Top 10 Best Companies Teaching English as a Second Language Online in 2023 – Comparison

The demand for learning English as a second language has risen dramatically in recent years, and the online market has responded accordingly. As a result, the competition among distance learning English language companies has become fierce, with each company offering its unique features and benefits for teaching English as a second language online.

Teaching English as a Second Language Online

If you’re looking to learn English as a second language online, it’s important to choose the right company that meets your needs and learning style. To find out this article, we’ll be comparing the top 10 best companies to teach English in a distance learning way in 2023. We’ll inspect each company’s features, pricing, and customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Teaching English online is an excellent job opportunity that connects English speakers with students seeking to learn English. It’s grown in popularity over the past few years, and there’s still a seemingly never-ending high demand for teachers.

What is teaching English as a second language online simply?

The way of teaching English as a second language online is quite different from traditional teaching in a classroom, it means that you can easily work from anywhere, as long as you have a good WiFi connection, making it perfect for those who want to work from home or work while traveling. It gives you flexibility and command of your schedule.

This method of language instruction allows teachers to connect with students from all over the world regardless of their physical location.

Online ESL classes can be conducted in real-time, allowing for interactive and personalized learning experiences, or through pre-recorded videos and self-paced courses. To teach English online you can do that by freelance teachers or through online language schools that provide training and powerful support for teachers. This type of teaching has no real pains of working in a physical classroom.

As an online English teacher, you can make really good money! Expect to earn around $15-26 USD an hour teaching English online!

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Essentials of TESL online

The teaching of the English language online has become increasingly popular due to the convenience and accessibility it offers to both teachers and learners. Here are some essential basics to keep in mind when teaching the English language online:

1. Choose the perfect platform
2. Plan your lessons
3. Use interactive and effective tools
4. Encourage participation
5. Provide feedback
6. Use various visuals and multimedia
7. Be patient and flexible
8. Build rapport
9. Keep continuously improve
10. Learnlight

An honest comparison of the top 10 companies

Companies teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) online are businesses that provide virtual language learning services to individuals who want to improve their English language skills.

These companies typically offer a range of courses and resources, including online classes, interactive learning tools, and personalized tutoring, to help students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. Some of the most popular ESL companies include VIPKid, EF Education First, and Rosetta Stone.

1: EF Education First

EF Education First is a private educational company that offers interesting language training, cultural exchange programs, and academic degrees. They found it in 1965 and have since grown into a global organization with over 600 schools and offices in more than 100 countries.

Services:

It offers a range of services to help students learn a new language, including online courses, in-person classes, and cultural immersion programs. They also provide academic courses and degree programs in various fields such as business, marketing, and hospitality.

Available Courses and Programs:

This company offers courses in various languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Chinese. They have beginner to advanced-level courses, exam preparation courses, and specialized courses for business professionals. Students can also choose to participate in cultural immersion programs that allow them to live with a host family and experience life in a foreign country.

Teachers:

EF Education First employs qualified and experienced teachers who are native speakers of the language they teach. They undergo rigorous training and are regularly evaluated to ensure that they provide high-quality instruction to their students.

The company also provides ongoing professional development opportunities for its teachers to keep them up-to-date with the latest teaching techniques and methodologies.

2: Cambly:

It is an online modern platform that provides language learning services to students around the world. It was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Cambly offers personalized language learning experiences through one-on-one video chat sessions with native-speaking tutors.

Services:

Cambly offers language learning services for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced learners. They provide personalized learning experiences through one-on-one video chat sessions with native-speaking tutors. Cambly’s services are available 24/7, allowing students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.

Available Courses and Programs:

Cambly offers various courses in teaching English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and Chinese. They offer a variety of programs, including general conversation practice, business English, exam preparation, and more. It also offers specialized programs for children, with tutors who are trained to work with young learners.

Teachers:

Cambly’s tutors are native speakers from around the world, with experience teaching their respective languages. They are trained to provide personalized language learning experiences and are available 24/7 to work with students. Cambly’s tutors are also able to provide feedback and corrections in real-time, allowing students to improve their language skills quickly and effectively.

3: Blabla EdTech

Blabla EdTech is an online education platform that provides a range of courses and programs to help individuals enhance their skills and knowledge. It is a user-friendly platform that offers flexible learning options to students from all over the world.

