Companies That Hire Non-Native English Speakers to Teach English Online

Teaching English online isn’t just for native speakers. If you’re fluent, hold a TEFL certificate, and know how to present yourself professionally, there are dozens of platforms that welcome non-native English teachers. Fluency, not birthplace, is what really matters to most students—especially when you show passion, clear pronunciation, and solid teaching techniques.

More and more companies are embracing global diversity, hiring teachers from across the world who bring unique perspectives and firsthand understanding of the language-learning journey. As a non-native English speaker, you’ve likely studied grammar more deeply, learned English intentionally, and understand the challenges your students face because you've been there yourself. That experience can be a powerful advantage in the online classroom.

While some companies still hold onto old-school hiring biases, many don’t. Instead, they focus on your teaching style, your communication skills, and how well you connect with students. The key is knowing where to look, how to present yourself, and what credentials (like a TEFL certificate or language proficiency test) can help build your credibility.

Whether you're looking to teach young learners, business professionals, or conversational English to adults, there are opportunities out there. With flexible schedules, international students, and growing demand, online teaching is a great way to build a sustainable teaching career on your terms—regardless of your passport.

✅ Can Non-Native Speakers Teach English Online?

Yes — absolutely. Many non-native English speakers teach successfully online. While a handful of companies still lean toward native speakers or restrict applicants based on nationality (typically favoring citizens from the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), the industry is changing. More and more platforms now recognize that what truly matters is fluency, teaching ability, and the ability to connect with students.

In fact, many students actively seek teachers who’ve learned English themselves. They know you understand their struggles, and your grammar explanations often come from personal experience, not just instinct. That relatability can make you an even more effective teacher.

If you want to stand out and get hired, here’s how to boost your profile:

• Earn a 120-hour TEFL certificate from a reputable, accredited provider. This is the basic requirement for most online teaching jobs.
• Prove your English proficiency at C1 or C2 level — certifications like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge Advanced can give you a serious edge.
• Record a strong, clear and confident intro video, showing your pronunciation, teaching presence, and enthusiasm.
• Emphasize your bilingual or multilingual background. It shows you understand language learning and can explain concepts in a way that makes sense to students.
• If you’ve studied or worked in an English-speaking environment, mention it. It helps break down assumptions.

Your accent doesn’t need to be “perfect.” What matters most is clarity, energy, and how well you support students in reaching their goals.

🔍 What to Look for in a Platform

Not every online teaching platform is built the same — and as a non-native speaker, choosing the right one can make a big difference in your experience, income, and overall job satisfaction.

Start by checking the language requirements. Some companies are very specific — they’ll only accept teachers from native-speaking countries. Others, thankfully, are more flexible and will consider your actual level of fluency instead of your passport. Look for platforms that prioritize teaching skills and communication over nationality.

Next, think about lesson preparation. Do you prefer a structured system with ready-made lesson plans, or would you rather create your own? Some platforms provide full materials, while others expect you to build lessons based on your students’ needs. There’s no right answer — it depends on how much time you want to spend preparing.

Also consider your preferred student type. Teaching kids and teaching adults are two very different experiences. If you love playful, high-energy lessons, you might enjoy working with young learners. If you prefer thoughtful conversation and grammar tips, adult students might suit you better. Many platforms allow you to specialize.

Pay attention to minimum hour requirements too. Some companies require a commitment of 10–15 hours per week, which helps guarantee stable bookings. Others are fully flexible and let you open as few or as many slots as you like. If you're starting part-time or still building experience, that flexibility can be helpful.

And of course, there's pay. Online teaching rates vary widely — some platforms pay as little as $5/hour, while others let you set your own rates and earn $25/hour or more once you build a following. Generally, the more control you have over your schedule and pricing, the more responsibility you’ll have in attracting and keeping students.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you evaluate a platform:

• Do they accept non-native speakers with high English proficiency?
• Are lesson plans provided, or will I need to create my own?
• Who are the students, and what age range do they fall into?
• What’s the minimum time commitment per week?
• Can I grow my rate over time based on performance?

Choosing the right platform isn’t just about getting hired — it’s about finding a match that suits your teaching style and long-term goals.

🏆 Best Companies That Hire Non-Native English Speakers

Here’s a curated list of platforms known for hiring fluent non-native English speakers. These vary by pay, structure, and flexibility — so whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your income, there’s something here for you.

Preply

Preply is one of the largest tutoring marketplaces in the world. It allows you to set your own rate, choose your niche (e.g., Business English, exam prep, conversation), and work with students from around the globe. You’ll need to prepare your own lessons, but that also means you get full control over what and how you teach.

It’s a great platform for self-motivated teachers who enjoy independence and want to build long-term student relationships.

• Pay: Set your own rate
• Students: All ages, global
• Lessons: Self-designed
• Pros: Freedom, large student pool, easy signup
• Cons: High commission (100% of first lesson, 18–33% afterward)
• Non-native friendly: Yes — C1+ fluency recommended
  Apply here →

Italki

Italki is a global tutoring platform that lets teachers create their own lessons, set their own prices, and offer language learning in both structured and casual formats. You can register as a Community Tutor or a Professional Teacher, and while it’s competitive, it’s one of the best platforms for building a flexible, long-term teaching profile.

