How to teach English online in South Africa
Teaching English online in South Africa can be a rewarding experience, and there are a few steps you can take to get started:
Determine your qualifications
To teach English online, you typically need to have a bachelor’s degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Check with online teaching platforms to see what their requirements are.
There are many websites that offer free TEFL courses, here are a few examples:
- Teachers Records – Features of 120-Hour TEFL-TeacherRecord
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TEFL.org – Offers a free 10-hour introductory course that covers the basics of teaching English as a foreign language.
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Premier TEFL – Offers a free 120-hour TEFL course with the option to upgrade for a fee to receive a certificate upon completion.
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International TEFL Academy – Offers a free 11-hour TEFL course that covers the basics of teaching English as a foreign language.
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MyTEFL – Offers a free 60-hour TEFL course that covers the fundamentals of teaching English as a foreign language.
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TEFL Express – Offers a free 30-hour introductory course that covers teaching techniques, classroom management, and lesson planning.
Set up a workspace
You’ll need a quiet, well-lit space to teach from, with a reliable internet connection and a computer with a webcam.
Choose an online teaching platform
There are many online teaching platforms that connect students with teachers, such as VIPKID, Cambly, and iTutorGroup. Research different platforms to find one that aligns with your qualifications and teaching style.
There are many online teaching platforms available, some of the most popular ones are:
- VIPKid
- iTutorGroup
- Cambly
- Verbling
- Preply
- Chegg
- Teachaway
- Wyzant
- Skooli
- Outschool
- Qkids
- DadaABC
- Magic Ears
- SayABC
- 51Talk
- BlingABC
- English Hunt
- Palfish
Each platform has its own requirements, application process, and teaching style, so it’s important to research and find the one that aligns with your qualifications, experience, and teaching approach.
Create a profile
Once you’ve chosen a platform, create a profile that highlights your qualifications, teaching experience, and availability. Many platforms will also require you to record a short introduction video.
Start teaching
Once you’ve set up your profile, you can start accepting students and scheduling classes. Be sure to prepare lesson plans and materials ahead of time and always be punctual and professional in your interactions with students.
Get feedback and improve
After each class, ask your students for feedback on your teaching style and lesson plans. Use this feedback to improve and refine your approach.
Teaching English online can be a flexible and rewarding way to share your language skills with others, and with dedication and hard work, you can build a successful career as an online English teacher in South Africa.

