Open English is a company established in 2007 that provides jobs to native English teachers. In this Open English Job review, we will discuss the following:
Open English Overview
Open English is one of Latin America’s most renowned online teaching platforms for adults and children. They have helped over 600,000 people improve their English fluency.
They also cater to companies who want to teach their staff business English. You will teach students from different parts of South America and the United States. They are also said to have expanded into Turkey.
Requirements
- Must be a a native English speaker
- Access to a computer with a microphone and webcam
- An ESL certificate, such as a TEFL, a TESOL or CELTA
- Spanish or Portuguese language skills at a basic level
- Some teaching experience preferred
They are interested in hearing from EFL teachers who are living in the US or abroad.
There is a 24/7 schedule available, but teachers must work 10 hours minimum availability per week. No lesson preparation is required as the company provides all the materials for you.
You do not need a degree to teach Open English; however, you are required to have ESL certification.
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Technical Requirements
- Internet connection 1MB/s upload and 1MB/s download speed
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Be able to master their teaching tools to communicate and instruct students on their platform.
Pay
- Up to $7-$13 per hour based on seniority level
- Paid twice per month
- Paid directly to your bank account or via Wise
Aside from teaching, there are also opportunities for the ESL teacher to participate in curriculum development and design, assess the quality of lessons, and other projects that improve the students learning experience.
The pay is not stated on their website however some sources claim you can make between $7 to $13 per hour teaching at Open English. You may be able to secure higher pay through negotiation when you join or take more senior teaching positions in the company.
Classes and Scheduling
- Classes are run 24/7
- 20-minute and 45-minute classes
- Employees are limited to working 26 hours a week
- Contractors can work up to 36 hours.
Classes are particularly suitable for teachers with at least 10 hours of availability but could be scheduled 26-36 hours per week, depending on location.
Classes are scheduled for the teacher, who can also pick up hours outside of their shift, with classes open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
They also offer a unique pick-up and drop-shift system where you can trade your classes with other Open English teachers. This system may be convenient if the teacher needs to cancel classes or would like some extra hours.
You may also be interested in: The Best English Teaching Companies in 2022.
Types of Services Open English Offers:
- Open English– teach adults the English language in group or one-on-one classes on the Open English platform.
- Open English Junior– teach children the English language in group or one-on-one classes between the ages of 8 to 14
- Open English Centers– teach interactive group classes to those attending their popular learning centers.
Application Process
Open English is currently looking for EFL professionals.
If you want to be a teacher at Open English, they will provide you with some information about the company and their expectations for their teachers.
For the application, you will need access to:
- A microphone to record a short video
- Documentation such as resume, degree/ diploma, and ESL teaching certificate
They will also ask you to complete:
- Your personal information
- An internet speed test
- A brief grammar quiz
- Your teaching availability
For your personal information, they want to confirm that the teacher is legally authorized to work in the United States.
You do not have to complete the full application at once, and can continue your application process at any time by logging on to the site. Open English may also hold your application until teaching positions become available.
If your application is selected, you can complete the onboarding training and sign your contract to start teaching.
Open English Reviews: What teachers have to say
These reviews are based on the opinions of teachers who rate the company on Glassdoor and other review websites.
The Pros
Teachers believe this is a great side job without the micromanagement that sometimes occurs in online ESL companies. The work is also quite fun, and it is not a pressurizing job.
It is an exciting workplace and a good way to learn about other cultures and meet new people.
Teachers have described the hours as flexible, with the ability to pick up and drop shifts to other teachers. You are connected to a supportive teacher community, so you can do this.
The Cons
There are few advancement opportunities, and it is lower-paying than other online ESL companies. There are no guaranteed hours.
They also could have several students (+10) in one class. You don’t have regular students.
Taxes
If you live in the US, you become a direct employee of the company.
If you live outside the US you are an independent contractor for either Latin Hire or Really Great Teachers depending on where you live and the pay rate is different. As an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes. These taxes will vary depending on your state law and jurisdiction.
Recommendation
Open English is a well-known market leader for online teaching.
If teaching part-time online, Open English might be a good option for North American teachers, especially if you can only do evening hours. Requirements are not very strict, and experience is preferred rather than essential.
This may also be a good choice for those who travel a lot and need a flexible schedule.
Conclusion
Open English is a rapidly growing company that offers ESL teachers the opportunity to teach many types of classes. If you wish to apply to Open English, you can do so here or by clicking the button below.
Useful Links
- TEFL vs TESOL– What’s the Difference
- Teaching English Online Companies
- How to Teach English Online Guide
- Best Webcams for Teaching Online
- Accept Payments with Transferwise
- Teach English Abroad in Spain
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
