How to earn extra cash when teaching English abroad?
Earning extra cash while teaching English abroad is possible through various methods, especially when starting your career and facing limited teaching hours. Some effective ways to supplement your income include:
- Private Tutoring: Offer private language lessons outside your regular teaching job. This can be particularly lucrative and allows you to set your own rates and schedule.
- Online Teaching: Utilize online teaching platforms to teach students from around the world. This option provides flexibility and can often be done remotely.
- Freelance Work: Consider freelance opportunities such as writing, editing, or translation services, particularly if you have skills in these areas.
These options not only help in earning additional income but also provide valuable experience and opportunities to engage with the local community.
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Teaching private lessons
One of the most common ways for ESL teachers to earn extra cash is by providing private tutoring during your free time. Such sessions can fit around your primary work schedule and can be organized at a location convenient for your student, such as their home or a local cafe. Remember, as a professional teacher providing personalized lessons, you can set competitive rates that reflect your expertise and the local market.
Teaching online
Teaching English online is another viable option, especially if you prefer the comfort of home-based work. Although it might be different from in-person teaching, once accustomed, you can enjoy the flexibility of selecting your work hours and often the amount you charge per lesson. Plenty of online platforms are available where you can offer your services, or you can join open marketplaces that let students choose their teacher based on price and reviews.
Also read: How can I teach English online and travel?
Blogging
Many ESL teachers maintain blogs chronicling their experiences teaching English abroad. This can also be a source of income through ad hosting or affiliate marketing programs. The content doesn't have to be limited to teaching; it could span any field of interest, such as travel or wellness, etc. Remember, your seemingly mundane daily life might be intriguing to readers worldwide.
Developing materials
If you enjoy crafting worksheets or inventing fresh techniques to teach specific English topics, monetizing this talent by creating classroom resources is a good idea. Certain language schools and English teaching publishers are often willing to pay for innovative, original materials.
Also read: Where can I get free ESL lesson plans?
Writing and proofreading
Most ESL teachers possess an excellent grasp of the English language, a skill that can be monetized through freelance writing or proofreading. There are myriad opportunities for creating content on a wide array of subjects, not just limited to teaching English. Also, your knack for spotting grammatical errors can be utilized as a proofreading service.
Au pairing
Living in a non-English speaking country opens up the possibility of working as an au pair, assisting with English homework or babysitting children during your off-duty hours. Parents often value the involvement of a certified teacher, making this an attractive prospect.
Also read: How many hours do ESL teachers teach?
Virtual assistant
Many ESL teachers, known for their organizational skills and efficiency, can consider virtual assistantship. The tasks could range from managing emails, data entry, booking flights, to making phone calls.
Examining
Experienced teachers might also consider working as an examiner. Exam boards often hire TESOL certified teachers to oversee and/or grade exam papers taken by English language learners, such as IELTS and Cambridge suite exams. While grading is typically done online, supervising the test would require being present at a testing center.
Also read: What is English for Specific Purposes?