Services:

It offers a variety of services to its students, including online courses, live webinars, and one-on-one tutoring sessions. The platform also provides access to a range of educational resources, such as e-books, videos, and quizzes.

Available Courses and Programs:

Blabla EdTech offers a wide range of courses and programs that cover various topics, including business, technology, health, and education. Some of the popular courses offered by this important platform include digital marketing, web development, data science, and project management.

The courses are designed to cater to the needs of learners at different levels, from beginners to advanced learners. The platform also offers certification programs that help learners showcase their skills to potential employers.

Teachers:

It has a team of experienced and qualified teachers who are experts in their respective fields. The teachers are available to provide guidance and support to students throughout their learning journey.

They use a range of teaching methodologies to ensure that students understand the concepts and can apply them in real-life situations. The platform also provides students with the opportunity to interact with their teachers through live webinars and one-on-one sessions.

4: Turito Inc.

It is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and programs to students of all ages and backgrounds. The platform aims to provide personalized, high-quality education to help students achieve their academic goals.

Services:

Turito Inc offers a variety of services to students, including online tutoring, test preparation, and college admissions counseling. The platform also provides students with access to a range of educational resources, such as practice exams, study guides, and interactive learning tools.

Available Courses and Programs:

It offers several courses and programs in a variety of subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and foreign languages. The platform also provides specialized and powerful courses for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT.

In addition, Turito Inc offers college admissions counselling services to help students navigate the application process.

Teachers:

Turito Inc employs experienced and qualified teachers who are experts in their respective fields. The platform carefully selects its teachers based on their academic qualifications, teaching experience, and ability to connect with students. It also offers one-on-one tutoring sessions with its teachers to provide personalized attention to students.

5: Skooli

Skooli is an online tutoring platform that provides personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions to students of all ages and levels. The platform connects students with qualified tutors from around the world, providing them with access to high-quality education from the comfort of their own homes.

Services:

It offers a range of tutoring services, including personalized one-on-one tutoring sessions, group tutoring sessions, and on-demand homework help. The platform also provides students with access to a range of study materials, including practice tests, quizzes, and interactive learning tools.

Available Courses and Programs:

Skooli offers tutoring services in a wide range of subjects, including math, science, English, social studies, and languages. The platform also provides support for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, and GRE, as well as specialized programs for students with learning disabilities.

Teachers:

Skooli’s tutors are highly qualified professionals with extensive experience teaching students of all ages and levels. All tutors are required to pass a rigorous screening process, including background checks and subject matter exams, to ensure that they are qualified to provide high-quality tutoring services. It also provides students with the ability to choose their own tutor based on their specific needs and preferences.

6: VIPKid

It is an online education platform that connects students in China with teachers from North America to learn English. The company was founded in 2013 and has since grown to become one of the largest online education platforms in the world.

Services:

This company provides one-on-one English language instruction to students in China ages 4-15. The platform is designed to be interactive and engaging, with a focus on conversational English.

VIPKid also provides a range of support services to both students and teachers, including lesson planning assistance, training and development opportunities, and technical support.

Available Courses and Programs:

VIPKid offers a range of English language courses and programs, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Courses are designed to be flexible and can be customized to meet the needs of individual students.

In addition to language instruction, it also offers a range of cultural exchange programs, including virtual field trips and cultural workshops.

Teachers:

Teachers in this company are native English speakers from North America and have bachelor degrees for the minimum. They should have at least one year of teaching experience, although this can include experience in areas other than teaching.

VIPKid teachers work from home and set their own schedules, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking for flexible work arrangements. The company provides training and support to help teachers succeed in their roles, including ongoing professional development opportunities.

7: Preply

It is an online platform that connects students with qualified tutors for personalized learning. It offers a wide range of courses and programs for learners of all levels and ages.

Services:

Preply provides one-on-one tutoring services for various subjects, including languages, academic subjects, and test preparation. It also offers group classes and self-paced courses, as well as specialized programs for business professionals and children.

Available Courses and Programs:

It has a vast selection of courses and programs to choose from, including language courses in Spanish, French, Chinese, and many more. It also offers academic subjects like math, science, and history, as well as test preparation courses for exams like TOEFL, SAT, and GMAT.

Preply also provides specialized programs for business professionals, such as English for Business and Business Spanish, and courses for children, such as English for Kids.

