I'm a solo traveler and online TEFL teacher with a passion for discovering new and exciting travel destinations while sticking to a budget. Whether it's hopping on a plane for a quick getaway or embarking on a months-long trip, I'm always ready for a new adventure at a great price. I haven't been to every country yet, but I'm working on it!I'm not just a travel blogger, though – I'm also a travel advisor. I can help you plan and book your next dream vacation. Whether it's finding the best hotel deals with perks or creating a personalized itinerary, I'm always happy to help.As a travel blogger and advisor, my mission is to inspire others to travel more and create unforgettable experiences. So, if you're looking for fun and adventurous travel recommendations or help planning your next trip, look no further!
Hey, y’all! I know. It has been a while since my last post. You’ve probably been wondering what I’ve been up to lately. Well, I’ve been patiently waiting for more international borders to open to US citizens so I can pick up where I left off in my travel plans.
What I’ve been up to, lately
While waiting for those borders to pen, I definitely haven’t been idle. I’ve spent a lot of time with my family doing yardwork, cooking out, hiking nature trails, etc. Being a teacher and having my 3-year-old niece around regularly, I’ve been putting in some serious teaching hours. I love the fact that she loves to learn. She has a photographic memory and can carry on a highly intellectual conversation. When I walk in with my laptop, she reaches for it and asks me to give her a test. Ha! I love that! She’s really interested in astronomy, medical biology, cooking, and reading. She’s pretty much a mini-me. She’s within the formative years of her life, so this extra time has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact in her life and help prepare her for a bright future.
New projects
I’ve taken on a couple more online TEFL companies. I’ll be writing about them later. I actually teach for, or have taught for, each company I write about. So, if you have questions, ask away! I purchased a second laptop with a high CPU so I can effectively use ManyCam’svirtual effectsin the classroom. MyGOGOKIDstudents and I had a blast taking a virtual trip to the museum and playing football this morning.
I’ve also begun looking into teaching abroad part-time. I enjoy online teaching, but I miss having classes in a brick and mortar classroom. Sometimes, I just want to high-five my students in-person and host my infamous dance breaks.
Developing my sweet tooth
Last week, I finally visited Southern Supreme. It’s out in the cut, but worth the drive. My mom has been going there for years to get fresh fruitcakes. We hopped in her car with my brother and niece, and headed to Bear Creek, NC to browse the showroom and choose some savory treats. My niece went wild at the sight of so many desserts and candies! I handed her a basket and she went for EVERYTHING she could reach. We limited her to three items, but she gets an A for effort. I ate all of my peanut clusters and butterscotch clusters (I think that’s what they’re called- I demolished them and threw out the wrappers). I still have a half-pound of fruitcake left– that’ll be history by the end of today. We’ll probably head out that way, again, sometime next week.
Conclusion
So, yeah. There you have it. I’m just chillin’ and enjoying all this extra time. I hope all’s well with all of you!
Online English teachers are in high demand, especially nowadays. China has the greatest demand and their online institutions are willing to pay well.
Online teaching is fun and rewarding. There are several great benefits to teaching English online, but here are the top 4 in my opinion.
1. FREEDOM!!!
I believe freedom is the top benefit of teaching English online. I’ve been told that I’m a control freak. Maybe I am. I don’t know, but what I do know is that I love to be in control of my time. I want to do what I want to do when I want to do it. Simple. I quit my hospital job, a few years back, to enjoy the freedom that I have now.
Teaching English online is a great way to get out of the mundane 9 to 5 lifestyle. I can choose to work full-time hours one week and part-time the next. If I want to work a couple hours in the mornings or a half-hour in the evening, I can. If I choose to take a week or a month off, I just do it. It’s easy to burn out when you teach a lot of classes, so the ability to take long breaks or days off without asking for permission really floats my boat.
