Have a Bachelor’s Degree? Earn $1,000+ Monthly Teaching English From Home

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For a limited time, hop on over to VIPKID.com where they are looking for teachers who are high-energy, enjoy working with children, and are motivated to work with a promising company that is growing at a fast pace in China!

Qualified teachers will be able to work at least 7.5 hours per week teaching English to young students online and will make between $14-$22/hour. A bachelor’s degree in ANY field AND 1 school-year of traditional teaching experience or the equivalent in mentoring, tutoring, or alternative education is required.

VIPKID provides an international learning experience to children in China between the ages 4-12. Headquartered in Beijing, the company offers fully immersive one-on-one English language instruction provided online by highly qualified teachers. The curriculum is based on the U.S. Common Core State Standards and uses a flipped-classroom approach to foster creativity and critical thinking skills.


Here’s what Hip2Save readers have to say about VIPKID.com

I’ve been doing this for 2 months now and it is awesome. I’m a stay-at-home mom and just teach for a few hours in the morning before my kids are awake and that’s it! 


I was hired last month and have already taught 100 classes! I made about $1,000 for my first paycheck.


VIPKID has been such a blessing for my family! I work in the morning before they are awake! I work full time in a school and use this to supplement my income. I am seriously considering quitting my full time job and doing this solely! There are no tests to grade or lesson plans to make! The kids are all so sweet and WANT to learn! It’s so easy and I look forward to seeing my kiddos every morning!


Another happy VIPKID teacher here! I have been with the company a few months now and have LOVED every minute of it! This company has been an incredible blessing to my family as it allows me to be a SAHM and help pay down our debt!

Join The Discussion

Comments 90

  1. Brooke C.

    I have been working with VIPKID since June and love it!!! I can’t say enough wonderful things about the community of teachers, the sweet kids and staff. It does take a while to get regulars so you have to be patient but I’m 4 months in and fully booked! I’d love to help you with any questions couponmom53@gmail.com or sign up using my referral link!
    https://t.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=4852666&refersourceid=a01

  2. Brooke C.

    I have been teaching with VIPKID for 5 months and love it! I can’t say enough wonderful things about the support of the company, other teachers, the sweet children and the FLEXIBILITY!! It was a slow start (for everyone) as you build up regulars so you do have to be patient in the beginning but I am fully booked each week now! If you have questions you can contact me at couponmom53@gmail.com and I can help walk you through the hiring process or you can also use my referral link!
    https://t.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=4852666&refersourceid=a01

    • savingiscool

      Hi Danielle! I just signed up under your link! You know so much about it. I will be sending you a email shortly. Thank you!

  3. J24633

    Why is everyone’s comment basically say the same thing? There are some red flags. What’s the catch?

    • Teeracey

      If you get referrals, they get a bonus.

    • Danielle

      Yes, we get a small ($50) 1 time bonus for referring qualified teachers. There is no catch to working for this company. It has been the biggest blessing to my family. You make $18-$22/hr from home! I can work even if my kids are sick (was cancelling daycare before and losing out on a lot of money), because it’s early and my husband can care for them. Totally legitimate company. Been loving it for 10 months now! The kids are adorable.

      • Tp

        I don’t consider $50 a small bonus. Especially when all did was post a referral link on a comment.

        • Danielle

          We can see on our end, who clicks the link to apply. We reach out to them and assist them with the hiring process, answering questions, etc. So it’s not JUST posting the link. It does require us to be available to help them. It can be pretty time consuming depending on how much help the applicant wants =)

    • Sarah

      Teachers invest their time in helping potential teachers through the hiring process and the company recognizes the value in that and offers a bonus if a referral link is used and that person becomes a teacher!

    • Andre

      That’s exactly what I feel.

    • Shannon

      Also depending on your time zone early in the morning means 4am.

    • Kathryn

      I just signed up under your link because you seem so helpful! I’ve been thinking about joining for a while

      • Danielle

        Awesome! I look forward to helping you any way that I can. Love, love this company!

  4. Amanda

    I’m MST time zone and the hours make me hesitant to apply. I don’t want to begin at 4am or be teaching late at night.

    • Danielle

      The hours are definitely early, and it’s not for everyone. There was an adjustment period where it was really hard to get up (I teach 4-6:30). You need an earlier bedtime. BUT…for me the tradeoff was quitting my daycare job where I worked 12 hour days. Now I have all day with my kids. For me, it’s perfect. But if I had been in a different situation, I might not have wanted to do the early mornings.