Teachers:

Preply has a team of experienced and qualified tutors from around the world who are experts in their respective fields. They undergo a rigorous selection process before being accepted as a tutor on the platform.

Students can choose their preferred tutor based on their profile, reviews, and availability. The platform also provides tools for scheduling, payment, and communication between the student and the tutor.

8: QKids

It is an online education platform that provides live, interactive English lessons to children in China ages 4-12. The company was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Services:

It provides one-on-one or small group lessons with certified teachers from North America. The lessons are conducted over the Internet using QKids‘ proprietary software platform. The platform includes interactive games, animations, and other tools to engage students and make learning fun.

Available Courses and Programs:

QKids offers a range of courses and programs designed to help students improve their English language skills. These include:

• Phonics: This program is designed to help young learners develop their reading and writing skills. It focuses on teaching students how to recognize and pronounce letters and sounds.
• Conversation: This program is designed to help students improve their spoken English skills. It focuses on teaching students how to communicate effectively in a variety of situations, such as ordering food in a restaurant or asking for directions.
• Grammar: This program is designed to help students improve their English grammar skills. It focuses on teaching students the rules of English grammar, including verb tenses and sentence structure.
• Test Prep: This program is designed to help students prepare for English proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

Teachers:

QKids hires certified teachers from North America to teach its courses. Teachers are required to have a bachelor’s degree and teaching experience, as well as a TEFL or TESOL certification. It provides training and support to its teachers to help them deliver high-quality lessons to their students.

9: FluentBe

FluentBe is an online language learning platform that offers personalized language learning experiences for students of all levels. The platform uses a unique approach to language learning that combines technology with live instruction from experienced teachers.

Services:

It offers a range of language learning services including private tutoring, group classes, and self-paced courses. The platform uses advanced language learning technology to provide personalized feedback and track progress, ensuring that each student receives a customized learning experience.

Available Courses and Programs:

FluentBe offers courses and programs in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Mandarin. The courses are designed to be engaging and interactive, with a focus on real-life conversations and practical language skills.

Students can choose from beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses, as well as specialized courses for business, travel, and test preparation.

Teachers:

A team of experienced language teachers are all native speakers with advanced degrees in language education. They are passionate about teaching and use innovative teaching methods to ensure that each student receives the best possible learning experience.

The teachers provide personalized feedback and support, as well as regular progress reports to help students track their language learning journey.

10: Learnlight

Learnlight is an online language-learning platform that offers personalized language training to individuals and businesses worldwide. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, with additional offices in London and Chicago.

Services:

It provides language training services to individuals, small businesses, and large corporations. The company offers customized language courses, cultural training, and intercultural training to help clients improve their communication skills and cultural awareness in various languages.

Available Courses and Programs:

It offers language courses in over 100 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and Arabic. The courses include general language courses, business language courses, exam preparation courses, and industry-specific courses.

In addition, Learnlight provides cultural training and intercultural training to help clients navigate cultural differences in global business settings.

Teachers:

It employs a team of experienced language trainers who are native speakers of the languages they teach. The trainers are certified language instructors and have extensive experience teaching languages to individuals and businesses.

Learnlight also provides ongoing training and support to its trainers to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and techniques.

Types of teaching ESL online & best salary

There are various and upgradable types of teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) in a distance learning way, each with its own pros and cons. Some of these types include:

1. One-on-one tutoring: It is the best-known way. This involves teaching individual students online and can be done through platforms like Skype or Zoom. This type of teaching allows for more personalized attention and can be more flexible in terms of scheduling.

2. Group classes: This involves teaching multiple students at once, either in a virtual classroom or through a video conferencing platform. Group classes can be more structured and allow for more interaction among students. It is an amazing way to teach the English language online.

3. Course-based teaching: This involves teaching a specific course or curriculum, such as TOEFL or IELTS preparation. Course-based teaching can be more specialized and often requires specific certifications or qualifications.

4. Conversation-based teaching: This involves focusing on conversational skills and speaking practice, rather than grammar or vocabulary. Conversation-based teaching can be better and more informal and may not require as much preparation.

In terms of salary, the best-paying ESL online teaching jobs are typically found in established companies or universities. Some of the top-paying companies include VIPKid, Qkids, and EF Education First.