Besides the scheduling flexibility, there’s the freedom to work from anywhere. If there’s a reliable internet connection at my place of lodging, I can work. If my phone data connection is strong, I can work. If neither of those is available, there’s the option of using a portable WiFi device. If neither of those is working for me, I don’t sweat it. When traveling, I never schedule lessons until I’ve personally tested the internet connection. If it’s no good, I don’t do any work until I get to a destination that allows it.
It’s illegal to work in a foreign country without a work visa. However, since I work online, I don’t have to worry about getting a work visa.
When I travel internationally, I often catch really great deals and end up spending more than I expected. When that happens, I work a few hours to replace those funds and carry on with my trip.
Yeah, I really love the freedom aspect of this work!
2. “Look, Mom! No pants!”
I wear pajamas or a nightie to almost every class. I usually teach early morning classes, so I sleep until 15 minutes before my first class. I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, wrap my hair or throw it in a ponytail, slap on some red lipstick, throw a polo shirt over my top, slide into my slippers, plop down on my chair and get ready to teach. My props are prepared the night before, and if my lesson happens to change overnight, no problem– anything I may need is within arm’s reach.
I could never wake up 15 minutes before my shift and work in my PJ’s at my former job. I’d be awfully late and severely under-dressed.
Comfortable work attire at its finest!
3. Great Pay
Teaching English online can be very lucrative. I work with several China-based companies and can say they pay pretty well. See my posts about PalFish, Magic Ears, and Vipkid to learn about their pay structures. I also teach for a new American company that pays $25/hr, but lessons are sparse for now. With the teaching bonuses, contests, referral bonuses and other incentives offered by these companies, making $4,000 or more is very attainable. Like I said before, I quit my hospital job to do this.
4. Easy to start
Getting started with online English teaching is really easy. Some companies make you go through a somewhat lengthy process—submitting video intros, attending online orientations and on-board training, performing mock lessons, etc— but, most make getting started pretty simple. Getting started with PalFish as a regular teacher took me about 24 hours, while Magic Ears just a few days. The process and time line are different for each company.
Okay, all done! Your turn! Do you teach English online? What do you think the top benefits are?
Online English teachers are in high demand, especially nowadays. China has the greatest demand and their online institutions are willing to pay well. Online teaching is fun and rewarding. Here a some of the best benefits of teaching English online.
1. The top benefit of teaching English online: Freedom
Scheduling freedom
Freedom peaks the list of top benefits of teaching English online. Teaching English online is a great way to get out of the mundane 9-to-5 lifestyle. In this industry, you are your own boss. When and where you work is up to you to decide. You can choose to work full-time hours one week and part-time the next. If you only want to work a couple of hours in the mornings or a half-hour in the evening, you can. If you choose to take a week or a month off, just do it. It’s easy to burn out when you teach a lot of classes, so the ability to take long breaks or days off without asking for permission is a good thing.
Location independence
Besides the scheduling flexibility, there’s the freedom to work from anywhere. If you have a stable, reliable internet connection, whether it be a portable WiFi device, a phone that you can use as a hotspot, or a wired connection, you can work.
Choose who you work with
Choosing who you teach is a perk to teaching online. You can work with children or adults, or both. With the fun and games with the kids or the great conversations and laughs with the adults, you won’t feel like you’re working.
No work visa required
Another great thing about this freedom is that you don’t have to worry about getting a work visa. It’s illegal to work in a foreign country without one. However, since you’re working online, you don’t have to worry about getting a work visa.
Make a difference in other’s lives
As an online English teacher, you will meet people from all over the world. Most will be learning English because they have dreams of working or attending universities in English-speaking countries. You will be helping them reach their dreams. Other students may just need someone to talk to. You may occasionally find yourself being a sort of counselor or mentor.
2. No dressing up or uniforms
When you’re teaching online, unless your entire body needs to be visible, there’s no need to dress up. If only the top half of your body will be visible, you can easily put on a nice shirt or blouse while being in your pajamas from the waist down. Be sure that you are presentable and professional-looking.
Comfortable work attire at its finest!
