Teach English Online With italki

If you’ve ever dreamed of earning an income while working from a beachside apartment in Vietnam or a cozy café in Spain, platforms like italki make that lifestyle possible. As one of the world’s largest online language learning marketplaces, italki connects independent teachers with motivated students across the globe—no matter where you’re based.

What sets italki apart is its flexible, open marketplace model. You don’t have to follow a pre-written curriculum or clock into a fixed schedule. You set your own rates, manage your own calendar, and decide how and what you teach. Whether you're an experienced teacher with credentials or just someone fluent in English looking to help others learn, italki offers a clear path to start earning.

The platform welcomes two kinds of teachers: Community Tutors, who focus on conversational practice, and Professional Teachers, who offer structured lessons backed by teaching experience and certification. This dual system makes italki accessible to a wide range of educators—from TEFL-certified professionals building an online teaching career to travelers and freelancers looking for a flexible side income.

For anyone craving freedom, autonomy, and meaningful connections with learners from around the world, italki might just be the right place to start.

What is italki?

italki began in 2006 as a social language exchange platform, where learners could connect and help each other practice. Over time, it evolved into one of the world’s largest online marketplaces for language lessons, now boasting over 10 million students and thousands of active teachers. Based in Hong Kong, the platform has carved out a unique space by offering a decentralized, tutor-led experience.

Today, learners can study more than 150 languages on italki—including English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, and even regional dialects. What makes italki stand out is its marketplace model: instead of assigning students to teachers or offering a set curriculum, it allows students to browse teacher profiles, compare offerings, and choose who they want to learn from.

This structure contrasts sharply with more rigid platforms like Cambly (which assigns students instantly) or Preply (which pushes trial lessons aggressively). On italki, students and teachers shape the experience together—from lesson format to scheduling to long-term learning goals.

Whether you’re aiming to teach casually or build a full-fledged online teaching brand, italki offers a lot of autonomy—and the chance to connect with learners from all over the world.

Community Tutor vs. Professional Teacher

One of the most important choices you’ll make on italki is deciding whether to sign up as a Community Tutor or a Professional Teacher. Both roles allow you to earn money teaching English online, but the requirements, responsibilities, and income potential are different.

🗣 Community Tutor

• Who can apply: Anyone over 18 with native or near-native fluency in English.
• Requirements: No degree, TEFL, or prior teaching experience needed.
• Focus: Casual conversation practice, fluency, and confidence-building.
• Pay: Usually lower rates, starting from $5–$20 per hour depending on experience and reviews.

This is a great path for first-time teachers, backpackers, students, and remote freelancers who want to ease into teaching without formal credentials. It’s also perfect for people who enjoy informal conversations and helping others improve naturally.

🎓 Professional Teacher

• Who can apply: Fluent English speakers with a degree and teaching certification (e.g. TEFL, TESOL, CELTA).
• Requirements: Verified qualifications and often prior teaching experience.
• Focus: Structured lessons—exam prep, business English, grammar, academic writing, and more.
• Pay: Higher rates, often $20–$60+ per hour, depending on niche and reputation.

Professional Teachers attract serious learners who want measurable progress. If you’re looking to build a long-term teaching career and earn higher rates, this is the way to go.

Choosing the Right Path

If you're just starting out, Community Tutor is a great stepping stone. You can always upgrade later once you’ve gained experience and credentials.

Who Can Apply to Teach English on italki?

One of italki’s biggest strengths is its openness. You don’t need to be a certified teacher to get started—just meet the platform’s basic criteria, and you could be teaching students from around the world in a matter of weeks.

✅ Basic Requirements

• Age: You must be 18 or older.
• Language Proficiency: Native English speakers are welcome, but non-native speakers can also apply if they have C2-level proficiency. This typically means passing a test like IELTS or TOEFL, or demonstrating fluency in your intro materials.
• Eligibility by Role:
  • Community Tutors don’t need any formal qualifications.
  • Professional Teachers must provide proof of a degree and a teaching certificate (e.g. TEFL, TESOL, CELTA).

🧠 Ideal Personality Traits

While your qualifications matter, your personality can make or break your success on italki. The most successful tutors tend to be:

• Communicative: Clear, friendly, and confident in explaining ideas.
• Patient: Comfortable repeating or rephrasing without frustration.
• Organized: Able to track student progress and plan lessons.
• Globally Minded: Open to diverse cultures, accents, and learning styles.

🎯 Who is italki Best Suited For?

• TEFL-certified teachers ready to go freelance.
• Remote workers looking to add a flexible income stream.
• Students or expats wanting to monetize their language skills.
• Career switchers testing the waters in education without committing to a traditional school job.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or build a full-time teaching career, italki gives you the freedom to do it your way.

