EF Education First: What It’s Really Like Teaching English Online
When you’re building a side hustle, online English teaching is one of those opportunities that keeps coming up in recommendations. I started teaching with EF Education First back in 2015, and eight years later, I’m still at it. Not because it’s perfect — no side hustle is — but because it actually delivers on the flexibility promise. If you’ve got decent communication skills and a bit of patience, this can be a solid income stream that fits around your schedule. You don’t need teaching experience or a fancy degree in education. What you do need is a genuine interest in talking to people from different cultures and the ability to show up consistently.
What Exactly Is EF Education First?
EF Education First is a massive company that’s been around since 1965 — it’s not some fly-by-night platform. Bertil Hult founded it, and it’s still family-run today. The division I work for is EF Teach Online, which is just one piece of their larger operation. You might know them for their EF Tours (travel programs to places like Paris, Rome, and Tokyo) or their physical language schools (EF English First) spread across the globe. What matters for you is that they’re established and they’re not going anywhere. That means steady work, reliable payments, and a structured system — which is exactly what you want when you’re depending on this as part of your freelance income.
What You Need to Get Hired
The requirements are straightforward and won’t gatekeep you. You need to be a US resident with native English proficiency (C2 level), and you need a Bachelor’s degree in anything — literally any field works. The third requirement is a TEFL certificate of at least 40 hours. If you don’t have one, you can grab one online in a couple of weeks for under $50. No previous teaching experience is required, which is the whole point. EF trains you on their system once you’re hired. This is one of the most accessible entry points into online teaching, especially if you’re looking for a remote side hustle that doesn’t demand years of prep work.
Tech Setup and Hiring Process
Here’s the gear you’ll need: a Windows 10 PC or higher, a 1080p webcam (Logitech C920 is the standard), a green screen, a ring light, and a noise-canceling USB headset. A rock-solid internet connection is non-negotiable — wired Ethernet beats WiFi every time. The hiring process involves a video interview and a mock teaching demo. They’re looking for energy, clarity, and the ability to keep a conversation flowing, not textbook teaching skills. Once you’re in, you pick your own hours. The platform handles scheduling, so you’re not chasing students or dealing with the admin headache that comes with going fully independent.
The Real Pros and Cons After Eight Years
The biggest win is the flexibility. I’ve taught from home, from coffee shops, even while traveling. The pay is consistent and predictable — you know exactly what you’ll earn per hour, which is rare in the gig economy. The downside? It can get repetitive, especially if you’re teaching similar lessons back to back. There’s also a cap on how much you can earn per hour, so this works best as a supplementary income stream rather than a primary breadwinner. The key is to treat it like a side hustle: use it to fill gaps, build a steady base, and free up mental energy to grow your other projects.
Should You Apply as a Side Hustle?
If you’re looking for a low-barrier online job that pays reliably and fits around your existing schedule, EF is worth applying to. The entry requirements are minimal, the company is stable, and you don’t need to scramble for students or handle billing. It won’t make you rich, but it will give you consistent income with almost zero overhead. For freelancers and side hustlers, that kind of predictability is gold. Apply, go through the demo, and see if the format clicks for you — you’ve got nothing to lose except an hour of your time.