3. Great Pay
Teaching English online can be lucrative. Teachers working with an online company usually make anywhere from $15-26 USD per hour. The pay can be substantially higher for teachers who teach private online lessons. China-based companies tend to pay higher salaries than most other online English companies. Some of the top China-based platforms are PalFish, Magic Ears, and Vipkid. With the contests, referral bonuses and other incentives offered by these companies, making $4,000 or more is possible.
4. Easy to start
Getting started with online English teaching is really easy. The application process typically involves submitting a video intro, attending online orientations or training, performing a mock lesson, and setting up your payment method. The process and timeline are different for each company.
Conclusion: Benefits of teaching English online
Teaching English online isn’t just a way to make money. It allows you to take control of your life and decide what’s best for you. There are people around the world who can benefit from your knowledge of English or, sometimes, just from your presence.
Do you teach English online? What are some other benefits of teaching English online?
PalFish is an online English platform, based in Beijing, China, that gives teachers the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world using a smart device. It makes for a great side hustle or full time job.
When registering to work with PalFish, you’ll need to use your smartphone. Since the platform is app based, you’ll have to download the mobile app. Use my link to sign up and I’ll contact you directly through the app’s messaging feature once I receive notice of your signup. Once you’ve registered, you can download the app to your other iOS or Android devices to have them ready as backup devices. You can simply sign in using your phone number and password when you’re ready to use them. In cases of emergency, you can use your laptop or PC with webcam to teach lessons, but be prepared to experience decreased functionality and funky glitches. Ideally, you’ll want to teach from your phone or tablet because PalFish is optimized to work from a mobile device.
That’s me up top inviting you to join me on the PalFish platform.
Add your country code and phone number and hit ‘Apply Now” to get started.
What can I do with PalFish?
The PalFish platform is set up like a social media site. You can follow and be followed by other teachers and students. To promote your self to students, gain followers, or just share some information, you can post moments just like on Facebook.
One of my favorite things about working with PalFish is that it offers different ways to generate income. Freetalk lessons, official courses, live streams, and dubbing children’s books are some ways that you can make money. As a PalFish teacher, you can work as either a regular teacher, an Official Kids Course (OKC) teacher, or both. When you register and are accepted on the platform, you are automatically a regular teacher and can begin teaching adult students right away. If you qualify as an OKC teacher and are accepted, you will be considered an Official Kids Course teacher, but you can still teach adults.
What are the teacher requirements?
To qualify as a regular teacher you will
be a fluent English speaker
have some English teaching experience
hold an English teaching certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA)
be an excellent communicator
be fun, creative, and have excellent interpersonal skills
NO DEGREE REQUIRED
To qualify as an Official Kids Course teacher you will
be a Native English speaker with a neutral accent
be from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland
have at least 10 hours per week of availability between 6-9 p.m. Beijing Time
be fun, creative, high energy
have a passion for working with children
How much can I make? How does PalFish pay teachers?
As I mentioned before, there are multiple ways to earn with PalFish. Besides the previously mentioned ways of earning, the are also bonuses for inviting teachers and students.
This is your own home-based business. With a little creativity and drive, you can make a great income. As a regular teacher, you set your own rates for calls and lesson packages. As an OKC teacher, you can expect to earn between $15 and $22 per hour for official lessons. The actual amount you receive varies depending on the conversion rate of CNY to your country’s currency. PalFish pays using a tiered structure determined by a monthly credit score. The more classes you teach, the more money you’ll make per hour during the following month. As a new teacher, you will receive a new teacher’s bonus of approximately $15 USD. If a trial student purchases the Official Kids Course after having a trial lesson with you, you’ll earn a bonus of about $15 USD.
PalFish pays through Payoneer and Chinese bank transfer. Open your new account using this Payoneer link and receive $25 once you’ve earned $1000. Payment is held in your PalFish account until the 1st of the month when it is automatically withdrawn to your Payoneer account. The payment should reach your account by the 7th of the month.
What is the time requirement?