If you can clearly communicate in English at a native or near-native level and create an engaging intro video, you stand a strong chance—even as a non-native speaker.

• Pay: Set your own
• Students: All ages
• Lessons: Self-designed
• Pros: Strong global brand, teach multiple languages
• Cons: Competitive; slow start without marketing yourself
• Non-native friendly: Yes, with C2-level or native-like fluency
  Apply here →

Engoo

Engoo offers one-on-one video lessons to students across Asia, especially in Japan and Taiwan. The company provides all the lesson materials, so there’s no prep work required—perfect for beginners looking to gain confidence.

While the pay is on the lower side, the flexible scheduling and easy onboarding make it a good starting point for non-native English teachers building experience.

• Pay: $2.80–$10/hr
• Students: Mostly Japanese and Taiwanese learners
• Lessons: Provided
• Pros: Easy entry, flexible schedule, good for beginners
• Cons: Lower pay
• Non-native friendly: Yes — English fluency test required
  Apply here →

Learnlight

Learnlight is a professional training company that partners with global corporations to offer business-focused English lessons. It’s not your typical casual conversation platform — you’ll be teaching adult professionals using structured materials.

They’re known for offering stable, long-term contracts and predictable hours. While they do ask for 2+ years of teaching experience, qualified non-native speakers with a TEFL and corporate English background are welcome.

• Pay: $12–$14/hour
• Students: Adult professionals
• Lessons: Provided, business English focus
• Pros: Long-term work, consistent schedule
• Cons: Requires 2+ years experience
• Non-native friendly: Yes — fluency and TEFL + experience
  Apply here →

LatinHire

LatinHire hires fluent English teachers on behalf of various education companies across Latin America. You don’t need to find your own students or make a profile — everything is provided, from scheduling to lesson content.

It’s one of the more accessible ways to get reliable online teaching work, especially if you have some basic Spanish or Portuguese skills to help with communication.

• Pay: $7–$13/hour
• Students: Latin America (kids and adults)
• Lessons: Provided
• Pros: Ongoing scheduling, regular hours
• Cons: Spanish or Portuguese knowledge preferred
• Non-native friendly: Yes
  Apply here →

All Right

All Right is a European platform focused on teaching English to young learners aged 4 to 12. The platform offers structured lessons, training support, and regular feedback, making it ideal for teachers who want a bit more guidance in the classroom.

They welcome non-native English speakers and use a tiered system to assess fluency, meaning strong speakers with the right attitude and TEFL certification can move up quickly. Just note that weekend availability is usually expected.

• Pay: $8–$12/hour
• Students: Ages 4–12 (mostly in Europe)
• Lessons: Provided
• Pros: Supportive environment, consistent hours
• Cons: Weekend shifts required
• Non-native friendly: Yes — tiered system based on fluency
  Apply here →

💡 Other Platforms to Explore

If you’re looking beyond the mainstream options, here are a few more platforms that are friendly to non-native English teachers. These range from structured companies to open marketplaces where you set your own rates.

These platforms vary in their structure, student base, and support level. If you're fluent, motivated, and open to flexible schedules, any of these could be a great starting point or supplement to your online teaching career.

🧠 Tips to Stand Out as a Non-Native Speaker

✅ Get a Proper TEFL Certificate

Invest in a 120-hour TEFL course from a recognized, accredited provider. Many platforms won’t take uncertified teachers seriously — especially non-native applicants. Avoid ultra-cheap certificates that don’t come with tutor support or verification.

✅ Take a Proficiency Exam

Even if your spoken English is fluent, a strong IELTS or TOEFL score backs it up. Aim for:

• IELTS Academic: Band 7.5 or higher
• TOEFL iBT: Score of 100+

This shows you're not just conversationally fluent, but academically proficient too.

✅ Build a Killer Profile

Your application profile is often your first impression — make it count:

• Record a short, confident intro video with clear pronunciation and natural rhythm.
• Use a professional-looking headshot — well-lit and friendly.
• Write an intro paragraph that's well-structured and grammatically perfect.

✅ Highlight Your Advantages

Being a non-native speaker can actually be a strength:

• You've gone through the language learning process yourself — so you understand the challenges your students face.
• You're often more conscious of grammar rules than native speakers.
• Multilingual teachers tend to explain concepts with more empathy and clarity, especially for beginner students.

Lean into these assets. The more confidently you present them, the more they’ll work in your favor.

📌 Final Thoughts

Being a non-native speaker isn’t a limitation — it’s just a different starting point. Fluency, professionalism, and a genuine passion for teaching matter more than your passport.

With the right TEFL certification, a solid intro video, and a little persistence, you can land your first online teaching job and build from there. Focus on platforms that value skill over nationality, and don’t be afraid to highlight what makes you uniquely qualified — especially your personal experience learning English.

Start small, stay consistent, and treat each student like a step forward. The opportunities are out there — and so is your place in the online teaching world.