Requirements and Tech Setup

Before your first lesson, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the right tools to create a smooth, professional experience for your students.

💻 Hardware Checklist

• Computer or laptop: Tablets and phones are not supported for teaching.
• Webcam: Clear video helps build trust and engagement.
• Headset with microphone: Clear audio is essential—avoid built-in laptop mics.
• Reliable internet: A stable connection with at least 2 Mbps upload/download speed is recommended.

🏡 Teaching Environment

Your setup doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to be:

• Quiet: Background noise can ruin a lesson.
• Well-lit: Natural or soft lighting helps students see you clearly.
• Neutral or tidy: Avoid distractions in your background—plain walls or simple decor work best.

📸 Profile Setup Materials

Your application will include:

• Profile photo: Friendly, clear, and professional (passport-style headshots work well).
• Intro video (1–3 minutes): Talk about your background, what students can expect, and why you love teaching.
• Written bio: Concise and engaging—highlight your teaching style and what makes you different.

🧰 Software Compatibility

• italki Classroom: their own video platform for lessons—no Zoom or Skype needed.
• Browser: Chrome is preferred for best performance.
• Device checks: Run their setup test before your first class to avoid tech issues.

Investing in a clean, reliable setup upfront will pay off fast in the form of better reviews, repeat bookings, and smoother lessons.

The Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Getting started on italki is simple, but attention to detail matters—especially if you want fast approval and a strong profile from day one.

🖥️ Step 1: Sign Up on Desktop

Applications must be submitted through the desktop version of teach.italki.com. Mobile browsers and the app won’t work for this step.

🧩 Step 2: Choose Your Tutor Type

You’ll be asked to select between:

• Community Tutor – No formal teaching credentials required. Ideal for casual conversation practice.
• Professional Teacher – Requires a degree and a teaching qualification (e.g., TEFL). Ideal for structured lessons and higher rates.

⚠️ You can’t change this after submitting your application unless you contact support, so choose carefully.

📄 Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Depending on your tutor type, you’ll need to provide:

• Government-issued ID
• Degree certificate (Professional Teacher only)
• Teaching certification (e.g., TEFL, TESOL, CELTA – Professional Teacher only)

Make sure your documents are clearly scanned and match the name on your account.

🎥 Step 4: Record Your Introduction Video

This is your first impression. In 1–3 minutes, cover:

• Who you are
• What kind of lessons you offer
• Your teaching style or specialty
• Why a student should choose you

Look directly at the camera, smile, and keep your tone warm and clear.

⏳ Step 5: Wait for Approval

Applications are reviewed manually and usually processed within 7–10 business days. You’ll receive feedback or a decision via email.

🧠 Step 6: Complete Onboarding

Once approved, you’ll complete a short onboarding process, including:

• Watching teacher success tutorials
• Setting up your calendar and pricing
• Completing quizzes to confirm understanding of platform policies

After that, your profile goes live, and you’re ready to start teaching!

What Teaching on italki Looks Like

Once your account is active, you’ll be running your own mini teaching business—with full control over your lessons, schedule, and style.

🎓 Lesson Format

All lessons are one-on-one and typically conducted via:

• italki Classroom (built-in video platform)
• Or optionally via Zoom, Skype, or another tool of your choice (if agreed with the student)

Sessions generally run 30 or 60 minutes, and the focus depends on what you offer and what your student books.

🧑‍🏫 Types of Lessons You Can Offer

• Conversational English (casual chats, fluency building)
• Grammar-focused sessions
• Test prep (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Business English (emails, presentations, negotiation skills)
• Customized content for kids, travelers, or specific industries

You can offer multiple lesson types and packages, depending on your qualifications and niche.

🛠️ Customizing Your Profile

Your profile includes:

• Lesson tags – help students find you based on their needs (e.g., “TOEFL prep”, “British English”, “Beginner-friendly”)
• Specialty areas – teaching kids, job interview prep, pronunciation
• Trial lesson option – offer a discounted intro to attract new students

Your profile is your storefront—keep it polished and updated as your teaching evolves.

📆 Managing Students and Lessons

• Messaging – Communicate directly with students to answer questions or confirm goals.
• Scheduling – Set your availability and let students book directly.
• Cancellations – Follow italki’s policies; last-minute changes may impact your rating.
• Feedback & Reviews – After each session, students can leave public reviews that affect your visibility in search.

Teaching on italki offers the freedom to build your own teaching brand—whether that means structured classes or laid-back chats over coffee.

Setting Your Rates and Getting Paid

On italki, you’re in control of your pricing—whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience to the table.

💰 Average Rates

• Community Tutors generally charge between $5–$25 USD per lesson. Starting low can help you attract early reviews, but you can increase your rates over time.
• Professional Teachers typically set rates from $8 to $80+ USD, depending on qualifications, demand, and niche specialization.

