Can I Teach English to Students in China Through Video Calls or Do I Need a Platform?

 The world of online teaching has opened numerous doors for educators around the globe, especially those interested in teaching English to students in non-English-speaking countries. China is one of the largest markets for English learning, and as an English teacher, you may be curious about whether it's possible to teach English to students in China directly through video calls or if you need to rely on a specific platform. This is a common question, and the answer depends on several factors, including the regulations, logistics, and preferences of both teachers and students.

In this blog, we will explore the key differences between teaching English via video calls directly and using an online teaching platform, as well as the advantages and challenges of each approach. By the end of this article, you should have a clearer understanding of how to teach English to students in China and what route will work best for you.

1. Teaching Through Video Calls: Pros and Cons

Teaching English through video calls, such as Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet, can be an attractive option for many teachers. This approach gives you greater flexibility and control over your teaching business, as you are not tied to a specific platform's rules and regulations. However, there are several factors to consider before making this decision.

Pros:

• Flexibility and Autonomy: By teaching through video calls, you can set your own schedule, rate, and lesson structure. You are free from platform fees and can create your own business model.

• Direct Communication: You have direct contact with your students and their families, which allows you to establish a personal relationship and cater to specific learning needs.

• Customizable Lessons: Without the limitations of a predefined curriculum from a platform, you can design lessons tailored specifically to your students' needs, be it for conversation practice, business English, or exam preparation.

Cons:

• Finding Students: One of the major challenges of teaching through video calls is finding students. Unlike platforms that have a built-in student base, you will need to market your services independently, which requires time, effort, and possibly even advertising costs.

• Payment and Contracts: When teaching through video calls, you will need to handle all administrative tasks such as invoicing, payment processing, and student contracts. This can be cumbersome compared to using a platform that takes care of these details for you.

• Time Zone Issues: China is in a different time zone, which means you may need to adjust your working hours to accommodate your students. This could lead to unconventional working hours or late-night classes, depending on where you're located.

• Technical Difficulties: While video calls are generally reliable, there can still be technical issues with internet connectivity, video quality, or software malfunctions, which may disrupt the flow of a lesson.

2. Teaching Through a Platform: Pros and Cons

Many English teachers prefer to teach through established online teaching platforms that cater specifically to students in China. These platforms, such as VIPKid, iTalki, Preply, and DaDaABC, offer teachers the ability to connect with students, often without the need to market their services independently. However, these platforms come with their own set of advantages and limitations.

Pros:

• Student Base: Platforms like VIPKid and iTalki already have a large pool of students, making it easier to find students without having to do extensive marketing or advertising. The platform itself handles most of the student acquisition.

• Structured Curriculum: Most platforms provide a predefined curriculum, which means you don’t need to spend time developing lesson plans unless you choose to offer specialized classes. This is especially helpful for teachers who prefer structure and want to focus purely on teaching.

• Administrative Support: Online platforms typically handle payments, scheduling, and invoicing, which saves teachers time and effort. Additionally, platforms often offer customer support, so you don’t have to worry about managing disputes or issues with students.

• Technical Support: Since platforms like VIPKid and iTalki are built for online teaching, they usually offer technical support to resolve any connectivity or software issues quickly. This reduces the risk of technical interruptions during lessons.

• Reputation and Trust: Many platforms have established reputations and are trusted by students and parents. Being part of a reputable platform can help build your credibility and make students more likely to choose you as their teacher.

Cons:

• Platform Fees: Teaching on platforms usually involves a fee that is taken from your earnings. These fees can range from 10% to 40%, which means you will earn less per lesson compared to teaching directly through video calls.

• Limited Control Over Pricing: On many platforms, the rates you can charge are predetermined or limited. This means you may not have as much flexibility when it comes to setting your own hourly rate.

• Less Autonomy: While platforms provide curriculum and lesson guidelines, they may also have rules about lesson structure, student expectations, and the types of content you can teach. This can limit your ability to fully customize your teaching approach.

• Competition: Depending on the platform, you may face stiff competition from other teachers. For example, iTalki has many teachers, so standing out can be challenging without a strong profile and positive reviews.

3. Regulations for Teaching English to Chinese Students

One key aspect to consider when teaching English to students in China is the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding online teaching. China has implemented strict regulations on online tutoring, particularly for minors. These regulations may affect how you can teach students in China, whether you are teaching directly through video calls or via a platform.

Teaching Through a Platform:

Most established platforms catering to Chinese students, such as VIPKid and DaDaABC, comply with Chinese laws and regulations. These platforms often require teachers to meet specific requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification (e.g., TEFL or TESOL). They also ensure that all lessons and communication between teachers and students are in line with local laws. By teaching on one of these platforms, you benefit from their legal compliance and safeguards.

Teaching Directly Through Video Calls:

If you choose to teach English directly to Chinese students through video calls, you will need to ensure that you are aware of and comply with Chinese regulations for online education. Some platforms, such as WeChat or Zoom, may be commonly used for direct teaching, but the burden of compliance with legal requirements may fall on you as the teacher. In China, there are specific laws about tutoring minors, including limitations on class hours and content. If you decide to teach students under the age of 18, you must be mindful of these restrictions.

Additionally, students or their families may be hesitant to pay for private lessons if they are unsure about the legality of the tutoring arrangement. Therefore, it’s important to have clear communication about how your services comply with relevant laws and regulations in China.

4. How to Get Started Teaching Through Video Calls

If you decide to teach English to students in China via video calls, here are some practical steps to help you get started:

1. Set Up Your Profile: Create a professional profile that clearly outlines your qualifications, experience, and teaching approach. Highlight any certifications (e.g., TEFL, TESOL) and any previous experience teaching students in China.

2. Market Your Services: Use social media, teaching forums, and online communities to promote your services. You can also consider joining platforms like iTalki or Preply and advertise your availability for video call lessons.

3. Choose the Right Tools: Select a reliable video call platform such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet for your lessons. Ensure that you have a high-quality microphone and camera, as well as a stable internet connection.

4. Prepare Your Lessons: Develop customized lessons that align with your students’ goals, whether it's conversational English, business English, or exam preparation. You can use materials like online games, worksheets, and interactive activities to keep your students engaged.

5. Build Trust with Students: Since you will be teaching directly without the support of a platform, it’s essential to build trust with your students. Provide a clear structure for your lessons, be punctual, and ensure open communication with both students and parents (if applicable).

Conclusion

Teaching English to students in China through video calls is absolutely possible, and many teachers have found success in this format. However, it requires a certain level of autonomy, marketing, and compliance with legal regulations. If you prefer more structure, support, and a built-in student base, teaching through an established platform might be a better choice.

Both methods offer their own advantages and challenges, so the decision will depend on your preferences, teaching style, and goals. Whether you choose to go the independent route or work through a platform, teaching English to students in China can be a rewarding and profitable opportunity.