How to Teach English Online and Get Paid in South Africa

How to Teach English Online and Get Paid in South Africa

Teaching English online is a great way to earn money from home. Along with that, many companies and platforms are always hiring native English speakers to tutor non-native speakers online.

As a South African resident, you too can join in on the fun and teach English online in South Africa and get paid.

In this post, we will provide you with steps on how to get started. From getting a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate to signing up on a teaching platform like Preply, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s begin.

Before you can begin to teach English online, you’ll need the following:

1. A TEFL certificate

2. Bachelor's degree in English (not always required, but great to have)

3. Native English proficiency

4. A fast and reliable internet connection 

5. A device with a webcam

TEFL ( Teaching English as a Foreign Langauge)

Normally, a  TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a 120-hour certificate that is needed by companies and teaching platforms when they hire tutors.

This will prove to them that you are well-versed in the language. As such, you will be able to teach their students. You can get this certificate online or in person at certain institutions like Wits Language School.

What is a TEFL Certificate?

A TEFL certificate is a qualification someone gets after completing a TEFL online or in-person course. It is a globally recognized entry-level credential that allows you to teach non-native speakers English as a foreign language. 

What is a TEFL Certification?

A TEFL certification is a qualification that is internationally recognized and certifies that its holder can teach English as a foreign language. It's proof that the said person has studied how to teach English as a foreign language with them.

How to get TEFL Certification?

In South Africa, you can get the TEFL certification online or in person, at the following accredited and internationally recognized institutions:

Wits Language School: 

Offers TEFL Courses, both online and full-time. Their full-time program takes 4 weeks to complete and costs R17 500. 

On the other hand, the TEFL online course is open for 8 weeks and is self-paced. The TEFL online course costs R6000 and takes new students every first Monday of a new month. 

Both the full-time and online courses require students to be 18 years old with matric or higher or even work experience. Along with that, a computer and a strong internet connection are needed. Additionally, proficiency in English is also a must.

TESOL SA: 

TESOL SA is based in Cape Town and has an online TEFL course at a decreased price.  Their online TEFL course is 120 hours long and you can finish it within 3 months or less.

 i-to-i:

i-to-i has different TEFL courses ranging from 120 hours to 500 hours. Their classroom courses in South Africa are UK government-regulated and internationally recognized by the ODLQC. 

TEFL SA:

Offers 120 hours of the TEFL online course that takes about 4 weeks to complete. There is no need to rush through your course as you are given 6 months to complete the program. 

After completion, you’ll get a PDF TEFL Certificate. If needed, you can request a hard copy and TEFL SA will send one to you. 

Now that you know what is a TEFL certificate and how to get one. We’ll give a brief explanation of one of the most recommended online teaching platforms to sign up for, Preply.

What is Preply?

Preply is an online language platform that connects learners with tutors around the world. They offer 1-on-1 sessions to their students. Along with personalized plans, and corporate language training. 

Preply teaches over 800 00 students from 180 countries. It's also free to use for tutors while students have to pay a subscription fee.

How much does Preply pay?

Tutors on Preply set their rates. Most tutors charge $15 to $25 (R283,08 - R471,80)*  per hour. As such, earnings may differ from one tutor to another. Long-time tutors earn around $500 (R9435,98)* per week.

For newer tutors, the amount might be less as Preply takes a 100% commission on their first student. From there onward, they’ll take a 33% commission, which will eventually decrease to 18%.

This may sound disheartening. However, this fee will go towards developing new easy-to-use videos and learning lessons. Along with bringing in more students onto the platform.

Preply encourages new tutors to charge a lower rate at first to get students. Once the tutor is up and running, they can change the hourly rates. 

Preply requirements 

For other subjects, Preply does not have any requirements. However, they do require a TEFL certificate for tutors wishing to teach English on their platform.

How to Apply as a Tutor on Preply

Applying for a tutor role on Preply is easy and only has a few steps.

 Here are steps you can take to sign up on Preply as a tutor:

1. Click on become a tutor 

2. Fill in your personal information

3. Upload your photo

4. Record a short 2 minute introduction video

5. Write a profile description showcasing your skills and capabilities

6. Verify your profile

How long does Preply take to respond?

After sending in your profile for consideration. The Preply team may take up to 5 working days to get back to you. After manually reviewing your application, you’ll receive an email letting you know about the status of your application. 

Top Tips for Teaching Students Online in South Africa

Seeing that you now have all the essential information about how to teach English online.

Here are some key tips to help you along the way and make your journey of tutoring online, smoother.

1. Get the right equipment - having the correct tools will make it easy to work and interact with your students with no disturbances such as load-shedding.

2. Create a schedule - creating a schedule of your classes will help you be productive and appear for sessions on time.

3. Double-check your equipment before classes - technology may make our lives easier but sometimes it can crash. So always check that your laptop or computer is working perfectly and all systems are up to date. 

4. Prepare lessons in advance - Knowing what you’ll be doing in your next session will ease the stress of coming up with topics on the spot and going off-topic.

5. Keep your teaching material close by - set your notes and other materials next to you during class in case you need to go over a certain point again for clarity.

6. Be committed - Keep in mind that students are there to learn from you. So do not just teach them for the sake of doing so. Add value to your teachings and make them useful.

Conclusion

Teaching English as a foreign language is the perfect way to get an income during these difficult times of high unemployment rates in South Africa.

Also, it’ll look good on your CV if you ever decide to teach in person or abroad.

All the best in tutoring online!

*Rates are recorded as per the current exchange rates.