Page 01

Is ESL Teaching For Me?

Things you should know before becoming an ESL teacher.

What Is ESL Teaching?

ESL means English as a Second Language. ESL teachers help people who are learning English practice speaking, listening, reading, pronunciation, and everyday communication—often through one-on-one online classes.

Many students are from China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and other parts of Asia, but learners also come from Europe, North America, South America, and elsewhere. Filipino teachers often bring strong English skills, warmth, and an easygoing way of connecting with students.

Who Are Your Students?

It depends on the company and the kind of classes it offers. You might teach:

• Children and teenagers
• Japanese or Korean adults
• Business professionals
• Travelers preparing for a trip
• Students studying for an English exam
• People who want to feel more confident using English every day

My Experience

The youngest student I taught was 2 years old. The oldest was 80. My 2-year-old students were with a Chinese ESL company, and my oldest learner came from a Japanese company.

Many people think ESL teachers only teach children, but that's not always true. Depending on the company, you may teach toddlers, teens, college students, working adults, retirees, or a mix. Every student is different, so classes rarely feel exactly the same.

What Will You Teach?

Lessons can cover conversational English, phonics and reading, grammar, business English, or exam preparation such as IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC.

Most companies give new teachers a mix of ages and levels. You may not get to choose your students right away. I wasn't interested in teaching children before I joined ESL, but now it's one of my favorite parts of the job. Give different learners a chance—you may surprise yourself.

A Quick Reality Check

ESL can be flexible and rewarding, but most platforms don't promise a fixed monthly salary. Your income often depends on bookings, your available hours, and company demand. Some months are busy; others are quiet. If you prefer a predictable paycheck, think about that before you begin.

You'll know whether you enjoy the work by trying it. Some people love it; others decide it's not for them. Both are okay. This guide is here to help you make an informed choice.

Check Your Eligibility

Requirements differ from one company to another, so check the jobs you're interested in. Many companies that hire Filipino teachers ask for some of these:

You don't need a teaching license for every ESL job. A PRC license may be an advantage, and some companies ask for proof of past teaching work. Keep a Certificate of Employment handy if you have one.

Some Japanese companies ask for a BIR Certificate of Registration. Many online ESL teachers work as independent contractors, so read your contract and check what the company requires. For tax questions, use current BIR guidance or ask a qualified professional.

You can add backup internet and power as your budget allows. You don't need to buy everything before you apply.

Supplemental topic

TEFL/TESOL Certificate Guide

TEFL/TESOL options, free links, and recommendations.

One of the most common questions I get is: "Kailangan ko ba talaga ng TEFL or TESOL?" Honestly, it depends on the company. Some will hire you without one, while others won't even let you continue your application.

If you have the budget, I recommend getting at least a 120-hour certificate. Aside from helping with applications, you'll also pick up techniques that make your first few classes a lot less intimidating.

Common providers among Filipino teachers

These five are the ones most Filipino ESL teachers actually use to get certified.

If you're still unsure whether ESL is for you, don't spend thousands right away. Start with a free course first. If you enjoy learning about teaching, classroom management, and language learning, consider investing in a paid certification later.

Other options (less commonly used, but still legit)

Not as popular among Filipino ESL teachers, but worth knowing about if the ones above don't fit what you need.

Free MOOC courses to look for: Teaching English to Young Learners · Teaching Grammar Communicatively · Using Educational Technology in the English Language Classroom.

Other recommended providers: Bridge TEFLInternational TEFL & TESOL (ITTT)American TESOL InstituteTEFL Training CollegeMMDC MCL (PH-based)

Where I actually learned most of my skills

If I'm being honest, I learned more from actual classes than from any certificate. Certificates taught me the basics. Students taught me the rest.

My first few classes were awkward. I talked too fast. I overexplained things. Sometimes I couldn't tell if the student understood me or was just being polite. 😭 That's normal — every ESL teacher starts somewhere. Don't wait until you feel 100% ready, kasi that day never really comes.

Frequently asked

Do I really need these certificates?

No, if the company you're applying to doesn't require it. But if it does, budget the 120 hours and get it early so you're more prepared — you can use the certificate for a lifetime, and the skills are worth it, especially as a newbie figuring out what ESL teaching really is.

I'm not an English Education major — can I still get certified?

Yes. Anyone can get certified as long as you take the course and pay for it — you don't need an Education background.

Page 02

Expectations vs Reality

A friendly reality check before you jump in—because the job can be rewarding, but it isn’t always what the ads make it look like.

It can be flexible, but you still need a routine

Online ESL can fit around family, studies, or another job. But “work from home” doesn’t mean every hour is available or every class is booked. Your schedule, student demand, and company rules all matter.