  5. Alyssa

    I am one of the Hip2save reader’s comments Collin’s team shared. Cannot speak highly enough about this company! The application process can seem a little intimidating. Using my referral link gives me a bonus, but also allows me to see where you are in the application process! This is helpful as I can email you tips and what to expect next! Email me with any questions! alyssaclader @ yahoo https://t.vipkid.com.cn?partnerId=3724772&refereeId=8344127

  6. Razzies

    I’m seriously thinking of applying as a way to supplement my income. Can someone say exactly how much they earn, time they put in to earn the amount? Thank you in advance.

    • Danielle

      I personally make $20/hr, but it does vary by person. You are paid by class (25 minute). At the beginning, it took maybe 10 minutes per class to prep. Now, 10 months in, much less time. Then another 2 minutes or so per class to write feedback to the parent. If you have more questions, let me know!

      • Tracie

        I have a bachelor’s but no teaching experience?;

    • Julie

      I only work a couple hours on weekends and I have been earning around around $175-$200/month. I don’t have a lot of regulars yet so it has varied but it’s worth the 4ish hours a weekend I work, makes a big difference when your budget is quite small 😉

  7. CC

    Is there a certain curriculum taught that teachers need to follow? What does a typical day look like?

    • Danielle

      The curriculum is made by VIPKID. You preview the lesson ahead of time and present the lesson to the student. You teach 25 minute classes. You are basically video chatting and looking at a PPT together. You open the slots you want (but keep in mind they are early hours since the students are in China). Students search for teachers and book your classes. You have to prepare a few props ahead of time. The prep time decreases as you become familiar with the curriculum. Then you take a couple minutes after class to write feedback to the parents. Let me know if you have more questions!

      • Danielle

        I teach 5 classes each morning (4am-6:30am my time)

      • Laura A

        A couple people have mentioned reward systems for students, how exactly does that work?

        • Danielle

          The reward systems are a way to keep the students motivated. For example, one of the reward systems I use is a magnetic board with an ice cream cone. I add a different colored ice cream scoop periodically when they do well. Then we pretend to eat it together. Sometimes we build a Mr. Potato head, add petals to a flower, draw something, or ask questions. They can be super simple. Just an extra way to engage the student.

          • Tara Radcliff

            Love your ideas and all of your fantastic information. Forgive me if you have already answered this question. I have been teaching preschool for 5 years. I absolutely love teaching, it isn’t truly my passion, but financially on my own preschool doesn’t pay the bills or allow me time and flexibility with my son. I am finally getting back in school, considering early childhood degree. What are your thoughts? I am a struggling single mom, and I want to figure out the most feasible path to this amazing teaching opportunity. 😊

    • Frankie

      Yes, I would love to hear exactly what a sample prep looks like and what gets taught during the lesson. Are you teaching one on one then?

      Also this is contract rate so you would receive a 1099 and pay self-employment tax correct?

      • Julie

        You are teaching one on one and are self employed as a contractor. My prep at the beginning was looking through all the slides, finding props from around my house to aid the lesson(puppets, toys, animals, legos, even a leaf lol), a few reward systems to encourage the students and practicing using hand motions etc to demonstrate concepts. The only supplies I bought were a dollar tree whiteboard(extremely handy to have), headphones with microphone and a wireless mouse. I also made an educational backdrop with the alphabet and cork board I already had. It only takes a few minutes of prep now to refresh myself on a lesson or a little more if it’s a new lesson to me.

        • Danielle

          To prep, you sit down and view the powerpoint lesson. The curriculum is prepared by VIPKID, but you view it ahead of time so you know what you are presenting. I jot down a few notes about props I might want to use (flashcards, small toys, etc). I would say I spend maybe 2 minutes per class now? (I spent more time initially when the curriculum wasn’t familiar). Each class is a 25 minute 1:1 class with a student in China. You use props, circling on the powerpoint, gestures, etc to help them understand. The ages range from 5-12, so what you teach varies greatly depending on their level.
          Yes, you are an independent contractor, so you would receive a 1099 and pay self-employment tax.
          REPLY

  8. jishmo

    I’ve been considering this for a while, just got to convince myself to wake up so early!

