TEFL & ESL Blog
VIPKid Teaching Experience: Genevieve Talks Pay, Schedule, and Hiring
Thinking about applying to work at VIPKid? Genevieve is one of the 2500 teachers that loves working there – see why in this interview.
11 Best Webcams for Online Teaching [2022 Teacher Webcam Guide]
See how using a dedicated webcam can improve your lesson, as well as some recommended models.
11 of the Best Headsets for Teaching Online [2022 Guide for Online Teachers]
Headsets are becoming a must-have piece of online teaching equipment thanks to their superior sound and voice quality – here are 3 worth considering.
9 VIPKID Props to Take Your Classroom to the Next Level
Get more bookings and better feedback by using props – here are 9 props we love for VIPKID teachers.
The 9 Must-Have Magic Ears Props to Help Your Online Classes
Magic Ears recommends you use at least 2 props in your classes – here are 10 of our favorites that can be used for different ages & abilities.
How Much Can You Make Teaching in China: A Look at School Salaries
Want to know the average salaries for teachers in China? We look at the different types of schools and what they pay according to their city and location.
Can You Teach in China with a Criminal Record?
Want to teach in China but have a criminal record? Here’s what the Chinese visa criminal record check means for your application.
Tips from a Beijing Teacher: 3 Things I Love About the Job
3 tips from a current teacher in Beijing on how to keep teaching exciting – perfect for new teachers or those looking to add excitement back into the job.
Vietnam Recruiter Interview: How to Find a Good Job
A great interview with Georgia from Teacher’s Friend Vietnam – she discusses how to to get a quality job, things to look out for, and what to expect on your first day.
The 7 Best Online TEFL Courses for ANY Job & Budget
For many sectors of the ESL job market, TEFL certification is a must-have in a job candidate. The sheer volume of online TEFL courses offered
The 6 Best TEFL Courses in Prague According to Our Experts
Here we break down everything you need to know about the best TEFL courses in Prague, including their reputation, curriculum, and price.
The 5 Best TEFL Courses in China
Looking for a TEFL course in China? This guide breaks down 4 options, including their price, curriculum and reputation.
6 Places to Get Your Start Teaching Online Courses
It’s never been easier to teach a course online – assuming you have an internet connection we’ve laid out 5 places to start teaching today.
Teaching English in China Requirements: How to Teach Legally
A look at all the teaching English in China requirements, what each means, and what you need to fulfill them and start teaching.
The 5 Best TEFL Courses in Thailand (Your Search Starts Here!)
Looking for a TEFL course in Thailland? We’ve broken down 5 of our favorites based on their price, reputation and curriculum – click to check them out!
The 5 Best TEFL Certifications & Courses in Japan (for ANY Budget)
Because of the island nation’s unique cultural attractions and relatively high pay rate for English teachers, Japan is an alluring destination for many foreign ESL
6 Options to Teach English Online as a South African
Looking for online companies that will hire South Africans? Here are 6 options with their requirements.
Understanding the Korean E2 Visa Process for English Teachers
Learn the E2 visa process needed to work in Korea.
Signing a Teaching Contract in China – 8 Red Flags to Know!
About to sign your teaching contract for China? Read this to see what red flags to ask about and when to abandon a job all together.
6 Jobs for Americans in China: What It Takes to Get Hired
China has become the go-to place for many Americans who are looking for global opportunities in order to build careers, earn money, or simply try
Understanding the Z Visa Process for Teachers in China
The visa process for teachers in China is complicated – this guide explains what you need, how to apply, and what your school should help you with.
You’re Headed to China to Teach English – What Happens Next?
6 tips on how to prepare for teaching in China from a former teacher – start preparing now!
How to Pass Your VIPKID Mock Class the First Time
The VIPKID mock class lasts 25 minutes. After choosing which level you’d like to get certified on, you’ll have to prepare two sets of slides and deliver a 10-minute class to a recruiter.
How to Pass Your VIPKID Demo Lesson the First Time
The demo class is a crucial step in the VIPKID interview process. Here’s all you need to know about it as well as plenty of tips to pass it with flying colors.
How to Set Your VIPKID Classroom Up for Success
A breakdown of the props, lighting, and equipment you need for your VIPKid classroom setup to really standout + a few teachers to use as examples.
GoGoKid vs. VIPKid — Which Should You Work For?
Looking for an online English teaching job? Find the best company with the help of this GoGoKid vs VIPKid comparison
11 Companies Where You Can Teach English Online without a Degree
Unsure if you can teach English online without a degree? Rest easy because it’s not only possible, it’s quite common. Here’s how to start.