Your first month may feel awkward

You’ll be learning the platform, getting used to the lesson materials, and finding your teacher voice. That’s normal. Confidence grows with practice, one class at a time.

Pay and bookings can change

Some weeks are busier than others, and a listed hourly rate doesn’t guarantee a full schedule. Check how a company handles cancellations, penalties, and pay before you commit.

Page 03

Set Up Your Space

Tech requirements, equipment guide, and documents to prepare.

Your background and setup will be evaluated during your demo class and introduction video — make sure everything looks and sounds professional.

Most companies prefer a headset with noise-canceling features. If your environment is noisy — traffic, dogs, crying babies, karaoke — apps like Krisp or SteelSeries Sonar (Windows) can help keep your audio clean.

Prepare your documents

Have these ready in digital format (PDF or JPG) before you apply:

• Diploma or Transcript of Records (TOR) — scanned, clear copy
• NBI Clearance — updated, not expired (if needed)
• Government-issued ID — passport preferred for international platforms
• TEFL/TESOL Certificate — PDF from your course provider
• Resume/CV — 1–2 pages, include teaching or customer service experience
• Introduction video — 1–3 minutes
• PayPal, bank, or GCash account — for receiving salary (depends on company)

Page 04

Where To Apply

Company directory.

This guide sorts online ESL teaching companies into four tiers based on entry requirements and experience level. Each entry includes student market (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, European, Latin American, or Global), minimum requirements, hiring steps, salary, and whether training is provided.

Research each company before applying

Before choosing a company, read its current requirements and learn about its platform, students, and interview process. Every company does things a little differently, so use the directory as a starting point and confirm the details with the company itself.

→ Suggest a company for the directory

Page 05

Intro Video Guide

What to include, what recruiters look for, and a few things I learned while recording my own videos.

What Is an Introduction Video?

Many ESL companies ask for a short video before they interview or hire you. Think of it as a first introduction. Recruiters—and sometimes students—want to hear how you communicate and see whether you'd be a good fit for their classes. You don't need to sound like a native speaker or a news presenter. Be clear, comfortable, and yourself.

Tongue Twisters Practice

Try these to warm up your mouth before recording. You don't have to say them perfectly.

• Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
• Thirty-three thieves thought they thrilled the throne throughout Thursday.
• Four furious friends fought for the phone.

Then Double-Check These Common Sound Swaps in Your Recording

After you record, watch your video and listen for patterns that are easy to miss while speaking. Use these examples as a checklist, not a reason to criticize every little thing.

Production Tips

You don't need an expensive setup. Clear sound, good lighting, and a comfortable delivery matter most.

• Keep it around 1–3 minutes, unless the company asks for something else.
• Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.
• Smile naturally and look at the camera.
• Record in a quiet room with good light.
• Wear something neat and professional.
• Test your sound before you record.
• Practice your script a few times; you don't have to memorize it.
• If you're applying to teach children, a simple prop can help.

What to Include

1. 1

   Greeting

   Say your name and where you're from. “Hi! My name is [Name], and I'm from the Philippines.”

2. 2

   Background

   Briefly mention your degree, teaching experience, or TEFL/TESOL certificate.

3. 3

   Teaching style

   Share what your classes are like—friendly, patient, interactive, or structured.

4. 4

   Who you teach

   Say which students you'd enjoy working with, such as children, adults, or beginners.

5. 5

   Closing

   End with a warm line like, “I hope to see you in class soon.”

No Teaching Experience Yet?

Don't panic. Many ESL teachers start without ESL experience. I taught Science for seven years, so when a coach suggested I mention my teaching experience, I could honestly say I'd been teaching for several years. 😆 If you're new to teaching, talk about your certificates, communication skills, customer service, public speaking, or other experience working with people.

Need Inspiration?

These aren't my videos. When I was starting out, I watched examples to get ideas. Watch a few, see what feels natural, and make your own version. Don't copy them word for word.

Free Editing Tools

If the company accepts YouTube links, you can upload your finished video as “Unlisted” and share the link.

Should Your Video Be Raw or Edited?

It depends on the company. Some ask for a raw recording; others allow basic editing. Keep a raw copy, an edited copy, and a smaller compressed copy in case a company asks for a different format.

Page 06

Application Process

Step-by-step application process, demo tips, and interview advice.

The application process can feel intimidating when you're starting out. Most ESL companies follow a similar flow, even if the details differ.

Some companies move faster.

Some ask for more documents.

Some have interviews, while others focus on demos or recorded videos.

Here's what you can usually expect.