Salaries can vary widely based on experience, qualifications, and the type of teaching being done, but top earners can make upwards of $30 per hour.

Pros & Cons of teaching English in a distance learning way

Pros:

1. Flexibility: Distance learning allows for flexible scheduling, so teachers can work from anywhere and students can learn in their own place. So, this is comfortable for both, teachers and students.
2. Access to a wider audience: Teaching English online allows teachers to reach a wider audience, including students who may not have access to traditional classroom settings.
3. Reduced costs: Distance learning eliminates the need for physical classroom space, textbooks, and other classroom materials, which can result in cost savings for both teachers and students. This leads to life balance.
4. Improved technology: Teaching English online often involves the use of advanced technology, such as video conferencing and online learning platforms, which can enhance the learning experience for students and make teaching more efficient for teachers.

Cons:

1. Lack of personal interaction: Distance learning can be isolating for both teachers and students, as it eliminates the personal interaction that occurs in traditional classroom settings.
2. Technical difficulties: Technical difficulties can arise during online classes, which can disrupt the learning process for students and create frustration for both students and teachers.
3. Limited resources: Distance learning may not have access to the same resources as in traditional classroom settings, such as libraries and other learning materials, which can limit the learning experience for students. Cleverly designed digital resources can encourage participation. They can also open up communication between teacher and student. In turn, this can boost learner autonomy and motivation. ³
4. Limited feedback: Teaching English as a second language online may limit the amount of feedback that teachers are able to provide to students, which can make it difficult for students to learn from their mistakes and improve their language skills.

FAQs:

1. How to start teaching English as a Second Language online?

There are a lot of effective ways to start teaching English online:

• Choose an online teaching platform or create your own website.
• Your students need to see and hear you clearly for you to be an effective online teacher.
• Develop a lesson plan and curriculum tailored to your student’s needs.
• Invest in quality equipment such as a good microphone and webcam.
• Advertise your services through social media and online teaching forums.

2. Can you teach English online without a TEFL certificate?

Yes, it is easy to teach English online without a TEFL certificate. However, having a TEFL certificate can enhance your chances of getting hired by reputable online teaching companies and can also improve your teaching skills and knowledge.

Some companies may require a TEFL certificate as a prerequisite for employment, while others may offer their own training programs for their teachers. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not to obtain a TEFL certificate before teaching English online.

3. Can I teach TEFL online?

Yes, you can teach TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) online. With the rise of technology and the internet, many language schools and companies are offering online TEFL courses and hiring online teachers.

However, it’s important to have a TEFL certification and possibly some teaching experience before applying for online teaching positions. Additionally, a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a headset are needed to effectively teach online.

4. How can I earn money by teaching English online?

Teaching the English language online is an excellent way to earn money, you can do these handy ways:

1. Sign up with modern online teaching platforms such as VIPKid, Qkids, or Cambly.
2. Create a strong profile highlighting your qualifications and teaching experience.
3. Set your availability and schedule classes with students from around the world.
4. Earn money by teaching English online through virtual classrooms and receive payment per class or hour.

5. How much does TEFL pay?

The pay for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) varies greatly depending on the country and institution you work for. In some countries, the pay can be quite low, while in others it can be quite lucrative.

On average, TEFL teachers can expect to earn anywhere from $10-$30 per hour, depending on their experience and qualifications. Some institutions may also offer special benefits, such as housing, airfare, and health insurance.

6. Can you teach English as a second language without a degree?

Yes, it is possible to teach English as a second language without a degree. Many countries and language schools do not require a degree, but instead, require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. However, having a degree in English or education can certainly increase job opportunities and salary potential.

7. What is the best way to teach English as a second language?

• Use various methods to teach the English language, including visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive technology.
• Focus on practical, daily language skills that students will need to communicate effectively in real-life situations.
• Encourage students to practice speaking and listening skills through role-playing, conversation practice, and group activities.
• Provide individualized attention and support to each student to help them overcome specific language barriers.

In conclusion, the demand for online English language learning is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, and the top 10 best companies teaching English as a second language online in 2023 are well-positioned to meet this demand. These companies offer a range of courses, flexible schedules, and innovative teaching methods to help students of all levels improve their English language skills. Whether you are looking to improve your English for personal or professional reasons, these companies provide excellent resources and support to help you achieve your goals.