Open English has been around since 2006, originally founded in Venezuela as a more accessible way for Latin American students to learn English with native-speaking teachers. Over the years, it’s grown into a regional powerhouse with more than 1.5 million students served and a reputation as the leading online English school in Latin America.
At its core, Open English is built on the belief that high-quality language education should be flexible, engaging, and available to everyone — no matter where they live. Its teaching model blends structured lessons with live, interactive classes available 24/7, giving learners constant access to real-time English practice.
The platform stands out for its scalability: instead of the common 1-on-1 tutoring model, most classes at Open English are small-group sessions led by North American instructors. This group format adds a social, conversational dynamic that many students — and teachers — enjoy.
What Makes It Different?
Most online ESL platforms stick to private, 1-on-1 lessons. Open English breaks that mold. As a teacher here, you’ll be leading live group classes, often with students at varying levels, backgrounds, and ages. While that might sound like a challenge at first, it actually makes each session more dynamic — and often more fun.
You won’t need to spend hours creating slides or building your own materials. Open English provides a full curriculum with ready-to-go lesson plans, so you can focus on delivery, engagement, and helping your students improve. There’s also room to add your own personal style — think jokes, games, cultural stories, or whatever helps the class flow naturally.
Another major point of difference is the student base. Most of your learners will be based in Spanish- or Portuguese-speaking countries across Latin America, so having a bit of cultural awareness (or even some basic Spanish/Portuguese) goes a long way. Many students are motivated adults aiming to boost their job prospects, prepare for travel, or simply feel more confident communicating in English.
Lastly, Open English hires teachers as freelancers, not employees. That means more flexibility — and more responsibility. You’ll set your own schedule (minimum 10 hours/week), work from anywhere with a stable internet connection, and manage your own taxes and time. If you’re the type who values independence, it’s a pretty attractive setup.
Student Demographics and Class Types
Most Open English students are teens and adults aged 14 and up, with a separate “Junior” division for younger learners. You’ll primarily be teaching motivated adults—university students, professionals, and casual learners—who are logging in from across Latin America and the wider Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world.
Expect a wide range of goals in each class. Some students want to boost their English for travel or relocation. Others are preparing for job interviews, aiming to communicate confidently in the workplace, or catching up on school requirements. This diversity makes lessons dynamic—no two classes feel the same.
You’ll typically teach:
- General English (speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary)
- Business English (professional communication, writing, presentations)
- Open English Junior (a separate track with dedicated content for kids 8–14)
Class sizes are small, often fewer than 20 students. That’s large compared to 1-on-1 teaching, but still intimate enough to build rapport and offer direct feedback. Some students are active and eager to speak, while others need gentle encouragement. Either way, you’ll get the chance to guide real conversations and see learners progress in real time.
Teaching Format and Daily Life
Classes are short and focused—typically 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll be teaching live via webcam through Open English’s browser-based platform, which includes integrated slides, video prompts, and chat tools. There’s no third-party app or Zoom link; everything runs in-browser, keeping the experience streamlined.
Teachers don’t need to prepare or design lessons—curriculum materials are ready to go. You’re encouraged to bring energy and personality to each session, and to adapt delivery to the learners in front of you, but there’s no outside prep work required. That said, being familiar with the topic before class helps you stay confident and responsive.
The platform leans heavily on interaction. You’ll ask questions, guide speaking activities, correct mistakes in real time, and keep things moving at a good pace. There’s also an expectation to provide feedback and maintain engagement, even when students are tired after a long day. Flexibility, patience, and cultural sensitivity go a long way.
Day-to-day, teaching with Open English can feel like a blend of virtual classroom and conversation lounge—structured, but also people-driven and surprisingly personal.
Requirements to Teach with Open English
To join Open English as a teacher, you’ll need to meet several key criteria—some strict, others more flexible. The most important: you must be a U.S. or Canadian citizen and speak English at a native level with clear, neutral pronunciation. That’s non-negotiable for the platform.
A TEFL or TESOL certificate is strongly preferred, especially if it’s 120+ hours and from a recognized provider. It shows you’re serious and understand ESL teaching fundamentals—even if you’re new to online education.
While a bachelor’s degree isn’t strictly required, having one (especially in education, English, or a related field) will definitely help your application stand out. Prior teaching experience, especially with groups or online platforms, is also a big plus.