There’s no strict upper limit—some experienced teachers with strong reputations charge premium rates.

🧾 Commission Structure

italki takes a flat 15% commission on all paid lessons. This is simpler and often more favorable than platforms like Preply, which take higher cuts for new teachers and offer zero pay for trial lessons.

italki does not require free trial lessons. You can offer a discounted first lesson if you like, but it's optional.

🌍 Getting Paid

Payments are processed twice per month, and teachers can withdraw their earnings using various international methods including:

• Payoneer
• PayPal
• Wise (TransferWise)
• Bank Transfer (in select countries)
• Skrill

Once you request a payout, funds usually arrive between the 16th–26th of the month, depending on the withdrawal date.

Whether you're teaching part-time or going full-time, italki’s payment system is built to scale as you grow.

Building Your Brand and Attracting Students

Success on italki isn’t just about showing up—it’s about crafting a profile that sells your strengths and earns trust.

📈 How Visibility Works

Your profile’s search ranking is influenced by:

• Response rate and time – Fast replies = better rankings
• Profile completion – The more fields you fill (tags, specialties, intro), the better
• Video quality – Clear, confident videos outperform shaky, low-effort ones
• Student feedback – Positive reviews help boost your placement

italki rewards reliability and engagement, not just credentials.

🎯 Use Tags and Specializations Strategically

When students search for teachers, they filter by:

• Level (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
• Learning goals (Test prep, Business English, Kids)
• Accent or teaching style

Choose lesson tags that match your real strengths and interests—it helps the right students find you faster.

🌟 Stand Out in a Crowded Marketplace

There are thousands of tutors on italki, so how do you stand out?

• Niche down – Specialize in something (e.g., “IELTS for Nurses” or “Accent Reduction for Italians”)
• Write with personality – Your bio should feel human, confident, and inviting
• Keep a consistent schedule – Active teachers appear higher in search
• Use personalized follow-ups – A kind message after class goes a long way

🔁 Retention > Discovery

You don’t need 100 students—you need 10–20 loyal ones who keep coming back.

• Offer personalized feedback after class
• Create multi-lesson goals and track progress
• Celebrate small wins (tests passed, promotions, milestones)
• Be friendly, but professional—this builds trust

On italki, your success grows exponentially as you build reputation and rapport.

Scheduling and Flexibility

One of the biggest perks of teaching on italki is the total freedom to design your work life around your lifestyle—not the other way around.

🕒 100% Self-Set Schedule

There are no fixed shifts, minimum hours, or teaching quotas. You decide:

• Which days you teach
• What times you’re available
• How many lessons you take per week

This makes italki perfect for digital nomads, part-timers, or anyone balancing other commitments like studies, family, or freelance work.

✈️ Teach While You Travel

Because you only need a laptop, webcam, and decent internet, italki fits seamlessly into remote work life. Many teachers travel full-time while keeping a reliable student base.

Just remember to:

• Keep your availability updated
• Communicate time off in advance
• Teach in quiet, professional environments (not a café with noisy background)

🌍 Peak Teaching Hours by Region

While students come from over 180 countries, the most active learner bases tend to be in:

• Asia (China, Japan, Korea) – peak hours are weekday evenings and weekends (China Standard Time)
• Europe (Spain, Germany, France) – peak hours in the evening CET time
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina) – weekday evenings and weekend mornings in local time

If you're targeting a certain region, tailor your schedule to match when those students are typically online.

⏰ Managing Time Zones and Communication

italki handles time zone conversions automatically, but it helps to:

• Double-check lesson times when traveling
• Confirm time zone alignment when messaging students
• Set automated booking buffers or cancellation windows in your settings

With good calendar habits, it’s easy to balance teaching across global time zones while maintaining flexibility and freedom.

Tools, Resources, and Support

Even though italki operates on a marketplace model, it still offers plenty of support to help you thrive as a teacher.

🖥️ italki Classroom Tools

Most teachers use italki Classroom, the platform’s built-in video tool with:

• Live chat and emoji support
• Whiteboard features
• File and image sharing
• Stable, browser-based connection (no need to install apps)

Teachers can also use external tools like Zoom or Skype if preferred—just make sure to update your lesson settings accordingly.

📚 Resources to Help You Grow

italki provides:

• Teacher Webinars – led by top tutors to share strategies
• Help Center & Tutorials – for everything from intro videos to student management
• Teacher Blog – practical tips, success stories, and platform updates

These tools are especially helpful if you're new to online teaching or want to level up your bookings and retention.