As a PalFish teacher, you have the luxury of setting your own schedule. You can work as little or as much as you’d like. There’s no set time requirement for Official Kids Course teachers, but it is recommended that you have at least 10 hours of availability. PalFish offers the ability to take random calls during your free time with just the touch of a button. If a student purchases a lesson package from you, you can coordinate the date and time (in Beijing Time) with your student, or you can open time slots for students to book. If you plan to teach adults and kids, I want to let you know that there’s an option to reserve time slots for kids only. However, there is not an option to reserve for adults only. So, once you open your slots, any time slots you have available for your adult students may be taken. To avoid this, coordinate with your adult students through the chat feature and only open them once they’re ready to book.
What are the technical requirements?
To effectively use the PalFish platform, you will need a compatible smart phone or tablet (Android version 7.0 or higher / iOS version 9.0 or higher). If your device is not compatible, the application will let you know once you’ve signed in. There isn’t a set internet speed requirement, but a fast, stable WiFi connection is important. I’ve found that a speed of at least 30 Mbps upload and download works best for me. If you’re unsure of your internet speed, you can check it here.
Lighting is very important. You will want to have bright lighting so that you are clearly visible in the camera. Shadows are frowned upon, so try to reduce them as much as possible. I use a set of lamps when I’m at home and two small portable LED lamps (bought in Korea) and selfie ring lights when I travel.
A headset with a noise cancelling microphone will help to reduce background noise during your lessons and make it easier for your students to hear your pronunciations clearly. The headphones set that may have come with your smart device can be used, but may cause audio issues for your student when the microphone brushes against your shirt. A Bluetooth headset may work well. I haven’t tried any, but I’ve heard from other teachers that they work fine (I’ll get hip one day 😀 ).
To add the app to your other devices, just head over to your app store, download the PalFish Teacher app for iOS or Android, and sign in using the phone number and password you used when signing up. There’s also a student app, so make sure you choose the one that says ‘teacher’.
You can find more information on the PalFish guidelines page and in the FAQs within the app . If you have any questions once you’re signed up, just shoot me a message through the PalFish app. I’ll be happy to help!
So… Are you ready to join PalFish?
By clicking the apply button below, you agree to be contacted and assisted by me via the PalFish app. If you’re not viewing this site from your phone or tablet, you can download the app to your smart device and enter my referral code: t08lXu (after 8, the letter is lowercase “L”). If you submit the wrong code, you’ll be assigned to someone else and I won’t know you signed up 🙁
PalFish is an online English platform, based in Beijing, China, that gives teachers the opportunity to work from anywhere in the world using a smart device. It makes for a great side hustle or full-time job.
When registering to work with PalFish, you’ll need to use your smartphone. Since the platform is app-based, you’ll have to download the mobile app. Use my link to sign up and I’ll contact you directly through the app’s messaging feature once I receive notice of your signup. Once you’ve registered, you can download the app to your other iOS or Android devices to have them ready as backup devices. You can simply sign in using your phone number and password when you’re ready to use them. In cases of emergency, you can use your laptop or PC with a webcam to teach lessons, but be prepared to experience decreased functionality and funky glitches. Ideally, you’ll want to teach from your phone or tablet because PalFish is optimized to work from a mobile device.
That’s me up top inviting you to join me on the PalFish platform.Add your country code and phone number and hit ‘Apply Now” to get started.
What can I do with PalFish?
The PalFish platform is set up like a social media site. You can follow and be followed by other teachers and students. To promote yourself to students, gain followers, or just share some information, you can post moments just like on Facebook.
One of my favorite things about working with PalFish is that it offers different ways to generate income. Freetalk lessons, official courses, live streams, and dubbing children’s books are some ways that you can make money. As a PalFish teacher, you can work as either a regular teacher, an Official Kids Course (OKC) teacher, or both. When you register and are accepted on the platform, you are automatically a regular teacher and can begin teaching adult students right away. If you qualify as an OKC teacher and are accepted, you will be considered an Official Kids Course teacher, but you can still teach adults.
What are the requirements?
