italki

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italki: Become a Teacher

If you're considering online language teaching, Italki is one platform worth exploring. Since its launch in 2007, Italki has become a well-known name in language education, connecting tutors with students worldwide. This review offers an honest look at what Italki is like for tutors, covering the application process, teaching experience, earnings potential, and how it compares to other platforms.

What is italki?

Italki is an online marketplace where students can book lessons with tutors for personalized, one-on-one instruction. With a wide range of languages and learners of all levels, Italki creates a flexible teaching environment. Tutors can set their own rates and schedules, which makes it appealing if you're looking for autonomy. Compared to some other platforms, Italki focuses on creating a customized experience for students.

What languages can I teach on italki?

You can teach virtually any language you want on italki, however they aren’t always hiring new teachers for EVERY language available on their platform. You can check italki’s List of Open Languages to see which teachers they are currently accepting applications from. If the language you want to teach is not on the list, it is currently open.

Apply to italki

Requirements & Application Process

If you're interested in becoming a teacher on Italki, the application process depends on the type of tutor you want to be: professional or community.

Professional Tutor Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or a teaching certificate (such as a TEFL/TESOL certification).

• Submit a 1–3 minute introduction video.

• Provide a resume with your qualifications and teaching experience.

• Be a native speaker or have C2-level proficiency in the language you plan to teach.

Community Tutor Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Submit an introduction video.

• Have native-level fluency or C2 proficiency in the language.

While the process is straightforward, standing out among other tutors can take some effort. Be prepared to spend time creating a polished introduction video and writing an engaging profile.

italki Pay

Set your own rate - Between $15 and $30 per hour

One of Italki’s key selling points is that tutors set their own rates. Most charge between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on factors like subject demand and experience. Italki takes a 15% commission from each lesson, so keep that in mind when setting prices.

Many tutors also offer trial lessons at reduced rates to attract new students, which can help build your client base. Overall, your income will depend on how many students you can consistently book.

Our italki Review

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Flexible scheduling and location.

• You set your rates, so earnings potential is high.

• Access to a global student base.

• Opportunities for cultural exchange.

Cons:

• The 15% commission can feel steep, especially for lower-priced lessons.

• Building a student base takes time and self-promotion.

• Income can be inconsistent, especially when starting out.

• Platform doesn’t provide lesson materials

Preply vs italki

Preply is an online learning platform similar to italki. Many aspiring tutors wonder which platform is the better choice. While they share similarities, they also differ in key areas that might make one more appealing depending on your preferences and teaching goals.

Similarities

• Global Reach: Both Preply and italki connect tutors with students worldwide, offering the chance to teach across various time zones and cultural contexts.

• Tutor Autonomy: On both platforms, you set your own hourly rate and schedule. There’s no fixed curriculum, allowing you to design lessons tailored to individual students.

• Diverse Subject Offerings: While Preply offers over 120 subjects, including art and hobbies, italki focuses primarily on language instruction. Both platforms allow you to teach beyond English if you’re proficient in other languages.

• One-on-One Teaching: Both emphasize personalized, one-on-one lessons, creating an intimate learning environment for students.

• Flexibility for Tutors: Neither platform enforces minimum or maximum teaching hours, giving you complete control over your workload.

Key Differences

• Focus on Language Learning: While Preply offers a broader range of subjects, italki’s niche is language instruction. If you’re looking to teach a non-language subject, Preply might be the better option.

• Application Process:

  • Preply has minimal entry barriers. While teaching certifications like TEFL or TESOL may boost your chances, they are not mandatory.

  • italki has two tiers of tutors: Professional Tutors (requiring certifications or degrees) and Community Tutors (no formal qualifications needed but must have native or C2-level fluency).

• Payment System:

  • Preply uses PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill, or Wise for payments. However, it takes a commission ranging from 18% to 33%, with a 100% commission on trial lessons.

  • italki also supports secure payments and charges a flat 15% commission on all lessons. This makes italki potentially more cost-effective in the long run, especially for new tutors.

• Support and Development: Preply provides additional support through professional development webinars and live chat. italki does not emphasize tutor training but offers a dedicated help center.

• Student Matching:

  • On Preply, your visibility depends on factors like response time, profile quality, and student reviews. Students can book you directly or post lesson requests you can respond to.

  • italki primarily matches students through its search function, with emphasis on your profile and student ratings.

• Trial Classes:

  • Preply offers a money-back guarantee for trial lessons, but tutors earn nothing for these sessions.

  • italki does not have a mandatory trial class system, allowing tutors to charge for all lessons.

Which Platform is Right for You?

• Choose Preply if you’re interested in teaching a variety of subjects, prefer flexibility in entry requirements, and want additional professional development support.

• Opt for italki if you’re focused on language instruction, prefer a lower and more predictable commission rate, and meet their qualification standards.

Both platforms are excellent choices, but your decision should align with your teaching expertise, goals, and the type of students you wish to attract.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Italki is a solid platform for language tutors, offering flexibility and the chance to work with students from around the world. That said, it’s not without challenges. If you’re considering whether to apply to Italki or try another platform, weigh your need for autonomy against the competition you might face here.

For more details or to apply to Italki, visit their website and start the process.