  9. Julie

    Is there awkwardness? Since they don’t speak English? What if they aren’t behaving? Or if they are just totally confused?

    • Julie

      For the kids who are just beginning to learn English, it is very basic. You use lots of TPR (hand motions etc) to demonstrate the concepts. You do try to be silly & enthusiastic to get them invested & involved. You also use reward systems to motivate them.

    • Danielle

      You are looking at a powerpoint together. So you can circle things, use gestures, use props. They usually understand. Though I have had the occasional awkward lesson where they were totally not getting it at all. For the most part, it works really well. The kids are so smart, and most are eager to learn.

  10. rose

    Do you have to give your social to apply?

  11. rose

    Are the only hrs to work the early am?

    • Danielle

      You can work on the evenings on Friday and Saturday nights. Technically you can open evening slots any evening. But they typically don’t get booked except for Friday and Saturday (those evenings are Sat/Sun morning in China so the kids are out of school).

      • rose

        Do you have to give your social when applying?

        • Danielle

          Honestly, I don’t remember. But I don’t think so. You do have to give it for the background check once hired.

        • Sarah

          You don’t have to give it up front, but you are employed by them so giving your social is a must.

  12. rose

    What is considered teaching alternative? I have been a teacher but babysit and have 3 of my own?

    • Danielle

      It is pretty open. If you teach the kids you babysit that could potentially count. It doesn’t hurt to put down all relevant experience and give it a try! Make sure you put down everything related that you can think of. It’s a computer that screens the initial applications. You’ll know right away whether your application was accepted or not. Then you’ll move on to the interview stages.

  13. Christy

    What does the interview entail?

    • Danielle

      They ask you basic questions at the beginning about your experience. Then you teach part of a sample class. You pretend the interviewer is a student. If you pass the interview, you complete 1 or 2 mock classes (this is all before you are technically hired). If you pass the interview and the mock classes, you become a teacher for the company! There is definitely a specific way they want you to teach. So I recommend having a teacher mentor you through the process. And there are lots of video helps available from current teachers on YouTube too.

  14. emilym

    I’m in the eastern time zone and super interested in this as a supplemental income. I like the early morning hours idea. I see that you open time slots, so I’m guessing you make your own schedule? I see the hours/week are 7.5. How long is each session? Are you maxed at 7.5 hours a week or can you work more? In the EST what would you my early morning start time likely be? TIA!!

    • Danielle

      You do make your own schedule. I work 15.5 hours a week, and some people work MUCH more! That’s one of the big pluses. You can work as much or as little as you want. Each session is 25 minutes and is 1:1 with a student in China. The peak hours for East coast time start at 5:00am and go till 9:00am. The most popular times would be 6:00-8:00. You can work even earlier than 5:00 if you want though. Those slots are available to open =)

  15. LC

    I’ve really been looking into this as well but am hesitant… does anyone juggle this with a full-time job? How important is the hard wired internet connection?

    • Danielle

      Many teachers do. I personally used to work this job before my 12 hour daycare day. I did this for 6 months. I quit my daycare job a few months ago now. It is doable. You just have to know yourself and your limitations. You get to make your own schedule, so you can teach as much or as little as you want. Your schedule can even be different from week to week if you want to cut back a little. I’ve never used a hard wired internet connection, but I know it can help if you are having frequent tech issues.

  16. china

    how do they pay you? Do hou report this on taxes? not sure ic I’ll give my social # to China

    • Danielle

      You are an independent contractor. You give them your bank info, and your pay is deposited once a month. You are responsible for your own taxes at tax time.

    • Crystalsnow

      Although you teach students in China, I believe the hiring party is NOT in China. I worked for a similar group, but they were located in Canada.

      • Danielle

        VIPKID headquarters is in Beijing. They do also have a US office now.

  17. Jona

    I live in central standard time so the time difference between us and China is 14 hours. What times would I be teaching in CST? I am interested in this and like the idea of it! I don’t have any teaching experience BUT I do have a bachelors degree and have been a nurse for 5 years. Does that count?! We do a lot of education for patients! 🙂

    • Danielle

      I would definitely give it a try. I think it should count. The application is screened by a computer, and you will know right away whether it was accepted. So try to use as many key words as you can: “teach,” “educate,” etc. I didn’t have teaching experience either but was an Occupational Therapist and Daycare owner. I think you’ll be fine! For CST, peak hours are 4am-8am with the most popular time being 5-7am. Hope that helps!

