Thanks for stopping by to check out my VIPKid Review. Teaching is one of my favorite methods of making money online because you are providing a valuable (and tangible) service to others, often changing lives in the process. It’s one of the best ways, in my opinion, to use the internet to make money.
With the economic challenges many predict are coming (a topic for a different article 😀 ), platforms like VIPKid are providing options for teachers to become independent contractors and entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer:
Please note, I am not a member or an affiliate for VIPKid. This review has been researched with information and/or testimonials that are available online in the public domain. Any recommendations and/or conclusions are strictly opinions and may not apply to, or agree with, all persons or situations. See full disclaimer for more info
What is VIPKid?
VIPKid is an online ESL teaching platform that provides a virtual classroom setting for teachers and students in China; specifically children between the ages of 4-12.
It's a similar business model to other online ESL companies such as Qkids, DadaABC and Cambly.
Founded in 2013, they have been the recipient of awards such as the US-China Entrepreneurship Leader Award, and the Top 21 Global Innovation Award. I was hoping to provide links to these awards, but unfortunately I wasn't able to find a source or confirmation that this claim is true.
I'm not saying it isn't true, I just wasn't able to find proof online (meaning my research skills may be lacking) 🙂
They can, however, boast about major investors, including Kobe Bryant.
But of course you can learn all of that from their website.
The real question is whether or not the systems works as claimed and if you as a teacher can make real money with it.
Is VIPKid a Scam?
We might as well get this out of the way now.
Is VIPKid a scam? What would you call a conspiracy… a secret Government takeover aimed at forcing the English language onto the non-English speaking world? Control their language… control their mind.
Am I kidding? Yes… absolutely! 😀
Having read some articles and watched some video’s claiming VIPKid was a scam, I wanted to join in on the fun.
But, in all seriousness, VIPKid is the real deal. It’s NOT a scam. I’ll get into some of the challenges and growing pains they are going through, but VIPKid is a legit side hustle for English teachers to leverage their skills and education to make money online.
In fact, some have made it their full-time job and earn a decent income.
How Does It Work?
The first hurdle you will face, is getting hired. This is NOT a general freelance site where you post your profile, credentials and then bid for jobs.
The process to becoming a VIPKid teacher is strict (which is ultimately a good thing for students and teachers who do get hired). You will require a Bachelor’s Degree, and they are very clear that they do not make exceptions.
Don’t have a bachelor’s degree? Check out my number one recommended program to make money online.
If you meet their criteria, you will then have to go through an interview and demo lesson process. You will have to demonstrate activities such as how you will elicit complete answers from students, time management and of course, your ESL teaching skills.
Specific areas of evaluation also include;
Classroom Management
Teacher manages the class by rewarding the student for doing well and reprimanding the student when necessary. An age appropriate reward system is in place.
Lesson Planning
Teacher has prepared for the lesson before class; he/she has included engaging, fun, and educational activities which are explained clearly (teacher doesn’t halt class to read tips).
Efficient Pacing & Timing
Teacher displays efficient pacing and timing of the class. Time spent on slides depends on the student’s comprehension and grasp of the content, but teacher strives to cover all slides.
Rapport
The teacher eases into the class after a greeting or introduction that establishes good rapport. He/she sustains positive rapport throughout the class and ends with proper closure (that is not abrupt).
Energy Level
Teacher demonstrates an energy level that is appropriate to different parts of the lesson such as reading, activity, introductions, etc.
Lesson Objectives
Teaches content as laid out in the lesson objectives (math, phonics, vocabulary, HFW, social studies etc.) to complete them
One comment I read claimed that only 10% of applicants get hired. I don’t know if that number is accurate or not (probably just someone’s guess), but it’s clear that they don’t hire everyone.
If you’re not able to get hired on by VIPKid, there are other options to making money online.
Getting hired will take some time as well. While you're going through the process you can always earn some quick spending money by doing surveys with legit sites like surveyjunkie.com, as well as doing things online you'd be doing anyway, like searching the web and playing games with Inbox Dollars. They'll also pay you to watch videos and visit websites.
Of course, these sites can't provide the kind of income VIPKid can.
Another option if you're not able to get hired is to start an online business.
