How to Teach English Online with Palfish
(Update) I do not recommend applying for this job due to recent events in the online industry.
What is PalFish?
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.
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 experience in teaching children
- be a licensed teacher or hold a teaching certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA)
- 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 🙁