1. 1

   Research and choose

   Check the company's requirements, student market, schedule, and platform. Visit its official website when possible.

2. 2

   Create an account

   Register on the teacher or tutor portal. Complete your profile carefully; students may look at it before booking.

3. 3

   Submit documents

   You may need a diploma or TOR, government ID, NBI Clearance, TEFL/TESOL certificate, or intro video. Requirements vary.

4. 4

   Complete the application form

   Companies may ask about your experience, certificates, availability, internet, and equipment. Take your time with your answers.

5. 5

   Interview

   Some companies interview on Zoom, Skype, or another platform. Others use recorded or AI-based interviews. They usually want to see how you communicate and present yourself.

6. 6

   Demo class

   You may teach a live class or send a recording. Most companies provide materials. They want to see how you interact with a student—not a perfect performance.

7. 7

   Training

   If you pass, training may cover the platform, class procedures, teaching standards, and company policies.

8. 8

   Set your schedule

   Once your account is active, open the hours you can keep. Evenings and weekends may be busy for some companies.

9. 9

   Teach your first classes

   Your first classes help you get used to the platform and meet your students. Everyone starts somewhere.

Demo Lesson Samples

Watching a few demos can help you see how teachers use lesson materials and interact with students.

Use them for ideas, and follow the instructions from the company you're applying to.

Platform Preparation

Companies hiring through their own websites often have their own teaching platform. Companies you find through Facebook groups may use ClassIn, Voov Meeting, Zoom, or Tencent Meeting.

Find out which platform you'll need and try it before your interview or demo.

I once confidently told an interviewer I knew how to use ClassIn.

I didn't. 😆

I ended up learning it the day before my demo. Learn from my mistake: watch a tutorial and click around ahead of time.

Some companies also use WeChat, so setting up an account early may save you time.

ClassIn Navigation (2026 Updated)

Tips for a Demo Class

• Practice the lesson a few times and use the materials the company provides.
• Use gestures, facial expressions, flashcards, or a whiteboard when they help.
• Speak clearly, pause to check understanding, and repeat key words.
• For children, keep it playful. For adults, keep it warm and conversational.
• Some experienced-teacher applications ask for a recording of a real class. Check what the company wants before filming.

Interview Tips

• Wear something neat and professional.
• Test your internet, camera, and microphone before the interview.
• Keep your documents nearby in case they're requested.
• Answer clearly and be yourself. Think about why you want to teach and which students you enjoy working with.

Page 07

After You're Hired

Onboarding and what to expect.

What Usually Happens After You're Hired

1. 1

   Complete onboarding

   Training may include videos, reading, quizzes, mock classes, or platform tutorials. Every company does it differently.

2. 2

   Set up your payment account

   Check which payment methods the company supports and set up your account early.

3. 3

   Finish your teacher profile

   Add a professional photo, complete your bio, and make sure your introduction video is up to date. Students or parents may check your profile before booking.

4. 4

   Choose a schedule you can keep

   Open the hours that work with your life. Leave time for meals, breaks, family, errands, and rest.

5. 5

   Prepare your teaching materials

   Your company may provide everything, or you may want a few simple props or flashcards. Build your collection over time; you don't need to buy it all at once.

6. 6

   Teach your first classes

   Your first classes may feel awkward. You might forget something, talk too fast, or replay the lesson in your head afterward. That's part of learning. Keep showing up—you'll get more comfortable.

About Trial Classes

Try your best in every trial. A good lesson may lead to a regular student, but not every trial becomes a booking.

Some students sign up weeks or months later. Some choose another teacher, and some don't come back. Don't take it personally. Focus on giving a good lesson; the result isn't always in your hands.

Setting Expectations

Continue Upskilling

Getting hired is a great start, but you can keep learning as you teach. You might explore:

• TEFL/TESOL certificates
• IELTS or other exam preparation
• Business English
• Teaching young learners
• Private tutoring skills

These may help you work with higher-level students, teach privately, apply to premium companies, or grow your income. Studying is part of teaching too—we're lifelong learners.

Pay and Teacher Levels

Some companies use rankings or teacher levels to set pay, bonuses, or profile visibility. Novakid, Polly English, and 51Talk are examples, but their rules differ and can change. Ask how each system works before counting on a higher rate.

On Preply, tutors can set and adjust their listed rates. Cambly sets tutor pay. Check current rates and fees on each platform. If you consider a higher-paying company or private students, compare the take-home pay, schedule, and booking reliability—not just the advertised rate.

Protect Your Time and Energy

This is advice I wish I had followed sooner.

Don't feel guilty for resting, taking a day off, or closing a few slots. Burnout is real. I learned the hard way that teaching well also means making room for a life outside work.

