Skyeng is one of the biggest names in online English education across Eastern Europe and Russia, with a reputation for making language learning accessible, structured, and conversation-driven. Whether you're teaching from a beach café in Vietnam or a coworking space in Prague, the platform connects you with motivated learners who are ready to practice English with someone real.
Skyeng is divided into two core formats: standard 50-minute lessons and Skyeng Talks, a fast-paced program of casual 15-minute speaking sessions with native speakers. Both formats give teachers the chance to build rapport, help learners break through their speaking blocks, and offer practical language skills that stick.
You’ll mostly be working with students from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and neighboring countries—ranging from teenagers prepping for exams to adults learning English for work or travel. They’re often polite, eager, and looking for lessons that feel useful and human, not robotic or overly academic.
Types of Teaching Roles at Skyeng
Skyeng offers two distinct styles of teaching: longform lessons and shortform conversation chats. The main 50-minute lessons use Skyeng’s proprietary platform (Vimbox), where you’ll guide students through structured, interactive lessons with a mix of reading, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking. These sessions are typically part of a course and designed to build progress over time.
Skyeng Talks, on the other hand, are short 15-minute bursts of pure conversation practice aimed at improving fluency, confidence, and spontaneity. No homework, no curriculum — just talk. This format is only available to native speakers and is ideal if you enjoy quick connections, minimal prep, and the challenge of keeping chats lively and meaningful.
If you're the kind of teacher who loves planning and structure, full-length lessons will suit you best. If you thrive on variety, quick chats, and flexibility, Skyeng Talks might feel like a better fit. Some teachers do both to keep their schedules dynamic.
Requirements to Teach with Skyeng
Skyeng has carved out a space that’s accessible yet still professional. You don’t need a degree, which makes it appealing to teachers from all walks of life — digital nomads, career changers, or anyone building experience in ESL. However, you do need a recognized TEFL certificate (usually 120 hours or more) to prove you understand teaching fundamentals.
Fluent English is a must. Native speakers are preferred, especially for Skyeng Talks, but fluent non-native speakers with clear pronunciation and good communication skills can still land regular classes.
To keep your account active and unlock steady bookings, you’ll need to commit to at least 15 hours a week. That said, your schedule is yours to control — ideal if you’re traveling or working on other projects.
Tech-wise, the setup is simple but important: a laptop or desktop, solid internet connection, a headset, webcam, and a quiet, neutral background. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just professional and distraction-free.
Application Process: Step by Step
Getting started with Skyeng is relatively straightforward, but expect a few steps to ensure you're ready for live teaching. It begins with a short online application, where you’ll provide basic details like your name, background, and teaching experience.
Next, you’ll need to record a short intro video. This is your chance to show your personality, fluency, and confidence. Think of it like a casual pitch — talk about who you are, your teaching approach, and what students can expect from you.
If your video checks the right boxes, you’ll be invited to an interview and grammar test. The interview includes a quick Q&A session, an overview of the platform, and a few grammar-focused questions to assess your understanding of core English concepts.
Before going live, you'll also complete a mock lesson with a Skyeng staff member and attend a short training session. This gives you hands-on practice with the platform and prepares you to deliver your first lesson smoothly.
Once you pass all the steps and finalize your profile, you'll be approved to start accepting lessons. From there, it’s just a matter of showing up and getting booked.
The Teaching Experience
Skyeng provides teachers with two teaching environments: Vimbox for standard 50-minute classes and a simple browser-based chat tool for 15-minute Skyeng Talks. Both are designed for smooth, no-hassle teaching — no need to download third-party apps or create your own materials from scratch.
Most lessons are pre-scheduled by students, though some Talk sessions may be matched on-demand based on your availability. Skyeng handles the logistics, so you don’t have to hunt for students or juggle complicated scheduling tools.
The curriculum is provided for the 50-minute lessons, with structured materials that cover reading, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary. You can still bring your own flair or add supplementary tasks, but the core lesson is ready to go. For Talks, you’ll be improvising conversation based on student interests — travel, hobbies, news, or everyday topics — so no prep is required, but keeping conversations engaging is key.
A typical 50-minute session includes a warm-up, guided material practice, and wrap-up with feedback. Skyeng Talks are more casual — just you, the student, and 15 minutes to build fluency in a relaxed setting.
Pay Structure & Earnings Potential
Skyeng pays per session, with rates varying depending on lesson type, your background, and how consistently you teach. For standard 50-minute lessons, non-native teachers typically earn around $5–$6, while native speakers earn closer to $10–$12 per class. For Skyeng Talks, expect $4–$6 per 15-minute session, depending on experience and performance.
While the base rate is modest, bonuses kick in with retention: teach the same student for 18 sessions and you’ll earn an extra ~$0.80 per lesson; hit 34 consecutive sessions and the bonus rises to ~$2.35 per class. It adds up if you're consistent and build strong student rapport.