Teacher requirements
To qualify for teaching adults, you will
be a fluent English speaker
have some English teaching experience
hold an English teaching certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA)
be an excellent communicator
be fun, creative, and have excellent interpersonal skills
NO DEGREE REQUIRED
To qualify as an Official Kids Course (OKC) teacher you will
be a Native English speaker with a neutral accent
be from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland
have at least 10 hours per week of availability between 6-9 p.m. Beijing Time
be fun, creative, high energy
have a passion for working with children
Minimum hours requirements
As a PalFish teacher, you have the luxury of setting your own schedule. You can work as little or as much as you’d like. There’s no set time requirement for Official Kids Course teachers, but it is recommended that you have at least 10 hours of availability.
PalFish offers teachers the ability to take random calls during their free time with just the touch of a button. If a student purchases a lesson package from you, you can coordinate the date and time (in Beijing Time) with your student, or you can open time slots for students to book. If you plan to teach adults and kids, there’s an option to reserve time slots for kids only. However, there is no option to reserve for adults only. So, once you open your slots, any time slots you have available for your adult students may be taken. To avoid this, coordinate with your adult students through the chat feature and only open them once they’re ready to book.
Technical requirements
Computer equipment
To effectively use the PalFish platform, you will need a compatible smartphone or tablet (Android version 7.0 or higher / iOS version 9.0 or higher). If your device is not compatible, the application will let you know once you’ve signed in.
Internet
There isn’t a set internet speed requirement, but a fast, stable WiFi connection is important. Having an internet connection of at least 30 Mbps for upload and download is sufficient. If you’re unsure of your internet speed, you can check it here.
Lighting
Lighting is very important. You will want to have bright lighting so that you are clearly visible to the camera. Shadows are frowned upon, so try to reduce them as much as possible. I use a set of lamps when I’m at home and two small portable LED lamps (bought in Korea) and selfie ring lights when I travel.
Audio equipment
A headset with a noise-canceling microphone will help to reduce background noise during your lessons and make it easier for your students to hear your pronunciations clearly. The headphones set that may have come with your smart device can be used, but may cause audio issues for your student when the microphone brushes against your shirt. A Bluetooth headset may work well. I haven’t tried any, but I’ve heard from other teachers that they work fine (I’ll get hip one of these days 😀 ).
Downloads
Palfish is an app-based platform, so you’ll need to download the PalFish Teacher app for iOS or Android, and sign up or sign in if you already have an account. There’s also a student app, so make sure you choose the one that says ‘teacher’.
How much does Palfish pay?
As I mentioned before, there are multiple ways to earn with PalFish. Besides the previously mentioned ways of earning, there are bonuses for inviting teachers and students.
You’re an independent contractor
This is your own home-based business, so for tax purposes, you’ll be considered an independent contractor. With a little creativity and drive, you can make a great income. As a regular teacher, you set your own rates for calls and lesson packages. As an OKC teacher, you can expect to earn between $15 and $22 per hour for official lessons. The actual amount you receive varies depending on the conversion rate of CNY to your country’s currency.
Pay structure
PalFish pays using a tiered structure determined by a monthly credit score. The more classes you teach, the more money you’ll make per hour during the following month. As a new teacher, you will receive a new teacher’s bonus of approximately $15 USD. If a trial student purchases the Official Kids Course after having a trial lesson with you, you’ll earn a bonus of about $15 USD.
Payment methods
PalFish pays through Payoneer and Chinese bank transfers. Open your new account using this Payoneer link and receive $25 once you’ve earned $1000. Payment is held in your PalFish account until the 1st of the month when it is automatically withdrawn to your Payoneer account. The payment should reach your account by the 7th of the month.
You can find more information on the PalFish guidelines page and in the FAQs within the app. If you have any questions once you’re signed up, just shoot me a message through the PalFish app. I’ll be happy to help!
So… Are you ready to join PalFish?