If you want to work from home because of health issues, young children to take care of, or you'd just like to have more time and freedom in your life, an online business might be what you want.
With so much misinformation out there though… knowing how (and where) to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
Payment and Expenses
On the topic of expenses I’m going to ask for some reader input. I have read (and watched video) of comments with some people saying VIPKid reimburses your expenses, while others say they won’t.
These expenses include a whiteboard as well as teaching props such as a puppet, alphabet magnets, flash cards, toys etc.
If anyone has a definitive answer as to whether or not they compensate you for those costs, please leave a comment below… it would be greatly appreciated.
As far at the payment goes, they have a great reputation for paying in full and on time.
Base rates range from $7.00 – $9.00 USD per half-hour (or $14 to $18 per hour) plus incentives.
The base rate is determined by your credentials and demo lesson performance, and the incentives are applied to each half-hour rate.
Incentives and Contests
Participation Incentive – up to $1 USD (per half hour)
- Based on punctuality and teaching according to schedule.
Finished Class Incentive – up to $1 USD (per half hour)
- This incentive is determined by the number of students who book with you each month (number of classes you finish in a month). VIPKid uses this to assess your teaching quality.
With incentives, your total wage ranges from $14/hr to $22/hr. Some teachers report to be earning consistently $100 plus per day.
In addition they have periodic contest/bonuses.
Home Savings
A hundred bucks a day is not going to make you rich, but when you consider you can do it from home, the numbers become quite attractive. They get better if you consider the savings of not commuting to a job everyday.
- Less fuel and less wear and tear on your car.
- Depending on your situation you may be able to eliminate your vehicle entirely, saving on payments, insurance and possibly parking.
- Reduced clothing budget.
- Not eating out for lunch as often, and not grabbing quick (but expensive) dinners on the way home.
- Potentially moving to less expensive neighborhood or city could cut your expenses significantly.
- There are tax benefits when working from home.
An online teaching career, that you can do from anywhere with an internet connection can be life changing.
VIPKid Complaints
So we’ve gone over some of the good stuff, but as I mentioned earlier, VIPKid is a relatively new company (2013) and is still experiencing some growing pains. Some of the complaints are;
Technical Issues
Technical issues can be a big deal. They can range from a momentary glitch to not being able to connect and if you can’t connect, you can’t teach. If you can’t teach, you can’t make money.
For this reason alone, making this a full-time job could be risky, especially if you eventually consider quitting your current job. If you’re living the paycheck to paycheck lifestyle, this is something you might consider.
Having said that, VIPKid loses money when their system goes down as well, so I'm sure technical issues are something they take seriously and fix as quickly as possible.
And, VIPKid is not alone here. I don't think I've ever worked for a company that did not have technical issues of some kind. They're frustrating and not something you want to deal with on a regular basis… pay or no pay.
Inconsistent Hiring Practices
Although you can find dozens of complaints online related to VIPKid’s hiring practices, they must be taken with a grain of salt. They are likely the product of frustration, rather than objective observation.
Someone who spent hours preparing and going through the interview process is going be upset if they don’t get hired. Of course, someone with decades of teaching experience is going to think it’s unfair and it's a big hit to one's ego.
I’m reminded of the contestants on American Idol who don’t get chosen, telling Ryan Seacrest that the judges are idiots and don’t know what they’re doing.
Those who don’t get chosen by VIPKid will understandably complain.
I’m not saying they’re wrong… it’s just difficult to validate their claims. Just because you have an extensive teaching background doesn’t mean you can adapt your style to a web camera. Maybe you're just not good on camera. I know I'm not.
Connecting With Students
I’m not a teacher, but I can understand this point. Some teachers are going to be good at it, while others will find it difficult to connect with their students online… especially younger children.
Time Zone
The unfortunate consequence of a round planet, is that daytime in China means nighttime in N.America. Well, depending on your exact location, time and season, this might not always be true… but close enough. Peak hours in China are not the same as the US so a regular 9-5 schedule isn’t likely.
Parental Complaints and Control
Some report that dealing with parents can be difficult as they sometimes try to control the lesson and/or leave negative feedback that VIPKid usually sides with. It's understandable since the parents are the ultimate customers, and the customer is always right… even if they're wrong.