Most part-time teachers report earning $400–$600/month for 15–20 hours per week. Work more, and your income scales accordingly. Payments are sent every two weeks, typically via Payoneer or other international payout systems, with minimal delays.
If you’re looking to supplement your income while traveling or working another job, the steady bookings and reliable pay make Skyeng a dependable side hustle — just be prepared to work for it.
Schedule, Flexibility, and Expectations
One of Skyeng’s biggest strengths is the flexibility it offers. You can set your own hours, choosing when and how often to teach. The only condition? A minimum of 15 teaching hours per week — enough to keep things active without overwhelming your schedule.
There are no penalties for cancelling lessons as long as you do so with proper notice and follow the platform's procedures. Emergencies happen, and Skyeng is more understanding than many platforms when it comes to life getting in the way.
If a student shows up late, you’re still paid for the full session. And if a student misses the class entirely, you either receive compensation (Skyeng Talks) or can open the time slot for another student, depending on the timing.
To keep steady bookings, it's essential to stay visible and responsive. Update your availability regularly, respond quickly to messages, and keep your profile sharp and friendly. The algorithm rewards active teachers, so the more engaged you are, the more students you’ll attract.
Pros & Cons of Teaching with Skyeng
✅ Pros
- No degree required, making it accessible for qualified but non-traditional candidates.
- Flexible schedule lets you teach from anywhere, anytime.
- A steady stream of students keeps your calendar from going empty.
- Pre-made teaching materials reduce prep time and simplify lessons.
- Biweekly payments ensure you’re not waiting a full month to get paid.
❌ Cons
- Low pay, particularly for non-native teachers or beginners.
- High lesson volume required to reach a full-time income level.
- Limited career progression — mostly a platform for short-term income and experience.
- Teaching hours are concentrated in Eastern European time zones, which can be inconvenient depending on where you live.
Skyeng is best seen as a flexible side gig or entry point into online ESL teaching — not a long-term career track unless you're highly efficient and enjoy volume teaching.
Tips to Succeed on Skyeng
Success on Skyeng doesn’t come from just showing up — it’s about standing out and staying consistent.
Start with a great intro video. Speak clearly, smile, and share what makes you unique as a teacher. Avoid scripted answers — be warm, confident, and show genuine interest in helping students.
For Skyeng Talks, practice making an impact in 15 minutes. These short sessions can be powerful if you guide the conversation well, correct errors tactfully, and give your student a sense of progress.
Build rapport quickly — ask personal but respectful questions, remember details for next time, and match your tone to the student’s personality and level.
To manage a high student load, use smart lesson planning — keep notes on regular students, prepare adaptable materials, and organize your time to avoid burnout.
Finally, focus on retention. Repeat students not only make your schedule more predictable but also unlock bonus pay. Encourage feedback, set goals with your learners, and give them a reason to keep coming back.
Is Skyeng Right for You?
Skyeng is a great option if you're TEFL-certified, tech-savvy, and flexible with your schedule. It's especially appealing to teachers who want to earn a steady side income while working from home or traveling. Whether you're building up your online teaching experience or just looking for casual, low-stress sessions with conversational learners, it’s a solid choice.
However, it’s not ideal for teachers seeking high pay, full-time income, or career progression. The platform is best viewed as a stepping stone — or a reliable backup — rather than a long-term professional teaching environment.
How to Get Started
You can apply directly here: https://job.skyeng.ru/talks. The application is quick — just your name, email, and a few basic details to get started.
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- A short intro video (show your personality and fluency)
- A TEFL certificate (or equivalent)
- A quiet space, stable internet, and headset
- Time for onboarding and training (roughly 5–7 hours total)
To pass the interview and demo, focus on:
- Speaking clearly and confidently
- Demonstrating teaching awareness (TPR, error correction, timing)
- Staying calm and enthusiastic, even without materials
From application to your first class, the timeline is typically around 7–10 days, depending on how quickly you complete each step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree?
→ No. A degree is not required, but TEFL certification is.
What’s the minimum commitment?
→ You need to teach at least 15 hours per week to stay active.
Can non-native speakers apply?
→ Yes. Non-native teachers with strong English skills are welcome, though Skyeng Talks prefers native speakers.
How are lessons scheduled?
→ Students book lessons via the platform, or you can accept instant bookings. Keep your availability updated.
What if students don’t show up?
→ You’re compensated for student no-shows on Skyeng Talks and may be able to take another student in that time slot.
Final Thoughts
Skyeng is one of the more accessible and flexible platforms in the ESL world. While it doesn’t offer the highest pay or the most structured career growth, it does provide consistent opportunities, biweekly payouts, and the chance to build solid experience.
If you're someone who enjoys conversational teaching, wants to stay location independent, and doesn’t mind a bit of hustle for your hours, Skyeng could be a great fit — especially in your early TEFL journey.
Like any online platform, your success depends on consistency, adaptability, and how well you connect with students. But with the right mindset, it’s a path that can take you anywhere.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.