By clicking the apply button below, you agree to be contacted and assisted by me via the PalFish app. If you’re not viewing this site from your phone or tablet, you can download the app to your smart device and enter my referral code: t08lXu (after 8, the letter is lowercase “L”). If you submit the wrong code, you’ll be assigned to someone else and I won’t know you signed up 🙁
Kids are so cute, aren’t they? Don’t you just love interacting with them? Would you like to be paid to have fun while teaching 4 -12 year old Chinese kids? If you answered “Yes” to those questions,Magic Earscould be the online ESL company for you.
Too many aspiring online TEFL teachers are heartbroken when they apply to a company only to be rejected before reaching the interview stage. If your resume doesn’t contain key qualifications, it will be rejected. To give yourself the best chance of progressing through the application process and getting the job, I highly encourage you to read through this list of FAQs and responses.
1. Do I Qualify To Be A Candidate?
To qualify to work for Magic Ears, you should be a native speaker from an English speaking country. You will need to have a Bachelor’s degree or higher and a 120-hour ESL certification (Magic Ears offers an accredited 120-hour advanced TESOL course for $20 USD). Teaching experience is not required, but it would be an asset.
**If you are a resident of California, you are not eligible to apply due to the AB5 Bill. Click here for more information.
2. Do I Need To Have Teaching Experience?
No. Teaching experience, although preferred, is not required. Magic Ears provides online training for new teachers.
3. How Much Money Can I Make?
Pay is per class. If you are hired at the Bronze base pay level, you will make $7.50 per lesson plus bonuses. See the image below for the company’s base pay policy and bonus incentives. Your base pay will depend on your qualifications. How much you make per week or month is up to you. You control your schedule. So, the more lessons you teach, the more money you make. You can expect the company to offer periodic monetary incentives to sweeten the pot. You can also bring in referral bonuses with your referral link.
Magic Ears Base Pay Policy
4. When and How Will Magic Ears Pay Me?
As with most Chinese online schools, Magic Ears pays on a monthly basis. Payment is made through Paypal or bank transfer on the 10th of each month.
5. What Does A Magic Ears Teacher Do?
As a Magic Ears teacher, you will deliver 25-minute English lessons to a group of four students. The students’ ages will range from 4 to 12 years old. The lessons are already prepared. So, all you’ll have to do is review the lessons and prepare your props. Once each lesson is completed, you’ll be required to leave class feedback for each student. The feedback needs to be submitted within 18 hours of completing a lesson.
No, students are randomly assigned to available teachers by the Magic Ears system. Open those time slots and the students will come!
7. What Kind Of Schedule Will I Have?
Hooray for flexible scheduling! How often you work is up to you. You can work any time you want from 9 PM to 9 AM EDT. The times that have the most demand are Sun – Sat 7 AM – 8:30 AM and Sat – Sun 9 PM – 10 PM Eastern Daylight Time. Although it’s suggested that teachers be available for at least 10 hours, there’s no minimum teaching requirement.
8. What’s The Contract Length?
Contracts are 6-month. Renewal is dependent upon satisfactory work performance.
9. How Do I Apply?
The application process consists of a series of steps taking place over several days. After registering and submitting the application, you’ll need to schedule and perform a demo lesson which can be recorded (you only) or live (performed with another teacher pretending to be your student). The next step will be attending a private online coaching session to get some tips and pointers, and then you’ll perform another short teaching demo. After that, you’ll be assigned a trial lesson. Upon successful completion of the trial lesson, you’ll fill out a background check (3-5 days). If your background check is fine, you’ll be offered a contract. Once your contract is signed and submitted, you’ll be a full-fledged Magic Ears teacher!
Magic Ears says, “Please allow up to 2 business days for processing at each step. Throughout the application process, there are two places where you can find updates on your application’s status: 1. The email with which you applied (check your spam folder). 2. The Teacher Portal (logging into the website). Once you start the application process on the teacher portal, you can use the “Contact Us” link in your portal to easily reach out to us at any time during the application process.”
If teaching with Magic Ears sounds like a good deal to you, you can sign up by clicking the button below to use my referral link (referral code T200462).