All About Teaching English to a Wealthy Family in Russia
You may have heard that Russia isn’t the most desirable country for ESL work. Pay is usually quite low, living costs are high (especially in
My Family’s Journey to China: Challenges and Confusion
A dad describes his decision to bring his entire family to China, including the challenges they faced from family and why they were interested in the first place.
The Complete Guide to the TAPIF Program in France
Always dreamed of living and working in France? Check out this complete guide to the TAPIF teaching program.
Cost of Living for ESL Teachers in China
As is the case for almost any country in the world, the cost of living for ESL teachers in China will mostly depend on location
Moving from the Classroom to Teaching Online
Do you want more freedom? Tired of that commute to the classroom? That was me a few years ago when I was an ESL teacher
Life as an Autonomo: How to Earn More Money Teaching in Spain
How to earn a €2000 net salary as a self-employed teacher in Spain and pay less social security and tax in the first 2 years of working as an autónomo.
How a Single Mom of 5 Went from Teacher to Lawyer and Back Again
Brett shares her experience of being a foster mother, lawyer and online teacher and why she wouldn’t trade it for the world!
The 5 Best Teach English in Japan Programs (w/ Details & Requirements)
Explore which teaching program is the best in Japan – a breakdown of our top 5 including the job requirements and details.
The Requirments to Teach English in Korea: How to Teach Legally
Explore the requirements to teach English legally in Korea.
40 Years After Normalization: A Review of Memoirs by American Teachers in China
Teacher Jim Hill recounts his first time in China and how things have changed for English teachers over the past 40 years.
China’s New Policy for Online Teachers Explained
A breakdown of the new regulations for Chinese online teaching companies including what’s changed and what you’ll need to qualify as a teacher.
4 Creative ESL Reading Tips to Help Your Students
Struggling to to teach your ESL students how to read? Here are 4 exercises that will make it easier & more fun for everyone.
The Pros & Cons of Being a Private English Tutor in Japan
A great look at the pros & cons of teaching private lessons in Japan + tips on how to get started.
The 5 Best Teach English in Korea Programs (w/ Details & Requirements)
Considering a teach English program in South Korea? Read our guide on the 5 best teaching programs, including job summary and requirements.
Moving to China to Teach: 5 Tips to Consider Before You Go
5 great tips from author and former teacher Josh Summers on how to best prepare for your move to China as an English teacher.
Teaching English in Bogota: Pros, Cons, & My Experience
A teacher gives a first-hand account of the pros and cons of teaching English in Bogota, Colombia – see what her day to day was like!
Online Teaching Tips: 15 Things I Wish I Had Known
Just getting into online teaching or wondering how to improve? Here are 15 online teaching tips from a current teacher to help you out!
Teacher Review: The Pros & Cons of Teaching for Magic Ears
Teacher Jenica shares her thoughts on teaching for Magic Ears for the past 2 years – see what she loves and thinks you need to be prepared for!
Discounted (and Cheap) TEFL Courses & Certificates for 2021
Looking for a cheap TEFL course? Check out our list of current discounts and coupons to see what’s on sale for 2019.
5 Awesome Blog Posts about Teaching English in Italy
Read these 5 cool blogs to get an insight into the world of teaching English in Italy and what to expect from your adventure.
Transferring Money from China: Your Options Explained
Sending money home from China doesn’t have to be complicated – here are your best options for keeping as much of your money as possible.
Teaching in China as a Primary School Teacher: What It’s Really Like
Curious what China is *really* like for a teacher? Read this first-hand account from a primary school teacher in Shenzhen, China.
VIPKid Just Turned 5 – Here’s What They Have Planned for the Future
Can you believe VIPKid is 5 years old? Current teacher Luis walks us through how they celebrated, their history, and what they have planned for the future.
China Teachers: Here’s How to Link Wechat and Your Bank Card
Wechat might be one of the greatest apps ever and it can make your time in China much easier – here is how to link it with your bank in order to make payments easier in the mainland.
Teaching English in Beijing: A Current Teacher Shares Her Experience
Thinking about teaching English in Beijing – here are some tips from a current teacher on why she chose Beijing, what she likes about the city and what her average day is like!
Review: What It’s Like to Teach Online for Hujiang
Thinking about applying to Huijing? Check out this in-depth look from two current teachers on their hiring process, requirements, and how much they pay.
Teacher Interview: Pros and Cons of Teaching for EF in China
Thinking about working for EF? Here’s a short interview on what one teacher liked and didn’t like about teaching for the company in China.
Interview: How Cynthia & Niko Travel the World while Teaching Online
Online teaching provides a lot of freedom – see how Cynthia & Niko use their remote teaching positions to fund their world travels.
What Is a Chinese Training Center and Should You Work at One?
Training centers are everywhere in China and are hiring teachers by the boatload – here’s what you need to know about their schedule and pay before taking a job at one.
