Teaching On Open English: What You Need To Know

With the plethora of online platforms offering English language lessons to learners, and teaching positions to English teachers and tutors, it is difficult to know which online teaching companies are legit.

We’re going to get to the bottom of this by asking those who know best: the teachers themselves. 

In this series, we’ll talk to teachers currently teaching online in 2025 and ask them the important questions.

Meet Abigail, a teacher on Open English

Hello! My name is Abigail Mendes, and I am a 25-year-old enthusiastic English teacher holding a Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. 

Teaching English online has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for me. I am deeply passionate about helping international students master English and build strong communication skills. The flexibility of online teaching allows me to connect with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, all from the comfort of my home. 

Why did you choose Open English?

Deciding to work for Open English was an easy choice for me due to the flexibility it offers. 

The platform allows me to control my schedule, giving me the freedom to adapt my work hours to fit my lifestyle. This flexibility has been incredibly valuable in creating a balanced and manageable routine.

Another great advantage is that Open English eliminates the burden of extra administrative tasks. Unlike some other teaching platforms, there’s no additional paperwork or complex requirements—making the experience straightforward and stress-free.

Abigail used to work for another online platform, Berlitz Japan.

How long have you been teaching on Open English and what’s your experience so far?

I’ve been teaching on Open English since January 2025 and I must say it’s been a breeze working with this platform. 

One of the aspects I value most is the platform’s flexibility, which has allowed me to design a schedule that fits seamlessly into my life. Being able to work on my own terms has provided me with a balance that enhances both my teaching and personal well-being.

Teaching on Open English has given me the chance to connect with students across all levels and from a variety of countries. One of the unique features of the platform is its “Open Topic” lessons, which have quickly become my favourite.

These lessons feel less like formal classes and more like relaxed conversations, as if you’re chatting with a friend. It’s during these sessions that I truly get to know my students and help them practice natural, everyday communication.

How easy was it to start teaching on Open English?

Starting with Open English was surprisingly simple. I initially expected a complicated onboarding process, but I was thrilled to discover how straightforward it actually was. 

First was a training day where I completed exercises under a test account provided by the platform. 

Once the training was complete, the next step was conducting a demo lesson. Passing this demo was essential to securing a contract with Open English, and upon successfully completing it, I was officially offered a teaching position. The platform then took about three weeks to provide my login credentials.

When I received my credentials, I had to redo the mandatory teacher training session under my own login credentials. This training was essential for understanding how to manage my shifts, conduct lessons, and navigate the system. 

Open English provides three separate portals: one for viewing and managing shifts, another for delivering lessons, and a third for accessing training materials.

What stood out to me the most was how relaxed and easy my first official lesson felt. Unlike other teaching experiences that require extensive preparation, Open English’s system is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. The simplicity of the platform allows teachers to focus on engaging with students rather than stressing over unnecessary admin work.

All I needed to do was open the provided lesson material about five minutes in advance and take a quick look at the slides. This allows me to note down exactly which slides I’ll be covering during the session, ensuring I’m ready to guide the student smoothly through the lesson. 

Does Open English allocate students to you or do the students have to choose the teacher?

One of the most reassuring aspects of teaching on Open English is the automatic student allocation system. During your shift, the platform assigns students to you, so there’s never any worry about not having students or facing financial uncertainty. 

This feature provides incredible peace of mind, allowing teachers to focus entirely on delivering quality lessons without the pressure of filling their schedules on their own.

Unlike some platforms where students can request specific teachers, Open English operates differently. The system is designed to randomly pair students and teachers during shifts. While it’s possible to see the same student again by chance, it happens purely through the platform’s allocation process rather than specific requests.

This automatic allocation system makes teaching on Open English both stress-free and efficient, ensuring that teachers always have a full schedule during their shifts while providing students with equal access to a diverse range of instructors.

How much do teachers earn on Open English?

In my experience, the pay structure on Open English isn’t particularly glamorous, but it might work well for others, depending on their needs and expectations.

The platform operates on an hourly pay system. This straightforward approach ensures that you’re compensated for your time, but it doesn’t include additional pay for public holidays, which can feel like a downside.

Abigail earns R70 an hour on Open English.

That said, there are opportunities to boost your earnings. Open English occasionally offers incentives, and you can increase your income by taking on extra hours. For those who enjoy flexibility and are looking for consistent hourly pay, the platform can still provide a stable and manageable income.

While the pay might not be a standout feature for everyone, Open English offers other benefits that make the overall experience worthwhile.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Each shift is two hours long, and there are often breaks between shifts that allow me to use the time for personal tasks or relaxation. Whether it’s putting in a load of laundry, going for a quick run, or making a stop at the mall, the flexibility of these breaks makes my day feel productive and manageable.