🤝 Customer Support and Safety Features

• Teachers can contact italki Support via ticket or email for account help, payment issues, or platform bugs.
• If you experience inappropriate behavior or no-shows, you can block, report, or review the student—and italki often follows up.
• Payment is guaranteed for lessons that meet the cancellation and attendance guidelines, offering peace of mind for tutors.

Even though you’re teaching independently, italki makes sure you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Pros and Cons of Teaching on italki

No online teaching platform is perfect—but italki comes pretty close for those who value flexibility and autonomy. Here's a clear look at the upsides and trade-offs.

✅ Pros

• Total Schedule and Pricing Control
  Set your availability, choose your own rates, and update them anytime. You’re in charge.

• Lower Commission Than Many Competitors
  italki charges a flat 15% commission on paid lessons—far less than platforms like Preply, which charge up to 33%.

• Massive Global Student Pool
  With 10 million+ learners and over 150 languages, there’s always demand—especially for English tutors.

• No Trial Class Requirement
  Unlike Preply, you don’t lose time or money teaching unpaid “trial” lessons. Every class you teach is a paid class.

• Reliable Tech and Payment Infrastructure
  Smooth video platform, predictable payouts twice a month, and a solid support team to back you up.

❌ Cons

• High Competition for New Teachers
  Especially if you're not offering a niche or don’t have a standout profile, it can take time to build momentum.

• No Ready-Made Curriculum
  You’ll need to prepare your own materials or customize each session, which adds time—especially for newer teachers.

• Income Fluctuations
  Since you only earn when students book, income can vary week to week, particularly in the beginning or during holiday seasons.

• Steep Learning Curve at First
  Creating a polished intro video, writing a strong bio, and understanding how to optimize your profile takes effort—but pays off long-term.

Who italki is Best For

🎯 Ideal For

• Experienced Teachers or TEFL-Certified Tutors
  If you’ve taught before and want more autonomy—especially around pricing and scheduling—italki gives you the tools to build a rewarding remote teaching career.

• Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
  If you’re traveling or living abroad, italki can provide a steady (and portable) income stream with total location freedom.

• Fluent Non-Native Speakers
  If you speak English at a C2 level and can demonstrate strong communication and teaching skills, you can thrive—even without native status.

• Casual Conversational Tutors
  Not every learner wants grammar drills. If you enjoy talking, guiding, and helping people build confidence, conversational tutoring is in high demand.

🚫 Less Ideal For

• Those Needing Guaranteed Hours or Income
  italki is performance-based. If you need a fixed salary or consistent schedule from day one, it may not be the best fit.

• Teachers Who Dislike Marketing Themselves
  Your intro video, profile, and student communication are all part of your brand. If self-promotion feels like a chore, italki can be frustrating.

• People Who Prefer Structured Curricula
  There’s no central teaching plan here—you’ll either bring your own resources or build lessons from scratch. If you’d rather follow a set curriculum, other platforms may suit you better.

How italki Compares to Other Platforms

The online teaching world is full of choices, and each platform has its quirks. Here’s how italki stacks up against a few major players.

🟡 Cambly

Cambly is one of the easiest platforms to join—no degree, no TEFL, no teaching experience required. It’s ideal for casual conversation practice, especially with students in the Middle East and Latin America. The trade-off? Lower pay, often around $10–$12/hour, and minimal lesson control.

Best for: Total beginners looking to dip their toes into online teaching
Downside: Low hourly rate, less student retention, no lesson structure

🔵 Preply

Preply and italki are quite similar in that both let you build a profile, set your own rates, and attract students. However, Preply charges a much steeper commission—up to 33% for new tutors—and requires free trial lessons. It does offer more internal tools and curriculum support, which some teachers appreciate.

Best for: Teachers who want some built-in structure and don’t mind platform fees
Downside: Higher commission, unpaid trial classes, slower payout growth

⚖️ Compare All Three

Want a side-by-side comparison of features, earnings, tutor support, and long-term growth potential? We break it all down in our dedicated comparison guide:

👉 Preply vs italki vs Cambly

Final Thoughts and How to Apply

italki is one of the most versatile and empowering platforms for English teachers who want full control over their time, rates, and style. Whether you’re building a long-term remote career or just testing the waters with part-time tutoring, it offers the tools and flexibility to succeed.

If you’re proactive, patient, and ready to shape your own success, italki rewards consistency and good communication. From young TEFL grads to experienced travelers earning on the road, there’s room to grow.

A few final tips:

• Keep your profile honest, focused, and friendly
• Record a clear, confident intro video with good lighting and sound
• Respond to students promptly, even if you can’t take them on yet
• Be flexible and open to feedback as you build your first client base

👉 Ready to get started?
Apply to teach on italki

🌐 Visit the official site:
italki.com

🌐 Explore more opportunities:
Teach English Online: Full Guide