1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Teaching English online to international learners: your step-by-step start

Conversational English lessons on platforms such as Cambly and Preply, paid in dollars.

  • 19 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • About 1 hour
  • First lesson free

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Native-level English speakers with a laptop, webcam and stable connection; no degree needed on some platforms.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 21 days.
  • You have no laptop or computer to work on.
  • You would rather not show your face on camera.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 21 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: unpaid waiting time lowers effective hourly rate.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How teaching English online to international learners worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Apply to 2 platforms3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Set up PayPal and an FNB withdrawal profile or Payoneer3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Aim for first 10 hours taught3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Aim for effective rate calculated3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Aim for regular students booking you directly on the platform3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Ask regular students to book a block of lessons upfront3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Months two and three, task 3: Keep one lesson plan per level so you prepare less each week3 min (in the full guide)
    5. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    6. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R0 to R800 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Cambly
  • Preply
  • Headset with mic
  • UPS for router

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.