      • Danielle

        Once you pass the initial application screening, you will set up your interview and start the process =)

  18. Crystal

    This may be a silly question, but I have a 4 year degree and three years experience as a certified personal trainer so I have a LOT of experience with instruction, just not in the educational realm. I’ve also hosted exchange students in our home for 4 years so I’m very comfortable with different cultures. But is my lack of proper educational experience a disqualification? ; ) Thanks!

    • Sarah

      A bachelors degree in any field is acceptable! You have awesome teaching credentials! Just be sure to list each experience separate! The application goes through an automated system and the more listings, the better!

      https://t.vipkid.com.cn/?refereeId=5314816

      You can also email me at msl0207(at)gmail(dot)com (those are zeros) I’m happy to answer any and all questions you have!

  19. Dee

    I have my masters degree and teaching experience of 6 months for college students. Do you think I can be eligible for this? I’m in Mountain standard time. Could you tell me what hours will be good for me ? Do they ask for social? Would appreciate your response. Thanks in advance!

    • Danielle

      I would apply! Think of anything teaching related experience that you can. Past student teaching, tutoring, babysitting. As long as you have a year of cumulative experience, you’re good. It does NOT need to be formal teaching. I have never been a classroom teacher, and my degree is not in education. I’m in MST as well. The peak hours are 3-7am. Most popular is 4-6. I work from 4:00-6:30 each morning. You give your SSN once hired =)

  20. cowsarefunny79

    This is the first time I’ve seen something like this! I am very interested as I just got my Master’s in elementary education with teaching accreditation. However, I have some serious health issues I need to take care of right now. How often do they post for new applicants?

    • Sarah

      The company is only growing so there will continue to be a need for more teachers!

      • cowsarefunny79

        Oh, good! Thanks!

    • Shannon

      Cowsarefunny if you have a teaching license you may be able to get an online job teaching in your state and get benefits too. My state (ks) has an online k-12 school where they hire certified teachers.

      • cowsarefunny79

        Cool, thanks! I never thought of that. I’m in MO, so that’s definitely something I’ll look into.

  21. Shannon

    I read that they aren’t very flexible. If you miss a shift for any reason you’ll be docked pay and fired. Is that true?

    • ann

      Hey Shannon! They try and meet our needs, but as with any job if you don’t show up etc. there are consequences. They have a certain amount of cancellations, and they try to be flexible- sickness, accidents etc. If you email them and stay in contact they are good to work with. Depending on when you cancel or don’t show, there is an amount of pay deducted from a bonus amount you get each month per class. I can explain it more in detail and send you info. Its fair how it works. If you have any questions or want to apply I’d love to help you through the hiring process. https://www.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=3210615&refersourceid=a01

  22. Ann

    This is hopefully to help anyone who is sitting on the fence about this job, or thinks will I qualify, will I actually be hired, feeling intimidated or overwhelmed by the process. You don’t know until you try!!! What do you have to loose?!! I sat on the fence forever thinking I wouldn’t be good at it, my degree wasn’t in education – how could I teach, would it be awkward, etc etc. and finally I got out of my own mind and gave it a shot, only to be pleasantly surprised with the outcome and ask myself WHY didn’t I just go for it sooner!! We are our own worst critic and enemy! If you have a bachelors degree- in any subject, some experience with kids- babysitting, teaching, preschool, home-school, kids of your own, lesson prepping, community service in church settings, volunteer work, draw on all of your experiences and I bet you’ll have more than you realize! Give it a shot! This really is a blessing- yes the mornings are hard to adjust to at first, but you make sweet friends, ( parents and kids) from all the way in China, and you start to look forward to class, and seeing the little ones on the other end. Some kids can be challenging, but part of the adventure is figuring out how to help them succeed! You are making a difference. It is flexible- you choose your schedule, and when you want to work. If you are a stay at home mom- its a blessing to work and not leave your kids- if you are looking for some extra cash for trips, holidays, bills, its worth it! When you sign up under the referral links it allows us to connect with you and help you through the hiring process if you desire it! I am happy to help, motivate, and do whatever I can to help anyone wanting to join, to succeed!! It has been a huge blessing in my life and I want to pay it forward from the person who encouraged me and told me to just go for- I have nothing to loose, and then helped me along the way! I am so grateful I “Just went for it” you’ll love it!! Just go for it! You got this!!!! https://www.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=3210615&refersourceid=a01

    • Sarah Miller

      Hi Ann. Thanks for the info. I will definitely look into this more using your referral code!

