Best Online Platforms for Teaching English to Adults

 Teaching English online is an exciting and rewarding career path, and there are a variety of platforms that cater specifically to adult learners. These platforms offer unique opportunities to teach English to adults with diverse goals, ranging from improving conversational skills to preparing for exams or enhancing business English. In this blog, we will explore the best online platforms for teaching English to adults, diving into their features, benefits, and what makes them suitable for adult students.

1. iTalki

iTalki stands as one of the most popular platforms for teaching English to adult learners, especially those interested in improving their conversational skills, business English, or preparing for standardized exams like IELTS and TOEFL. The platform connects language learners with tutors from around the world, and students can choose teachers based on various criteria, including teaching style, availability, and rate.

Key Features:

• Teacher Variety: iTalki offers two types of teachers: professional teachers (with degrees and certifications) and community tutors (who are native speakers without formal qualifications but who excel in conversational teaching).

• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers set their own schedules and rates, which makes it flexible for both teachers and students. You can find students who want lessons at times that fit your availability.

• Customizable Lessons: iTalki provides opportunities for customized lessons, whether students need focused grammar sessions, business English, or casual conversational practice.

• Global Reach: iTalki has a huge user base across the globe, and the platform is popular with adults who want to learn practical English for work, travel, or personal growth.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

iTalki is particularly good for adults because it allows learners to tailor lessons to their specific needs, whether that be for improving professional language skills or engaging in casual conversations. It's an ideal platform for adult learners who may want to learn in a more relaxed, flexible environment, as well as for teachers who prefer to offer personalized lessons.

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2. Preply

Preply is another excellent choice for teaching English to adults. The platform allows teachers to offer a wide range of lessons, from basic conversational practice to advanced business English and test preparation. Preply has a large number of adult learners, making it a prime platform for teaching students who want to improve their English for work or travel.

Key Features:

• Variety of Lesson Types: Preply offers one-on-one lessons, group lessons, and trial sessions. This variety ensures that teachers can cater to the different needs and preferences of adult students.

• Customizable Learning Plans: Teachers can create customized lesson plans for students based on their specific goals—whether it’s improving fluency, preparing for exams, or mastering business terminology.

• Flexible Payment and Scheduling: Preply allows teachers to set their rates and schedule, offering the flexibility to teach adults in different time zones.

• Review System: After each lesson, students can leave feedback, which helps teachers build a good reputation and attract more adult learners.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

Preply’s wide range of lesson options, combined with its ability to offer tailored courses, is especially appealing to adult learners. The platform also supports various professional goals, like business English or exam preparation, which is highly relevant for adults looking to use English in their careers or personal life.

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3. Cambly

Cambly is a platform that stands out for offering instant English lessons to students, particularly those looking for casual conversation practice or exam preparation. Cambly offers lessons with native English speakers, which appeals to adult learners who are looking for conversational fluency or to practice their English skills in real-life situations.

Key Features:

• Instant Lessons: One of Cambly’s standout features is its ability to offer on-demand, real-time lessons. This is beneficial for adults who may have busy schedules and want flexibility in their learning.

• No Scheduling Required: Students can simply log on and start a lesson whenever they are ready, making it a great option for learners with unpredictable schedules.

• Business English Focus: Cambly provides tailored lessons for students looking to improve their professional language skills, including industry-specific vocabulary, business etiquette, and interview preparation.

• Global Reach: Cambly is widely used around the world, and its user base includes many adults who are looking to improve their English for professional or social reasons.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

Cambly is ideal for adults who are looking for flexibility and spontaneous learning. Whether it’s for improving conversation skills or preparing for professional situations, Cambly offers practical, real-time English lessons that adults can use right away.

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4. VIPKid

While VIPKid is known primarily for teaching English to children, it has also started expanding its offerings to include adults, especially for students who need English for business or academic purposes. VIPKid provides teachers with the resources and structure to create engaging lessons, and it has been particularly praised for its comprehensive curriculum.

Key Features:

• Structured Curriculum: VIPKid offers a fully structured curriculum designed for both children and adults, particularly those who need to improve English for professional purposes or academic achievement.

• Work From Home: Teachers have the flexibility to teach from home, with the ability to work during hours that suit them.

• Professional Development: VIPKid provides teachers with training and resources to improve their teaching skills, helping educators provide high-quality lessons for adult learners.

• Business English: As VIPKid expands, there is a growing focus on business English, which appeals to adults who want to enhance their workplace communication skills.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

VIPKid is particularly beneficial for adults who need structure in their learning, as it provides a comprehensive curriculum that can be tailored to specific learning goals. It’s an excellent choice for adults who want to improve their academic or professional English skills in a more formal learning environment.

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5. Verbling

Verbling is another platform that provides high-quality language instruction, focusing on both children and adults. With a large number of professional teachers, Verbling ensures that students are matched with qualified instructors who can meet their specific needs, including business English, exam preparation, and conversational practice.

Key Features:

• Live Video Lessons: Verbling is primarily a video-based platform, providing live lessons that help create an interactive environment for both the teacher and student.

• Specialized Courses: Teachers can offer specialized courses, such as test preparation (IELTS, TOEFL), business English, and grammar-focused lessons.

• Teacher Qualifications: Verbling only allows teachers with formal qualifications, ensuring that adult students are getting instruction from experienced, certified educators.

• Flexible Scheduling: Teachers set their rates and availability, giving them the flexibility to work with students across various time zones.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

Verbling’s focus on professional qualifications and specialized courses makes it an excellent platform for adult learners who want to focus on specific English skills. Whether they are looking to prepare for an exam or enhance their professional English, Verbling offers the right resources to cater to their needs.

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6. Lingoda

Lingoda is a language learning platform that offers structured classes for adults. The platform provides both group and individual lessons, and it caters to all levels of proficiency. Lingoda has a strong reputation for its systematic approach to teaching languages, including English, and it’s particularly suited for adult learners who want to learn English in a more formal, academic-style environment.

Key Features:

• Group Classes: Lingoda offers small group classes, allowing adult learners to practice speaking and improve their listening skills in a social context.

• Structured Lessons: The platform uses a well-organized curriculum, ensuring that students progress at a consistent pace, making it ideal for adult learners who prefer structured learning.

• Business English: Lingoda has a variety of courses tailored for business professionals who want to enhance their workplace communication skills.

• Flexible Packages: Students can choose from a variety of packages based on their learning needs and availability.

Why It's Good for Teaching Adults:

Lingoda’s structured approach to learning, combined with its group classes, makes it an excellent choice for adult learners who prefer a more formalized, academic setting. The business English courses, in particular, are highly relevant for adult professionals looking to improve their English for work.

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Conclusion

The demand for adult English learners continues to grow, and online platforms offer a wealth of opportunities for teachers to connect with these students. Whether you are looking to teach conversational English, business English, or exam preparation, there are platforms that cater to all these needs. By choosing the right platform, teachers can maximize their reach, offer tailored lessons, and create a fulfilling teaching experience for adult learners.

For teachers, platforms like iTalki, Preply, Cambly, VIPKid, Verbling, and Lingoda provide unique features and flexibility, ensuring that educators can find a platform that aligns with their skills and teaching style. Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator, the opportunities to teach English to adults online are vast, and the demand for quality instruction is only increasing.

By carefully selecting the right platform and honing your teaching techniques, you can build a rewarding career teaching English to adults around the world.