Your tech setup matters too:
- Fast, stable internet connection
- Reliable headset with mic
- Webcam (built-in or external)
- A quiet, professional background
You’ll also need to commit to at least 10 teaching hours per week. While you can set your availability, Open English values consistency and reliability. Bonus: Spanish or Portuguese skills aren’t required, but they can help you connect with students, especially beginners or shy learners.
Pay, Bonuses, and Financial Considerations
Open English pays teachers around $13–$15 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. This is for teaching time only—there’s no extra pay for prep, admin tasks, or post-class feedback, since lesson plans are provided and admin is minimal.
Teachers are paid twice a month via Wise, making it relatively easy for digital nomads and remote workers to receive income internationally. Just remember: you’re hired as a freelancer, not an employee. That means you’ll need to handle your own taxes, and you won’t receive health benefits or paid leave.
There aren’t major performance bonuses or incentives, though some teachers report occasional increases based on consistency and seniority. Ultimately, it’s a stable but modest income stream, best suited for those balancing multiple sources of online teaching or freelance work.
Scheduling and Peak Hours
Flexibility is one of Open English’s main perks—but it comes with a few caveats. You’re expected to teach at least 10 hours a week, but you can choose when those hours are, as long as you give advance notice. Open more slots, and you’ll likely get more classes.
Peak demand tends to be during evenings in U.S. Eastern Time, since most students are based in Latin America and log in after work or school. This makes the platform ideal for night owls or teachers living in Europe, Asia, or Africa with a favorable time offset.
Classes aren’t guaranteed—you open availability, and then wait for bookings. That means it may take time to build a full schedule, especially as a new teacher. Being consistent, responsive, and showing up on time is key to getting repeat students and filling your calendar.
Pro tips to maximize bookings:
- Open evening slots Monday through Thursday (peak times).
- Maintain a steady schedule each week.
- Respond quickly to platform messages or new bookings.
- Keep your profile polished and professional.
With the right rhythm, it’s possible to carve out a reliable, part-time teaching schedule that fits your lifestyle and time zone.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying to Open English is fairly streamlined but includes a few technical and teaching-readiness checks along the way. Here's how it works:
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Fill out the online application form
This is your entry point—submit basic info about your background, education, and experience. -
Upload key documents
Include your resume, TEFL/TESOL certification (if you have one), and your degree (optional but helpful). -
Record a voice sample
This is to demonstrate your accent, clarity, and speaking style. Keep it warm, clear, and natural. -
Complete an internet speed test
You’ll need a fast, reliable connection. This test ensures your setup can handle live video classes. -
Take a short grammar quiz
This checks that you have a solid grasp of English fundamentals. It’s not overly advanced, but accuracy matters. -
Set your teaching availability
Choose your weekly schedule—this helps Open English match you to peak class demand. -
Do an interview or submit an intro video
Some teachers are asked to submit a video where they introduce themselves, share teaching experience, and show off their energy. -
Onboarding and platform training
Once accepted, you’ll go through a brief training session to learn how to use the platform, access class materials, and prepare for your first lessons.
What to Expect After You're Hired
Once you're hired, you’ll be added to the Open English teacher portal, which acts as your teaching HQ. Here, you’ll schedule classes, access ready-made lesson materials, review student levels, and track performance.
Training and onboarding are smooth and beginner-friendly. You’ll get familiar with the platform before teaching live, and support is available if you run into issues early on.
Starting out, expect to have fewer classes while you build momentum. Many teachers begin with a handful of lessons per week, then grow their hours by maintaining good reviews and consistent availability.
The first few classes might feel fast-paced—especially if you're new to group teaching—but lesson plans are already prepared, and you’ll quickly find your rhythm.
Open English also provides access to an internal teacher community. You’ll find resources like:
- Webinars and workshops
- Podcasts on ESL topics
- Peer support groups
- Teaching tips and updates
It’s a solid ecosystem that helps you grow professionally while staying connected with others teaching remotely around the world.
Open English Junior and Business Options
While the main platform caters to older teens and adults, Open English also runs two distinct branches: Open English Junior and Open English Business. These offer more focused teaching opportunities for those with the right skill set.
Open English Junior
This program serves kids aged 8–14 and requires a different teaching style—more energetic, patient, and visually engaging. If you have experience teaching children or using TPR (Total Physical Response), this might be a great fit.
To qualify:
- You may need to pass additional onboarding specific to Junior classes.
- Prior experience with young learners or youth-focused TEFL certificates can help.
- Expect livelier classes and more student-led interaction.
Open English Business
This track caters to professionals and corporate clients, often looking to improve English for the workplace. Classes may cover business writing, presentations, meetings, or job interview skills.
