Teaching online has become popular during the past few years. Due to the steady increase in the popularity of teaching and learning online, we are also seeing an increase in the number of online English schools like Topica Native, Skyeng, Open English, and SkimaTalk.
There are a few different reasons why English teachers choose to teach ESL online with a company like SkimaTalk. First, it is convenient because you can teach from your choice of location. Depending on the online school, teachers can also choose their time slots. This allows teachers to give lessons at their preferred time. Finally, it can be a supplementary source of income. Many teachers who teach abroad will do online classes in addition to their school jobs.
Although SkimTalk connects ESL teachers and students from all over the world, it is mainly for educating students located in Japan or South Korea. Thus, if you are a teacher who prefers teaching students in Asia, you would want to consider becoming an English teacher for SkimaTalk.
SkimaTalk: Guide to Teaching English Online
What is SkimaTalk?
SkimaTalk is an online English school based in Tokyo, Japan. Students are mostly adults in South Korea and Japan. The company only hires native English speakers as teachers. Except for being a native speaker, there are no other strict requirements. However, there are a few conditions to meet to continue working with SkimTalk. The lesson duration is 25 minutes per session, and the class size is one-on-one.
The hourly salary is relatively higher than other online English schools. However, you will not make enough from teaching with SkimaTalk to make it a full-time job. Furthermore, the first three lessons are unpaid. Therefore, if you desire to work with SkimaTalk, you must give three free lessons.
Like all the other online teaching jobs, there are pros and cons. Continue reading to figure out if SkimTalk meets your necessities and qualifications.
What are the Requirements to Teach at SkimaTalk?
Unfortunately, Skima Talk only hires native English speakers. If you are a non-native English speaker, consider teaching with Skyeng, which hires non-native English speakers too.
If you are a native English speaker, you are almost immediately qualified to teach ESL online. You just need to check if you have the personality that SkimaTalk seeks from teachers.
SkimaTalk wants teachers who are:
- able to teach adult students
- committed and reliable
- passionate about helping students succeed
- able to present a professional demeanor at all times
You do not need the following list to apply for SkimaTalk. However, it can be helpful if you have it.
- college or university degree
- teaching certificate
- prior teaching experience/training
Teach ESL Online with SkimaTalk
Technical Requirements
All lessons are carried out through Skype video calls. Therefore, you will need Skype and a working device to run the program. In addition, it is essential to get good ratings from the students. Thus, you may want to invest in having a strong internet connection and a quality microphone.
How Much Will You Make Teaching ESL Online with SkimaTalk?
According to the official website, it says the top rating teachers on SkimaTalk earn more than $1,000 (USD) a month. But, of course, this wouldn’t be enough to make it a full-time job. Still, it can be your supplementary source of income.
- Minimum Pay Rate: $8 per session (25 minutes)
- Maximum Pay Rate: Set by the instructor
SkimaTalk retains 20% of the teacher’s salary. After the commission deduction, a teacher’s hourly wage can range from $12.80 to $48. But keep in mind, the first three lessons are not paid.
Teachers are paid once a month (on the 10th) via PayPal. Your final payment will be the amount after deducting PayPal fees.
What’s the Hiring Process Like at SkimaTalk?
There are four major steps you will have to go through to become an English teacher at SkimaTalk.
- Apply
- Teacher Profile
- Testing
- Approval
Apply
The very first thing you will have to do is create an account. In order to register your email, you will have to provide the following information.
- User name
- Password
- Skype name
- Time zone
Teacher Profile
This step requires basic information, interests, specialties, and more. Refer to the following list.
- Professional profile photo
- Name
- PayPal email address
- Country and region of origin
- Country and region of residence
- Interests
- Languages and fluency
- Specialty
- Written introduction
- Teaching introduction video
- Resume
- Identity verification
- Copy of ID
Testing
Applicants must go over SkimaTalk’s guidelines about teaching on the platform and complete a simple test. This is to check if you meet the platform’s standards.
Approval
Successful candidates will be contacted within approximately 10 days via email.
What is the Work Schedule Like?
Although there are no special bonuses, SkimaTalk’s advantage is that there are no minimum or maximum teaching hours. You can teach whenever you want from wherever you choose for how many hours you prefer.
SkimaTalk Online Teaching
The lessons are 25 minutes long. SkimaTalk advises students to take at least two lessons in a row. Thus, you will most likely have back-t0-back sessions. You can have a five-minute break between the sessions, but it is not mandatory.
SkimaTalk provides teachers with resources and lesson materials. However, you are welcome to use external resources if you think they will improve the quality of your lesson. You can find many helpful ESL materials online to enhance the quality of your class.
Additionally, to remain a qualified teacher on SkimaTalk, you have to work on meeting the following criteria continuously.
- Student’s rating score of 4.5 or higher
- Cancellation ratio below 10%
- No-show ratio below 5%
SkimaTalk Review
SkimaTalk is a great platform for ESL teachers who want the freedom of time and location. The requirements aren’t as strict as other online teaching jobs. Also, the pay rate is higher than most of the other platforms. Furthermore, Skima Talk is an excellent choice if you prefer teaching adult students.
FAQs About SkimaTalk English Teaching
Here is a quick guide to some commonly asked questions about Skima Talk.
Is SkimaTalk legit?
Yes, SkimaTalk is a reliable English online teaching platform based in Tokyo founded in 2012.
How do you teach on SkimaTalk?
First, go over the minimum requirements. Then, if you think you are qualified, you can apply through the official website. You will provide basic information, take a test, and wait for approval.
How much can you make on SkimaTalk?
The top rating teachers can make more than $1,000 per month. For most teachers, the hourly pay rate will range between $12.80-$48.
Does SkimaTalk provide lesson plans?
Teachers have the option to use their own lesson material or use SkimaTalk’s course content.
Teaching English Online with SkimaTalk
What are some Pros and Cons of Working for SkimaTalk?
SkimaTalk is an online platform that connects language learners with language tutors for one-on-one lessons. Here are some general pros and cons to consider when working for SkimaTalk:
Pros:
- Flexibility: SkimaTalk offers a flexible schedule, allowing you to set your own availability and choose when you want to teach. This can be advantageous if you have other commitments or prefer a part-time teaching job.
- Work from home: As an online tutor with SkimaTalk, you have the convenience of working from your own home or any location with a stable internet connection. This eliminates commuting time and expenses, providing a more convenient and comfortable working environment.
- Teaching experience: Working as a language tutor with SkimaTalk can provide valuable teaching experience. It allows you to work with students from different backgrounds and proficiency levels, helping you develop your teaching skills and adaptability.
- Cultural exchange: SkimaTalk provides an opportunity for cultural exchange as you interact with students from various countries and learn about their cultures. This can be a rewarding aspect of the job, allowing you to broaden your perspective and understanding.
Cons:
- Variable income: Your income as a SkimaTalk tutor may not be consistent or predictable. The number of students you have and the frequency of lessons can fluctuate based on demand and student preferences. This can make it challenging to rely on a stable income from SkimaTalk alone.
- Competition: SkimaTalk has a large pool of tutors, which means there can be significant competition for students. Building a client base and securing regular students may require time and effort, particularly when starting out.
- Time zone differences: Depending on your location, you may need to adjust your availability to accommodate students from different time zones. This could involve teaching early mornings, late nights, or weekends, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Self-promotion: As a SkimaTalk tutor, you are responsible for marketing yourself and attracting students to book lessons with you. This may involve creating an appealing profile, actively engaging in promotional efforts, and maintaining a positive online presence.
Teaching English Online with SkimaTalk: Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on SkimaTalk? Is it the right choice for you, or do you have a better platform in mind? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you.