What It’s Like to Teach English in Beijing – A Teacher’s Account
Thinking about teaching in Beijing? Here’s what one former teacher had to say about the city, salary, and preparing for arrival.
First Hand: What It’s Like Teaching in Shenzhen, China
Thinking about teaching in Shenzhen? Here’s what to expect, what it’s like for teachers, and some areas of the city to check out for schools.
Is It Possible to Teach in Korea without a Degree?
It is not possible to teach in Korea without a degree – here is what you need to know and some possible other options.
Can You Teach in Taiwan without a TEFL certification?
Looking to see if you can teach in Taiwan without a TEFL? Here is what you need to know about teaching legally in this awesome country.
Can You Teach in Taiwan without a Degree?
Teaching in Taiwan without a degree isn’t impossible but it is illegal – here’s what you need to know in terms of the degree requirements.
Can You Teach in Taiwan with a Criminal Record?
Thinking about trying to teach in Taiwan with a criminal record? As of June 2017 the law has changed – here’s what you need to know.
Can Teachers Get a Work Visa in Japan with a Criminal Record?
Thinking about teaching in Japan with a criminal record? It’s possible but not very easy – here’s where to start and what you need to know.
Can You Teach in China without a Degree?
Thinking about teaching in China without a degree? It’s possible – here are some risks associated with as well as some pros and cons.
Can You Teach in Korea with a Criminal Record?
Wondering if a minor offense will prevent you from teaching abroad? Here’s what you need to know about teaching in Korea with a criminal record.
What Is a Buxiban in Taiwan and Should You Teach at One?
Cram schools in Taiwan go by many names but buxiban is the most common – here’s what you need to know about working at one.
My Experience Teaching at a Hagwon in Korea
A first-hand recap about my experience working for a Korean hagwon, including my salary, living arrangements, and application process.
How to Make Your Online Classroom Interesting for Students
Having an awesome online classroom makes it teaching online easier. Here are some tips from a current teacher to help get your classroom setup.
Teacher Interview: Standing Out in the DaDaABC Hiring Process
Online teacher and digital nomad Jason shares his experience teaching for DadaABC including how he got hired and how he uses music to engage the students.
Teaching at a Private School in Japan – What It’s Like
Haley shares what it was like to teach at a private school in Japan, including commuting to classes, driving in Japan, and advice for those considering it.
What It’s Like Teaching for EF in Wuhan, China
See how Anthony got started teaching for EF in Wuhan, China – a tier 2 city bigger than NYC – and what he thought of the experience.
What Is a Hagwon and Should You Work at One?
Hagwons are private learning centers in Korea that cater to students looking to improve their English – here is what you can expect from working at one.
What Is an Eikaiwa and Should You Work at One?
Eikaiwas are English conversation schools in Japan and offer a lot of advantages for new ESL teachers – they also vary in quality and aren’t for everyone.
Finding Work After Teaching: Advice from a Former ESL Teacher in China
Wondering what to do after teaching? You’re not alone. In this interview, Brandon discusses how to structure and use your time abroad to your advantage if you don’t plan on teaching forever.
Salary Information: How Much You Can Make Teaching in Korea
See what you can expect as a salary as a teacher in Korea.
How Do I Get a Release Letter in China?
Quitting or changing jobs? Here’s why you need a release letter and how to get one.
What Happens if I Quit My Teaching Job in China?
Thinking about quitting your teaching job in China? Here’s how it should go down.
Requirements to Teach English in Japan: What Schools Are Looking for
Explore the requirements to teach English in Japan – broken out by what the government looks for as well as what each of school prefers.
Teaching Salaries in Japan: How Much You Can Make as an ESL Teacher?
Japan is great to teach in for a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest is that they pay their teachers really well – see how much each type of school pays.
How to Get a Work Visa to Teach in Japan
Teachers need a work visa in order to teach legally in Japan – here is how to get one complete with the required forms and process breakdown.
Becoming an Online Teacher: What You Need to Know
A thorough breakdown of what to expect as an online teacher including jobs, pay, and requirements.
This VIPKid Teacher Makes $75k Teaching Online
See how Dan made more than $75,000 in 2016 by teaching with VIPKid, including how he got started and what his current schedule is like.
What Makes a Great Online Teacher According to SkimaTalk
Can you tell us a little about SkimaTalk – how you got started, what your mission is, etc? SkimaTalk was founded on the idea that
Buddyschool on How to Standout with Teaching Profiles
Can you give us an introduction otoBuddy School – what is your history and mission? BuddySchool is an online tutoring platform, where users from all
OTUK Founder on the Future of Online Learning
Can you tell us a little about OTUK – how you got started, what your mission is, etc? I founded OTUK in 2012 when I
