How to break into teaching English online as a non-native speaker

How to break into teaching English online as a non-native speaker In the past on the old bloggy blog, we’ve covered the ins and out of teaching English abroad as a non-native speaker. (Spoiler alert: It is absolutely possible!) But what about teaching English online? Is that a whole other ball game altogether? I’m a non-native English speaker - can I still teach English online? Yep! Demand for both native AND non-native online English teachers continues to grow at a pace that’s unmatched anywhere else in the language learning industry worldwide. So long as you speak the language fluently, you stand just as a good chance of finding employment as an online English teacher as any native English speaker out there. This holds true regradless of whether you’re just starting out with teaching or you’re already a highly experienced ESL instructor. After all, non-native English teachers bring some unique stengths to the job that native speakers often don’t possess. For starters, you’ve already been through the language learning process firsthand. Who could be more empathetic to the needs and challenges English language learners face than someone who’s been in their shoes before? Moreover, you (arguably) have an stronger grasp of grammar and other technical aspects of the English language than your native English speaking counterparts. Sure, a native speaker could well have an intuitive understanding of what’s correct and incorrect, but they may not be able to explain the rules in a way that makes sense to an English language learner. Sign up to Teach Away today for access to the latest teaching jobs around the world. A list of online English companies hiring non-native speakers. Aside from a few notable exceptions, including VIPKID, Gogokid, Qkids, iTutorGroup and DaDa, all of the following companies welcome applications from non-native English speakers. 51Talk TutorABC Topica Native Talk 915 FluentBe eHello Lingokids Bibo Global Italki Orange Talk Antoree Kukuspeak ECommunication PandaABC HelloKid WonderKids iBestTeacher While these companies all welcome applications from non-native speakers with a high level of English proficiency, it’s worth noting that they may set out other requirements you’ll also need to meet, including a degree, teaching experience and ESL certification. And the best part? You don’t need a visa to teach English online, so no need to worry about those pesky government restrictions that are often imposed on non-native speakers! Sidenote: Some companies state a preference for applicants with a “neutral” accent, which seems like a contradiction in terms. Like all languages, English is spoken with different accents all around the world. There are always variations in accents, even within the same country or state. Our advice? So long as you can show your English proficiency, you shouldn’t let this requirement put you off applying. And again, one of the best ways to gain a competitive edge is by getting TEFL certified. Read this: Are you ready to teach online? Filipino online English teaching companies hiring non-native speakers. Altoral Learntalk Skybel Bibo Right now, there are a wealth of online English teaching jobs for non-native speakers just waiting for your application. Head on over to our online teaching job board for the latest open positions today!