Are you a non-native speaker who’s curious about teaching English online? Teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) online is one of the best ways to work from home or while traveling.
I’m Jamie, and I’ve been teaching English online since 2020. I help teachers of all nationalities get started teaching ESL online and abroad. In this blog post, you’ll learn:
- The difference between non-native and near-native speakers
- The advantages of teaching ESL as a non-native speaker
- Essential qualifications for teaching ESL online
- 3 Ways to teach online
- Tips for teaching online as a non-native speaker
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate/referral links. If you choose to make a purchase or apply through one of my links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue to create free content for teachers. Thank you!
Post Contents
Non-Native Speaker vs. Near-Native Speaker: What’s the Difference?
Before you start looking for online teaching jobs, it’s important to understand how companies and marketplaces define different types of English speakers.
Near-Native Speakers
Near-native speakers come from countries where English is widely spoken or used as one of the official languages. In these countries, English is commonly used in education, business, government, and daily communication.
Examples include:
- Singapore
- The Philippines
- India
- Jamaica
- Nigeria
Non-Native Speakers
Non-native speakers come from countries where English is not the primary language of communication.
Examples include:
- Spain
- France
- Argentina
- Japan
- China
Both groups can teach ESL online, but requirements and opportunities may be different depending on the platform or company you’re applying to.
Advantages of Teaching ESL Online as a Non-Native Speaker
You may worry that not being a native English speaker is a disadvantage when it comes to teaching ESL online. The truth is that you actually have some advantages over native speakers.
You can better understand the learning process
Native speakers acquire English naturally. But as a non-native speaker, you have had to go through learning grammar rules step-by-step, memorizing vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, and understanding different accents.
You can empathize with your students and their learning journeys, because you have walked that path before. You can even teach them strategies that helped you learn the language, something that native speakers will not be aware of.
You don’t need to have a “perfect” accent
A common misconception is that to teach ESL, you must sound exactly like a native speaker. This is false. Thousands of students around the world have successfully learned other languages from non-native teachers. Instead of being the only model of correct pronunciation in class, you can supplement your lessons with:
- Audio recordings from native speakers
- Authentic videos created for native speakers
- Listening exercises from textbooks
Introduce students to multiple English accents
Instead of focusing on one accent only (which is usually the native-speaking teacher’s), you can design lessons that expose students to:
- British
- Australian
- American
- Irish
- South African
- Filipino English
- Indian English
- etc.
This approach is more practical for students who need English for travel, business, or digital communication.
Qualifications to Teach ESL Online as a Non-Native Speaker
Want to teach ESL online as a non-native or near-native speaker? These are the essential qualifications you’ll need:
- A high-quality TEFL certificate
A TEFL certificate is required for most online teaching jobs. You can earn your certificate in person or online. However, not all courses are equal. Avoid free TEFL courses like Teacher Record, since many companies have stopped accepting them.
Instead, choose a reputable, accredited TEFL provider. I recommend investing in a certificate that includes teaching practice like International TEFL Academy or CertTESOL. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, the level 5 course from The TEFL Academy is a good choice since you can add on teaching practice.
If you’d like to learn about these courses, including my personal in-depth reviews, pros and cons, and access to my discount codes, you can download my free TEFL/TESOL Course Guide by clicking here.
- Certificate of your English level
Because you’re applying as a non-native or near-native speaker, you may be asked to show proof of your English proficiency. Some companies require confirmation of your English level, such as:
- IELTS
- Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
- TOEFL
- PTE
Have your certificate ready as a PDF to upload to applications.
- A bachelor’s degree
Many online ESL companies require a bachelor’s degree in any subject. If you don’t have one, you can still teach online through freelancing or work for companies that accept teachers without a degree.
3 Main Ways to Teach ESL Online as a Non-Native Speaker
There are three primary pathways to start teaching ESL online, each with their pros and cons.
- Online ESL Companies
Popular examples are Twenix and LingoAce (increasingly hiring diverse nationalities).