Sometimes, I’ll work a four-hour shift, but Open English ensures that teachers never work for more than four consecutive hours. If I’m scheduled for two back-to-back shifts, I always get a break afterward, which helps me recharge before continuing.

My typical workday often includes covering shifts in the afternoon, as this fits well with my lifestyle. However, I also have the option to take on morning shifts if my plans for the day allow. 

“This flexibility has been a perfect match for me, as I can easily fit work around my personal schedule, rather than the other way around.”

What are your students like?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of teaching on Open English is the students themselves. They are incredibly friendly, approachable, and a pleasure to teach.

It’s always a rewarding experience engaging in conversations with learners who bring enthusiasm and positivity to every session.

The diversity of the students adds another layer of richness to the platform. They come from various countries like Argentina, Turkey, Mexico, Portugal, and Brazil, each with unique perspectives and goals for learning English. This cultural variety keeps every lesson fresh and interesting, as I get to connect with individuals from different parts of the world.

Students on Open English are at varying CEFR levels, which means I often adapt my approach to suit their proficiency. 

For Beginners, I make sure to speak slowly and clearly, allowing them to absorb the language at their own pace. Conversely, advanced learners can handle natural-paced conversations, giving me the chance to speak more freely in a way that feels authentic.

I’ve never encountered rude or unfriendly students. In the rare event that such a situation arises, Open English has a straightforward process for handling it. Teachers can file an incident report, describing the student’s behaviour, which helps maintain a respectful and positive environment for all users.

How does the student feedback system work?

The feedback system on Open English is refreshingly simple and efficient. Students do not have the option to leave written feedback or comments about their lessons. Instead, they are presented with a straightforward rating system: after each lesson, they choose between a happy face or a sad face to express their overall satisfaction with the session.

This quick and easy method ensures that feedback is gathered without adding unnecessary complexity for students or teachers, making the process seamless and stress-free.

Have you experienced any technical issues?

During my time teaching on Open English, I’ve come across one or two technical issues while conducting lessons. Thankfully, the platform has a well-organised support system that ensures these challenges are handled smoothly.

The “Get Assistance” button on the portal is a quick and convenient way to reach out for help. Whenever I’ve encountered an issue, a support technician has quickly joined the lesson to identify and resolve the problem. What’s reassuring is that if the technical issue stems from my side, the support technician can take over the lesson entirely. This ensures that the student isn’t left hanging and their learning experience isn’t disrupted.

Having such a responsive and capable support team gives me peace of mind during my shifts. It’s comforting to know that no matter what technical hiccups arise, my students will always be taken care of and their lessons won’t go to waste.

Does Open English offer support to teachers?

One of the standout features of Open English is its commitment to supporting teachers in their professional growth. The platform offers various training modules that teachers can complete at their own pace to expand their skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to maximise the use of its tools. These resources are helpful for familiarising yourself with the system and for building confidence and enhancing your overall teaching approach.

For teachers who encounter challenges during lessons—such as receiving negative ratings from students— additional coaching and guidance are provided. This personalised support helps pinpoint areas of concern, assess the situation, and offer strategies to overcome difficulties. The coaching sessions are designed to be constructive and empowering, ensuring that teachers feel well-equipped to deliver effective lessons and connect with their students.

Is teaching on Open English sustainable as a full-time job?

From my perspective, teaching on Open English works wonderfully as a side hustle, offering flexibility and an opportunity to earn extra income. The structure of the platform, with shifts spaced out throughout the day, provides plenty of room to fit teaching into your schedule without feeling overburdened.

However, I’ve found it challenging to view this as a sustainable option for full-time work. If you’re aiming to take on multiple shifts in a single day to maximise earnings, the scattered nature of the schedule can leave you feeling drained by the end of the day. While the platform’s flexibility is great, balancing multiple shifts might require careful planning to avoid burnout.

That said, each person’s approach to work is unique. Open English offers the freedom to tailor your schedule to suit your needs, making it an ideal choice for those who value convenience and adaptability in their teaching routine.

 

Would you recommend teaching on Open English?

I wholeheartedly recommend Open English to anyone looking for a side hustle or an opportunity to earn extra income during their free hours. The platform is incredibly relaxed and stress-free, making it an enjoyable experience rather than just another job.

What sets Open English apart is how easy and flexible it is to fit into your day. Whether you’re looking to make the most of your spare time or just want to supplement your earnings, teaching here feels more like a fulfilling hobby that also pays! It’s a great option for those who value flexibility and want to enjoy their work while making a difference in students’ lives.

Teaching on this platform has been more than just a job for me; it’s been an opportunity to connect with diverse learners, share my love for language, and make a real impact in their lives. The flexibility, friendly community, and straightforward approach have made my experience on Open English both unique and incredibly rewarding.