a deep breath with me.
Let’s take the first step.
oh no…what am I doing?!
The Steps To Applying to Companies to Teach English Online
Step 1: Invest in good headphones, video cameras, and internet speeds.
Step 2: Pick a handful of companies from the comparison chart and apply.
If Step 2 doesn’t work, do the 3 Rs.
The Three Rs of Applying to Teach Online
Read some reviews (on Facebook, Reddit groups, etc.), Rinse your cache and email and use another, and Repeat. Eventually, it will. E.S.L companies go through ebbs and flows like any other industry. There are hiring spells and freezes as supply and demand shifts. Don’t get discouraged.
You can do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree?
Do I need to be a native speaker?
Do I need teaching experience?
How do I file taxes as a self-employed E.S.L tutor?
Can I teach students in Europe (or insert country of choice here)?
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