Do you want to teach English Online as a South African? In this post, we’ll take a look at why it’s more difficult for South African teachers to teach ESL online, tips to get you hired as an online teacher, and which companies you can apply for (with and without a degree).
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you sign up for a TEFL or purchase a product using my link, I receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting my business!
Why is teaching English online so difficult for South Africans?
To begin, South African teachers face additional challenges when applying for jobs as online English teachers. While these issues make the hiring process more difficult, it is still possible to work as an online teacher.
The first issue is load shedding. Electricity and stable internet are essentials for any online teacher. South African teachers may find it difficult to maintain electricity and a stable internet connection during rolling blackouts. Companies want to keep their customers satisfied. Because of this, some companies do not hire South Africans because they don’t want to deal with attendance issues due to load shedding.
Another issue is how companies consider South African English. For some companies, the South African accent isn’t considered “neutral.” Additionally, companies are looking for South Africans whose native language is English, not Afrikaans, to be considered as a native speaker. Some companies simply don’t want to deal with sifting through applications only to find out during the interview that the applicant isn’t actually a native speaker. Therefore, they simply don’t hire any South Africans.
Finally, online English teaching companies are constantly changing their policies when it comes to South African teachers. They may hire them initially and then reject applications later on. For example, First Future, IQBAR, and SayABC are no longer hiring South Africans but VIPKid is (however pay is extremely low, so I don’t recommend them.) This is why it’s important to apply to and work for more than one company.
How can I have a better chance of teaching English online as a South African?
If you want a better chance of teaching English online as a South African, then there are a few things you can do to improve your prospects.
- Make sure you have a TEFL – Most companies will require a teaching certification called a TEFL. If you don’t have a TEFL, I recommend checking out the courses at Premier TEFL. All of their courses are accredited, there are options for every budget and there’s excellent student support. Most online ESL companies are looking for a 120 hour or more TEFL certificate.
- Technology requirements – Depending on the company, you may be required to teach from a computer and/or have a specific upload/download speed. Make sure you meet all the requirements before applying.
- Use props! – If you are teaching kids, it’s a great idea to include props in your lessons. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, just find a few things that can help bring your lessons to life like costume pieces, puppets, toys or even symbols. I use Canva Pro to print out different symbols and characters for my online classes. I color them in, “laminate” them with transparent book covers, and put them on popsicle sticks.
- Have good lighting and a nice background – Again, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on lighting or a fancy background, but these are important to getting hired. I suggest getting a clip on ring light to light up your face and using a map, tapestry or poster for your background.
Which online English teaching companies hire South African teachers with a degree?
First, let’s take a look at some online ESL companies that hire South African teachers with a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Landi English
There are two different kinds of teachers – regular and experienced. Experienced teachers must have a teaching certificate. Both teachers must have some previous teaching experience. You will be teaching Chinese children.
Requirements native speaker with a degree and TEFL
Salary $10-18 USD per hour
Class Size 1 or 2 students per class
Age Children
Class Length 25 minutes
Pros
- Small class sizes
- Short class times
- Materials are provided
Cons
- You must teach for a minimum of 12 hours per week during the peak hours of 6 pm – 9 pm Beijing Time.
Apply to teach English online with Landi English
Magic Ears
Magic Ears provides teaching materials for its teachers. You can compliment your lessons with props. You will be teaching Chinese children.
Requirements native speaker with a degree (or in process of completing) and TEFL, stable internet and hardware requirements, previous teaching experience preferred
Salary $12-22 USD per hour plus some bonuses like peak time and participation
Class Size Up to 4 student per class
Age Children
Class Length 25 minutes
Pros
- Small class sizes
- Short class times
- Materials are provided
- Bonuses
Cons
- Schedule is limited to 5 pm to 9 pm M-F and 9 am- 9 pm Saturday and Sunday (Beijing Time)
- Hiring process takes some time
Apply to teach English online with Magic Ears
PandaABC
PandaABC is another option for teaching Chinese children with a nice salary rate.
Requirements native speaker with a degree in a relevant field and some previous teaching experience, TEFL preferred, fast internet connection
Salary $10 USD per hour, some bonuses available
Class Size Up to 4 student per class
Age Children
Class Length 50 minutes
Pros
- Small class sizes
- Materials are provided
- Bonuses
Cons
- Peak teaching hours 5 pm to 9 pm Monday – Saturday (Beijing Time)
- Some time commitment: 1-2 hours per day, 4 days per week
Apply to teach English online with PandaABC
Which online English teaching companies hire South African teachers without a degree?
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, there are still some options to teach English online as a South African.
Cambly
Cambly is a 24 hour online platform where students can practice informal English through conversations. There is no lesson preparation required and you will be teaching learners from all over the world.
Requirements native speaker, must teach from a computer, some tech requirements
Salary $10.20 USD per hour for adults, $12 per hour for children
Class Size 1 student
Age Adults and Children
Class Length No set length – paid by the minute
Pros
- Students are from around the world so you can teach at any time
- No class prep, just conversations
- Make your own schedule, no minimums
Cons
- Low pay compared to other companies
- Not suitable as a full time income
Apply to teach English online with Cambly
Palfish
Palfish accepts South African teachers for its “free talk” program, which is a rival to Cambly. You will be teaching adults.
Requirements native speaker with a TEFL
Salary Set your own rates, average is $10-18 USD per hour, some teachers charge more
Class Size 1 student per class or live stream to multiple students
Age Adults
Class Length No set length
Pros
- Teach from a phone or tablet
- No class prep, just conversations
- Make your own schedule, no minimums
- Set your own rates
Cons
- Can take time to build a following
Apply to teach English for Palfish by downloading the app
Dazao English
A teaching platform which requires a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week. You will be teaching Chinese children and there is a focus on speaking and listening skills.
Requirements native speaker with a TEFL
Salary $6-10 USD per hour
Class Size 1 student per class
Age Children
Class Length 25 minutes
Pros
- Stable income
- Focus on conversations
- Some other options to earn more money
Cons
- Low pay compared to other companies
- Peak hours are 5 pm to 9:30 pm on M-F and all day on weekends (Beijing Time)
Apply to teach English with Dazao English
UPDATED FOR AUGUST 2021: Due to recent changes in China’s policy regarding hiring foreign teachers, many Chinese online ESL platforms have been closed down. Check out this video to learn about 6 non-Chinese ESL teaching companies, online teaching marketplaces and freelance online teaching tips.
Final Thoughts
It can be difficult to teach English online as a South African, so I hope this list gives you a place to start. Since online teaching companies are constantly changing their policies, make sure to keep searching for new opportunities. A great place to start is OETjobs.
Have you worked for any of the companies mentioned in this post? Leave a comment down below.