To qualify:
- You should demonstrate strong business English knowledge or experience.
- A TEFL certificate with a Business English specialization is a bonus.
- Clear communication, professional tone, and real-world examples will help you thrive in this track.
Teachers can mix classes from both tracks or specialize depending on their strengths and interests. Either way, it’s a chance to diversify your experience and work with a broader student base.
Pros of Teaching with Open English
Teaching with Open English has its share of perks, especially if you're looking for a structured, beginner-friendly online platform with a built-in student base.
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No lesson planning required
All teaching materials are provided. You just show up, bring your energy, and guide the session. -
Steady demand from Latin America
With a large Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking learner base, there’s a constant flow of students looking to improve their English skills. -
Easy platform to get started on
The onboarding is simple, and you don’t need years of experience to be considered — perfect for teachers starting out in online ESL. -
Group classes = great classroom management experience
If you’re used to (or want to practice) managing multiple students at once, this is a valuable skill-builder. -
Twice-monthly, reliable payments
Payments are consistent and sent via Wise, so no worries about chasing invoices or missed paydays. -
24/7 platform offers flexibility across time zones
Since students are located across Latin America and the Caribbean, there are booking opportunities day and night depending on your schedule.
Cons and Challenges
Open English also has some trade-offs that might not suit everyone — especially if you're looking for higher pay or more creative control.
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North American teachers only — very limited eligibility
Only U.S. and Canadian citizens are accepted, cutting out a huge portion of qualified global ESL teachers. -
Lower pay than some 1-on-1 platforms
At $13–15/hour, it's competitive for Latin America-focused platforms, but lower than specialized or premium ESL services. -
Group format may not suit everyone
If you prefer deep one-on-one conversations or personalized student relationships, group classes can feel less rewarding. -
No employee benefits — freelance status
You're responsible for your own taxes and won’t receive health insurance, paid leave, or retirement contributions. -
Must commit 10+ hours/week minimum
It’s not as casual as “teach whenever you want” platforms. You need consistency to stay active. -
Limited curriculum flexibility for creative teachers
Since the curriculum is pre-made, there’s little room for customization. If you like building your own lessons, this can feel restrictive.
Real Teacher Reviews: What People Are Saying
Teacher feedback on Open English is generally positive — especially among those who value structure and reliability — but a few common frustrations also show up in reviews.
🔎 From Glassdoor and Indeed:
- Average ratings sit around 3.7 to 3.9 out of 5.
- Teachers highlight the supportive admin team, easy-to-use platform, and steady stream of students as top benefits.
- Common complaints include low pay, strict scheduling policies, and outdated lesson materials.
Overall, Open English gets strong marks for consistency and beginner-friendliness, but more advanced or ambitious teachers sometimes outgrow it.
Is Open English Right for You?
Open English isn’t trying to be the flashiest or highest-paying ESL platform. But for the right kind of teacher, it offers exactly what’s needed: structure, consistency, and access to a vibrant student base across Latin America.
Best for:
- New teachers looking to build online experience.
- Freelancers who enjoy group instruction.
- Teachers with a flexible schedule who want steady income.
- North Americans who want to work remotely with Latin American students.
Not ideal for:
- Non-native English speakers or teachers outside U.S./Canada.
- Teachers who prefer 1-on-1 lessons or full creative control.
- Highly experienced educators seeking top-tier pay.
If you're after a no-frills teaching experience where you can log in, connect with learners, and focus on doing what you love — without lesson prep headaches — Open English could be a solid fit.
How to Apply
Getting started with Open English is refreshingly straightforward, especially if you already meet their baseline requirements.
✅ Documents Checklist:
- CV or resume
- Proof of citizenship (U.S. or Canada)
- Degree or diploma (optional, but helpful)
- TEFL/TESOL certificate (strongly preferred)
🖥️ Tech Checklist:
- Working headset with mic
- Webcam or laptop camera
- Stable internet connection (you’ll need to pass a speed test)
🔗 Apply here:
👉 Open English Application Form
🌐 Visit the official site:
Open English Website
Final Thoughts
Open English stands out as a structured, reliable option for online ESL teachers who prefer working with groups and appreciate having materials provided. While the pay might not be the highest in the industry, the flexibility, consistency, and sheer volume of students make it worth considering — especially if you’re just starting your online teaching journey or want to focus on learners from Latin America.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle you can run from anywhere, or a stepping stone to more advanced teaching opportunities, Open English gives you a chance to sharpen your skills and make a difference — one class at a time.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.