Your students deserve an energized teacher, and you deserve time to rest too.

Payments and Taxes

• Check how and when your company pays. Methods may include PayPal, Payoneer, Wise, bank transfer, GCash, or another service.
• Keep a record of your earnings and read your contract carefully.
• Ask the BIR or a qualified tax professional about your tax responsibilities. Some companies may ask for a BIR Certificate of Registration.

Requirements can vary, so confirm current details with your company and the BIR.

One Last Thing

Your first few months may not look the way you imagined.

And that's okay.

Some students will stay. Some won't.

Some days you'll feel confident. Other days you'll wonder what you're doing.

Just keep teaching, learning, and improving. The experience will come.

One day, the things that used to make you nervous may feel like part of your normal routine.

Page 08

Real Talk & FAQs

Let's keep it real for a moment.

A lot of people talk about the good side of ESL—working from home, flexible schedules, meeting students from different countries, and earning online.

And yes, those things are real.

But there are also things I wish someone had told me before I started.

This Industry Has No Guaranteed Stability

Companies can pause hiring.

Policies can change.

Student demand can go up or down.

Sometimes bookings slow down for reasons you can't explain.

We've seen major changes affect ESL companies in China and the teachers who worked with them.

I'm not saying this to scare you.

I want you to start with realistic expectations. Being prepared can make changes less stressful.

What Affects Bookings?

Honestly?

Sometimes nobody really knows.

Your teaching skills, ratings, profile, availability, and student feedback can all matter.

But timing matters too.

Seasonality matters.

Platform algorithms matter.

Student demand matters.

I've seen amazing teachers struggle with bookings. I've also seen new teachers become fully booked surprisingly fast.

A slow week doesn't automatically mean you're a bad teacher. A full schedule doesn't mean you've figured everything out either.

Focus on what you can control:

• Keep improving your teaching.
• Show up consistently.
• Keep your profile up to date.
• Continue learning.

The rest is sometimes out of your hands.

For practical ideas after you're hired, see After You're Hired.

Thinking About Private Students?

A lot of teachers eventually think about finding private students.

The biggest advantage is having more control over your rates and schedule.

The trade-off?

You become the teacher, secretary, customer support, accountant, marketer, and scheduler at the same time. 😆

You find students, prepare lessons, manage payments, handle cancellations, and solve problems.

Some teachers love that freedom. Others prefer letting a company handle those things.

Neither choice is wrong.

Prepare for the Slow Months

Not every month looks the same.

Students go on vacation.

Parents get busy.

Companies change policies.

Bookings slow down.

Life happens.

If you can, try saving a little during the good months. It doesn't have to be a huge amount. Even a small emergency fund can make a slow month less stressful.

The Honest Advice

I wouldn't recommend treating ESL as your only source of income right away unless you've already built a stable student base.

It takes time.

I learned that myself.

ESL wasn't my original plan. It was more like a backup of a backup plan. Life redirected me here, and looking back, I'm grateful it did.

But I had to learn a lot along the way. If ESL is your main income, consider applying to more than one company if your contracts allow it and you can manage the schedule.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

A company may be your busiest platform today and your quietest one six months from now. That's part of this industry.

One Last Thing

Don't compare your journey too much with other teachers online.

Someone will always have more bookings.

Someone will always earn more.

Someone will always seem more successful.

Focus on your own progress.

The goal isn't to grow the fastest.

The goal is to build something sustainable—something that works for your life.

If you'd like to know how I ended up in ESL and why I created this guide, continue to the next page.

That's where the story becomes a little more personal.

Why I Created This Guide

The story behind everything you just read.

I was a high school teacher for seven years before I decided to leave my private school job because of an opportunity that I wanted to pursue.

As a panganay who always wanted the best for my family, I thought it was finally my chance to build a better future for us.

I spent months applying for overseas opportunities in different countries in the Middle East.

Months passed.

I waited.

Prepared.

Hoped.

Prayed.

And honestly, I had already convinced myself that I would be leaving soon.

I prepared mentally, emotionally, and financially for that next chapter of my life. I was already imagining how I could help my family more and finally achieve some of the goals I had been working so hard for.

Then the war happened.

The application process became slower and slower until eventually I started receiving deferred notices.

One.

After another.

After another.

For a while, it felt like everything was finally falling into place. There were interviews, requirements, offers, and plans for a future I thought was already waiting for me. Then everything changed.

Eventually, I decided not to pursue the opportunities anymore for the peace of mind of my family.

I was in a big slump.

