Work From Home Teaching English Online
Some of the content on our site may contain affiliate links. Clicking may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being supportive! Please see our Disclaimer for further information.
Teaching English online as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular and flexible way to work from home. With students across the world looking to improve their English, online teaching creates opportunities to earn a regular income without leaving your house.
Getting Qualified
Most online platforms ask for a 120-hour accredited TEFL certificate. These courses are available online and usually cover:
- Lesson planning
- Grammar basics
- Teaching methods
Some roles may also accept experience instead of a certificate, but having one makes you more competitive.
How It Works
Once you’re qualified, you can:
- Join online teaching platforms such as Preply, Cambly, or iTalki (they bring you students but take commission).
- Go independent and find your own students, plan your own lessons, or purchase premade ones (takes longer to build up, but you can set higher rates).
You’ll need:
- A computer and reliable internet
- A headset or good microphone
- A quiet, well-lit space to run lessons
Earning Potential
Pay can vary widely depending on experience, specialisms, and whether you use a platform or work independently. Rates usually range from under £10 to £30+ per hour. Tip: Do not undersell yourself.
Some people use TEFL for part-time income, while others grow it into a full-time business. Like most self-employed ideas, it takes time to build a steady student base, so don’t expect immediate full-time earnings. With consistency, though, you can reach a point where you have regular students and predictable income.
Why TEFL Works for Remote and Self-Employed Workers
- Flexible hours that fit around other commitments
- Students from different time zones mean there’s demand at all hours
- Opportunities to specialise in areas like business English or exam preparation
Teaching English online isn’t a quick fix, but with patience and dedication, it can grow into a rewarding and sustainable work-from-home career.
Pin me!
