While some ESL companies require their applicants to have a degree in education, lots of them don’t. Whether you’re unemployed, a fresh graduate, or a still student looking for a part-time job, and speaks fluent English with a neutral accent (doesn’t have to sound like a native English speaker), then this post is for you. Here’s how to become an ESL teacher in the Philippines.
First, what does ESL mean? ESL means English as a Second Language. It refers to programs that educate students who are non-native English speakers. Your job as an ESL teacher is to help students learn how to speak English.
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To work under a company or not?
The good thing about working in the company is they create the teaching materials for you, provide you with training, and take care of the client’s payment. In short, it’s perfect for the clueless beginner.
The big disadvantage is the low pay. The initial hourly rate is Php 120.00 ($2.4) per hour. In my opinion, this is a bit low but if you have a low living cost, then this could be enough.
It doesn’t have to be that way forever, though. You can leave the company (after a year) once you’re confident enough of your teaching skills, create your own teaching material, and get your own clients.
There’s going to be a lot of hard work at first but you’ll be rewarded with a higher compensation after. If you love teaching and you see yourself doing it for a long time, you might as well make a killing from it.
Online or offline?
Some companies require you to work with your students in person while some require it online. In my opinion, teaching online is better than offline, not only because of the traffic and location independence but also because of a likely higher volume of students.
Also, if you have anxiety dealing with strangers in person, then online is definitely better. That said, I’ve compiled a list of ESL companies where Filipino applicants can apply.
Top ESL Companies in the Philippines
If you’re a beginner with no experience as an ESL teacher, here are the top Philippine ESL companies you can apply in.
| ESL COMPANY | PER LESSON RATE (1 lesson lasts 30 min.) | STUDENTS | SCHEDULE |
| 1. 51Talk | ₱55.00-₱73.00/ lesson | Chinese kids | 6AM- 11:30 PM |
| 2. Acadsoc | ₱50.00-₱70.00/ lesson | Chinese | 6AM-11:30 PM |
| 3. RareJob | ₱55.00-₱73.00/ lesson | Japanese | 5AM-12AM |
| 4. Native Camp | ₱55.00-₱60.00/ lesson | Japanese, Thai | 24/7 |
| 5. Bibo Global | ₱60.00/ lesson | Japanese, Thai, Indonesian | 5AM-11PM |
| 6. Sankei | ₱45.00/ lesson | Japanese | 5AM-11PM |
| 7. Oncub | ₱90 per hour | Korean | 5AM-7AM 6PM-10PM |
| 8. Unhoop | ₱55.00/ lesson | Japanese, Taiwanese | 5AM-11PM |
| 9. Weblio | ₱150 per hour | Japanese | 5AM-11PM |
| 10. UTalk | ₱60.00/ lesson | Chinese | 6AM-11PM |
| 11. Ispeakbetter | ₱70.00/ lesson | Middle Eastern, Asian | 9PM-5AM 10PM-3AM |
Technical Requirements
- Laptop or desktop
- A noise-canceling headset with an external microphone
- Stable internet connection
- Active Skype and e-mail accounts
- Built-in or external web camera
- Quiet teaching environment
How to apply as an ESL Teacher
The hiring process for each company may slightly differ from one another but here’s how it generally goes:
- Apply through the link I wrote above for each company and fill out your information.
- Expect a phone interview within 24-48 business hours. The interview will likely be on Skype. If you pass, you’ll receive a job offer likely on the same day.
- You undergo training.
- Finally, you can teach and earn your salary and bonuses.
Verdict
Overall, the rates are not impressive. But for a beginner in the Philippines, this is a great way to earn money on the side while also gaining job experience. While you can lose the former, you can’t lose the latter so consider this as more than a monetary gain especially if you’re just getting your feet wet in the employment world.
Besides, once you gain the confidence and experience, you can always leave the company, acquire your own students, and charge higher rates. For now, just learn the ropes.
Want more income tips? Read this: How to Earn Money as a Student in the Philippines.