    • Jacinda

      Hey Ann… I’m going to start the process and chose your referral code if you could help me out!???

      • Ann

        Jacinda! Of course I will! 🙂 I sent you a email.

  23. Joyce

    I’m working in. a private school in DC and curious about the program. If it’s an English class, how do I teach them if I don’t speak Chinese? How do you communicate with them? Your thoughts pls. Thanks!

    • Danielle

      It’s basically a video chat with a student in China. You both view the powerpoint lesson together. You can circle pictures on the screen, use props, and use gestures to help the students learn. It actually works out really well! My daughter took a few Mandarin lessons (she was interested since I teach students in China). I don’t speak Mandarin at all, but the lessons went well and she learned a few words/phrases. The kids are adorable, and most are eager to learn.

  24. Mara

    How far in advance do you know your schedule?

    • Danielle

      You are scheduled out for two weeks at a time. You are the one that makes your own schedule. But once slots are booked, you are required to teach them (you are allowed a few cancellations but not many). If you open a slot within the coming 2 weeks, it can be booked by a student. Hope that helps.

  25. Marcine

    How far in advance do you know what lesson you are teaching in order to prepare for it?

    • Danielle

      You know for sure 24 hours in advance. Prior to that, students can cancel their lessons without having to pay. You do have the option to take last minute classes. These classes could be assigned up to 1 hour before start time. However, it’s not mandatory to take these last minute bookings.

  26. Kelly M

    I’d love to do this, I have a bachelor’s but no teaching experience.

    • Danielle

      Do you have any experience teaching others (think babysitting, Sunday school, tutoring, volunteering)? It does not need to be classroom experience. I’ve never been a classroom teacher, but I’ve done a lot of other types of teaching. If you’d love to do it, I say put down as much relevant experience as you can think of and give it a shot. It’s a computer that screens the initial application, so you’ll know right away whether it was accepted.

  27. Prncsnyc

    So here is what has been keeping me from applying for this: I technically graduated with a BA in theatre and Liberal Arts, but I still owe the school money, so they never gave me a diploma. I won’t get it until I have paid the outstanding balance in full. Will this prevent me from being accepted? Or am I being paranoid? What is the proof of degree they accept? I have a photo of me in my cap and gown… 😀

    • Danielle

      I think we had to submit transcripts but not a diploma. Does your transcript say your degree? I would give it a try. You really have nothing to lose!

  28. *Angela-Miles*

    Ive been practicing lol!!. Im glad this post does not have the fake diploma comments like the last one that was posted! Scary and unethical 🙂

  29. Carin

    I have an associates degree in business administration.. but I worked in day care for many years when my kids were younger, I was even the assistant director. I am also bi-lingual and taught English to adults. Would that qualify me or does it have to be a bachelor degree?

  30. Jamie

    Does anyone have a referral code they want to share? I’ve been looking for a part time job and this would be perfect for me. I taught high school kids for 13 years and have a degree in accounting and only work 4 days a week currently doing auditing. I kinda miss teaching

    • Lisa

      Hi Jamie! I can help you! Just note that you want someone who is willing to take the time to walk you through the hiring process. It can be overwhelming and stressful and not like a typical interview process. Here’s my referral link and code if you want to use it. If you use it, it will pop up on my account:
      https://t.vipkidteachers.com/?refereeId=8348992&refersourceid=a01
      04YY4G

  31. Sherry

    How long does it usually take from the beginning of the application process to the interviews and being hired? I was wondering how the holidays would play into it. I am considering it but would prefer to start after the holidays are over. Thanks.

    • Lisa

      It can take from a few days, to a week or two. It just all depends on how quickly you pass everything. There’s the initial application process, then an skype-type interview, then mock interviews. Some people only have to do one mock interview, some people do multiple mock interviews. It all depends on how well you do in the process and how quickly you book the next steps.

  32. brian

    How bad are the taxes at tax time? I imagine I should save a good chunk of money earned; just in case the taxes that are taken out are a lot. Thoughts?

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