Quick answer: Yes – non-native English speakers can and do find plenty of online teaching work. Search results are skewed towards “native only” adverts from a few huge kids’ companies, but many platforms welcome teachers of any nationality with C1–C2 English and an accredited TESOL. On marketplaces like italki and Preply you set your own profile and rate, and bilingual teachers are often actively preferred.
The answer is a definite YES!
At Global English TESOL, we take on a large number of fantastic trainees whose first language is not English, so we know it's perfectly possible to find work as a non-native English speaker.
We hear success stories all the time, both from former trainees teaching English online and in-class. Just check out some of the blogs and comments from some of our past non-native English trainees:
- Yosuke, teaching English in Japan >>
- Czech national Lada teaching in New Zealand >>
- Indian national Priti working in China>>
- Several more examples here on our blog: Can non-natives find TEFL work? >>
Oh, and shh! don’t tell anyone, but our non-native TESOL trainees often out-perform native English speakers on the grammar sections of our courses.
Why do online searches look native-only?
"But when I search for online English teacher jobs, they state native English only." So, there is a bias towards native English speakers. That’s true. But it is nowhere near the whole story. Part of the issue is there is an internet search bias, too.
Many of the huge online employers that teach kids in China have constant recruitment needs and big advertising budgets. Since China stipulates that online English teachers to kids should be native English speakers, it’s no surprise that when you search for a job online, you are overwhelmed with adverts for native English teachers for the major online players such as WhalesEnglish, VIPKids, and Magic Ears, etc.
At first glance, it can look like you have to be a native English teacher in order to teach English online. However, that’s not the case. Online English companies that welcome non-natives can get drowned out in the internet search, that's all.
Which online platforms accept non-native teachers?
With a little more in-depth searching, we came up with plenty of alternatives for non-native English teachers with C1 or C2 level English and a good TESOL qualification. Here is a sample of the routes open to teachers of any nationality:
| Platform / type | Native requirement | How pay works | Student base |
|---|---|---|---|
| italki (marketplace) | Open to all nationalities | You set your own rate; italki takes a commission | Global, adults and teens, all levels |
| Preply (marketplace) | Open to all nationalities | You set your rate; commission tapers as you teach more | Global, mostly adults |
| Engoo / conversation apps | Many hire non-natives | Fixed per-lesson rate | Adults, conversation focus |
| Business-English providers (Learnlight, Lingo Live, 1to1Progress) | Bilingual teachers welcomed | Contracted hourly rates | Corporate and business learners |
| Regional providers (Vivaling, Enline) | Open to non-natives | Fixed rates | Kids and adults in specific markets |
In fact, some companies actively prefer bilingual teachers, or may offer you the opportunity to teach your own language as well as English. There are also more opportunities to reach students directly: with italki, Verbling and Preply you can create a teacher profile, set your own pay rate and hours, and students can find you.
What proficiency proof do platforms ask for?
Most reputable platforms want to see that your English is strong and that you are trained. In practice that means aiming for a CEFR level of C1 or C2, holding an accredited 120-hour TESOL, and, where asked, providing a proficiency certificate such as IELTS, CPE or a video introduction that lets your spoken English speak for itself. A confident, well-produced profile video often does more than any certificate.
How to set your rate as a non-native teacher
On marketplaces you control your own price. Start slightly lower to gather your first reviews, then raise your rate as your ratings and booked hours grow – your track record quickly matters more than your passport. Lean into what makes you distinctive: the language(s) you share with your students, your own experience of learning English, and any specialism such as business or exam preparation. The online industry is fast-changing and growing, and you can find many opportunities as long as you are keen to teach, hold an accredited TESOL, and have a good level of English.
How to build a profile that wins students
On a marketplace your profile is your job interview, and it is where you can turn being non-native into a selling point. A few things make the biggest difference:
- Introduction video: speak clearly and warmly for 30–60 seconds. This is where prospective students judge your English, so rehearse it and keep the energy up.
- Lead with your strengths: name the languages you speak, the fact that you have learned English yourself, and any specialism – business English, exam prep, conversation for a particular first language.
- State your qualification: say clearly that you hold an accredited 120-hour TESOL and, where relevant, your CEFR level or IELTS score.
- Gather reviews fast: teach your first students brilliantly and ask for feedback; a handful of five-star reviews outweighs almost everything else.
Our guide to acing your teaching profile on italki walks through this in detail.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-native speakers teach on italki or Preply?
Yes. Both italki and Preply are open to teachers of any nationality. You create a profile, set your own rate and availability, and students book you directly. Reviews and reliability drive your bookings far more than whether English is your first language, and bilingual teachers are often sought out by learners who share their language.
What English level do you need to teach online?
Aim for CEFR C1 or C2 – advanced to proficient. Combine that with an accredited TESOL certificate and, where a platform asks, a proficiency test result (IELTS/CPE) or an introduction video. Strong, clear, confident English matters more than a particular accent.
Do students avoid non-native teachers?
Many actively choose them. Non-native teachers have been through learning English themselves, can explain tricky grammar, and often share a first language with their students. Once you have a few good reviews, most learners choose on rating, price and rapport rather than nationality.
So, it's good news, whether you are a non-native English speaker or not.
--------------
Where next?
- Check out our Teaching English Online specialist course here >>
- Louisa Walsh has helped many non-native English speakers to online success on her Becoming a 5-Star Online English teacher coaching programme