Pros:
- Students are booked for you automatically.
- Lessons and materials are provided.
- Good for beginners.
Cons:
- Some companies limit hiring based on nationality or require teachers to live in specific countries.
- Non-native speakers are often paid less than native speakers.
- Low pay in general
- Online Teaching Marketplaces
An online teaching marketplace is different from an ESL company because you need to attract students with your profile. This profile usually includes written information and an intro and/or demo video.
Well-known online teaching marketplaces are Preply and Outschool.
Pros:
- A good intermediate step between companies and freelancing.
- Set your own pay rate.
- Some marketplaces allow you to teach any subject.
Cons:
- You don’t keep 100% of your earnings. Marketplaces take a commission.
- High competition – there are thousands of teachers on these platforms.
- You’ll need to choose an in-demand niche like Business English to attract students.
- Freelance Online Teaching
Freelancing means you need to set up your own business and therefore there isn’t an application. You’re also in charge of marketing yourself to find clients.
Pros:
- Choose your preferred teaching platform (Zoom, ClassIn, Koala Go).
- Set your own rates, often much higher than ESL companies.
- Teach what you are most passionate about.
- Work with students from countries with higher currencies.
Cons:
- Requires time, effort, and money to get started.
- You’re in charge of sourcing students.
- You’ll need to use commercial-use teaching materials or create your own.
Ready to freelance online teach but don’t know the exact steps to take?
Download my free Freelance Online Teaching Handbook here.
Tips for Teaching ESL Online as a Non-Native Speaker
Be Confident
It can be more challenging for non-native speakers to be confident when teaching English, as you’re usually competing with native speakers.
But remember, you have several advantages:
- You learned English the same way your students are.
- You can supplement your classes with recordings of native speakers.
- You can empathize with your students’ learning journeys.
Have a Strong Introduction
Want to attract more students? Create a high-quality intro video that clearly states who you are, who you help, what transformation you offer, and how to book a class with you.
Here are some tips for intro videos:
- Use clear, bright lighting or sit in front of a window for natural light
- Ensure crisp, clean audio
- Film horizontally (not vertically)
- Keep the camera steady – place it on a bookshelf or tripod if needed
- Speak slowly and clearly – add subtitles during the editing process
- Add ONE call to action like “book a class with me” or “fill out my survey to learn more”
Use Technology to Enhance Your Classes
Use interactive tools like:
- Kahoot (fun quizzes)
- WordWall (create a variety of activities in a few clicks)
- Padlet (collaborative activities)
- Zoom breakout rooms
- Virtual field trips
Try one new tool every week or month and see what your students enjoy the most.
Collect Student Reviews & Testimonials
On teaching marketplaces and when teaching as a freelancer, it’s really important to collect student testimonials.
Prompt them to talk about their experience working with you by asking them how they felt before they started your classes vs. how they feel now.
Positive reviews help:
- Build trust
- Improve your ranking on marketplaces
- Increase bookings
Final Thoughts
Teaching English online isn’t limited to native speakers. There are many opportunities available as long as you are confident and qualified. Whether you choose online companies, marketplaces, or freelancing, you can build a successful teaching career with the right tools and strategies.
To learn how to teach online, step by step, check out my online mini-course Teach Online in 10 Days, where you’ll learn more about the topics in today’s blog post.
Happy teaching!
Jamie
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the best way to start teaching ESL online as a non-native speaker?
Answer: For beginners, marketplaces like Preply are a good starting point. However, if you want to earn more, then freelance online teaching is the best option for non-native speakers.
Question: How do I find online ESL students as a freelancer?
Answer: You can use social media, referrals, ads, or even word-of-mouth. Consider having a website and showcasing testimonials to attract students. With all these methods, it’s important to conduct market research and choose a teaching niche that’s in-demand and you are qualified to teach.
Question: What qualifications do non-native speakers need to teach ESL online?
Answer: You will need an accredited TEFL certificate, a certificate of your English level like IELTS, and usually a bachelor’s degree.