At that time, I was already teaching as an ESL teacher. My first companies were Polly English and Jiaozi Tutor. Around the same time, I was also feeling burned out. I eventually resigned because I had no stable internet connection in the province and, honestly, I had no direction in life anymore.

I tried applying again, and eventually another ESL company gave me an opportunity.

When I was teaching, I was okay.

In class, I was my usual self—makwela, madaldal, and always joking around with my students. I genuinely enjoyed teaching, especially kids. Their energy made it easier to smile, laugh, and forget my problems for a little while.

But whenever I didn't have classes, especially during non-peak hours, it was a different story.

I would go back to my bed, curl up, sleep, and spend hours thinking about everything that had happened to me.

I kept replaying the situation in my head.

Wondering what went wrong.

Wondering what I could have done differently.

As a panganay, what hurt the most wasn't just losing an opportunity. It was grieving the future that I thought was already waiting for me.

My overseas application wasn't just another application. It was my biggest hope at that time. I truly believed that it would allow me to help my family more, provide a better future, and finally give back to the people who sacrificed so much for me.

So when everything suddenly stopped, it felt like the future I had been preparing for disappeared overnight.

That was probably the hardest part.

I wasn't only grieving an opportunity.

I was grieving the life that I thought was already waiting for me.

Teaching became one of the few things that distracted me from the grief. For a few hours every day, I wasn't thinking about deferred applications, failed plans, or how lost I felt. I was simply helping students learn.

Looking back now, I think teaching helped me heal little by little, even when I didn't realize it at the time.

Then something unexpected happened.

I fell in love with teaching again.

The truth is, I always loved teaching.

I was just lost, burned out, and disconnected from the passion that made me become a teacher in the first place.

Especially teaching kids.

To be honest, before entering the ESL industry, I wasn't really into teaching kids. Maybe there's a reason why life brought me here.

Maybe I also needed to improve my English-speaking skills. I may not sound like a native speaker, and I'm still far from perfect, but through consistently talking to myself, recording my voice, attending English training sessions, taking free online courses, and even talking to native speakers online just to practice, I improved little by little.

I'm still far from perfect, but I can confidently say that I've improved a lot compared to who I was before entering the ESL world.

Even before resigning from my teaching job, I always liked challenging myself and exploring what I was capable of. But after what happened with my applications, I felt completely lost.

My former colleagues and friends would often ask me what I had been doing all this time. It probably looked like I was hiding from everyone. But the truth was, I was just busy grieving.

Since I didn't have enough time to explain everything to every person who asked, I decided to create this guide.

I first started building it on Google Sites.

Then I thought, why not improve it and make it even better?

At the same time, I started building things again. Little by little, I created resources I wished I had when I was starting out.

Creating this guide gave me something to look forward to. It became one of the reasons I was excited to get up in the morning, face my laptop, and keep going instead of staying in bed and overthinking everything.

It reminded me that I still had a purpose.

That I could still share what I learned from the ESL industry.

That I could still help people who were just starting out.

Sounds dramatic, pero yun talaga. This guide became a light during a time when I felt completely lost.

At first, this guide was simply my way of answering the same questions that my former colleagues, friends, and aspiring ESL teachers kept asking me. But as I continued building it, it became something more.

It became part of my healing process.

It gave me something to work on.

Something to improve.

Something to look forward to. And for the first time in a long while, I found myself excited again.

Back when I was still teaching in private school, I was desperate to leave and build a different life for myself. Even though I wasn't sure what was ahead, I still took the risk.

The funny thing is, the risk I took didn't give me what I originally wanted.

But it gave me what I needed.

I hope the same will be true for you. Trust Him. There will always be opportunities waiting for you, even if you can't see them yet.

I'm still far from perfect.

I'm still learning.

I'm still building this toolkit and creating free resources for ESL teachers.

Everything you see here is built from my own experiences, lessons, mistakes, and things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.

If this guide helps even one person find direction, save time, avoid mistakes, or gain confidence, then all the hours spent creating it will be worth it.

So wherever you are in your journey right now, keep going. Your story isn't over yet.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll look back and realize that the thing that broke your plans was also the thing that led you exactly where you needed to be.

Thank You For Being Here

If you've made it all the way to this page, thank you.

Writing this story wasn't easy, but I wanted to share it because I know what it's like to feel lost, disappointed, and unsure of what's next.

A few years ago, I thought my life would look completely different from where I am now. But life has a funny way of taking us somewhere we never expected.

I'm still figuring things out. And honestly, I still don't have all the answers.

But I'm grateful for the lessons, the students, the people I've met, and the opportunities that came from a path I never planned to take.

So wherever you are in your own journey, I hope you keep going. You might be closer to your next chapter than you think.

— Neri