What I Like About VIPKid
- They pay on time and accurately
- Earning a living, while making a difference in someone’s life. It’s a unique time in history when you can impact the futures of children a world away.
- Curriculum is prepared by VIPKid, providing consistency for students, as well as saving time and not putting that accountability on teachers. If parents complain about what’s being taught, it’s not on you. “How” the curriculum is taught though… that is still on the teacher.
- You can make your own schedule, within reason. Of course, the time change makes it somewhat difficult, but you can still choose when to work, and when not to work.
- Unlike other freelance sites where the competition for work is high, VIPKid’s strict hiring practices maintain an efficient teacher to student ratio. Good teachers can work as often as they like.
What I Don’t Like
- You are dependent on their platform. There’s no reason to think they’ll shut the doors or make big changes that leave you unemployed, but it wouldn't hurt to diversify with other work-at-home opportunities, especially if you rely on VIPkid for an income.
- VIPKid has a referral program which has the potential of creating passive income. For the most part though, as a teacher there is no financial freedom and you're still dependent on an hourly wage.
- The only subject they teach is ESL.
- Although you get paid a decent rate for the hours you teach, you don’t get paid for your time preparing lessons.
- It’s not easy to get hired. This is both a pro and a con, depending on what side of the fence you’re sitting.
Final Thoughts
People have been teaching online now for awhile, but it’s just the beginning of a trend. Experts such as Peter Diamandis predict the future of education will be online (and include virtual reality). I tend to agree.
When you consider the cost of building and maintaining large campuses (including infrastructure such as roads, electric, water and even public transit lines) just to serve a local market, virtual schools may become the default option. Especially in emerging economies.
As a teacher, there’s no better time to start looking at a career online
If you're unable to get hired by VIPKid or it's taking longer than you expected, you can also earn money while you're waiting with online surveys. It's not a lot of money but sites like Survey Junkie and Inbox Dollars can give you a little extra each month and they're free to join.
For a real work-at-home income if you don't qualify for VIPKid, an online business can also be a good option for the right person.
If more time and freedom is what you're looking for and the extra effort doesn't scare you 😀 , an online business might be exactly what you want.
There's so many false promises and junk out there though, that knowing how (and where) to get started is what you need in order to get what you want.
Now, I'm going to give you a free step by step beginner's guide to making money online and you can get it by Clicking Here
I hope my VIPKid Review was helpful, and please comment below. I’d love to hear your opinions. Are you a teacher, or have you had experiences with VIPKid before (good or bad)?
Also, if you found this article useful, and think it may be helpful to others, please share 😀
Thanks for this information!
Given that China is (by far) the biggest ESL market on the planet, I would take exception to your claim that there is no better time to start looking at a career online. Why?
China has banned online teaching in certain subjects like math and English from being taught by tutors outside the country. Given China’s size, this will surely have a substantial negative effect on the company’s bottom line
Thank you… I have never had such good service.
Irresistible!
It seems like this has a number of ways to make money, so even if I do not like surveys, I can make money by clicking on ads. Clicking on ads can not be too hard, and I think that doing it just ten minutes a day in the morning will go a long way and I eventually will make some nice money. What do you think?
Do you need to pay a tax when you get hired?
I’ve recently made it through the hiring process, and now that I’m on the teacher side of it, the site seems less like a scam than it does from the outside, where all you get to see is the company talking itself up. From the inside, you see that it’s a lot like Uber for English teaching — you sign on as an independent contractor, they provide the platform for finding students and for teaching (as well as the curriculum/slides that you teach), and all you have to provide is your car (which in this case is your computer) and the driver (you — the engaging teacher). The only aspect that can seem sketchy is that if you miss an appointment, you have to pay a penalty to VIPKID, but this is pretty clearly not their racket, since they make more for the lesson if you /do/ show up; it exists as a consequence because no-shows look bad for their company. As long as you are careful about keeping your appointments, you won’t have to pay up.
The only caveats I would add are 1) there are a lot of teachers on the site, because it makes better sense for the company to have too many teachers than too few, so making real money can take some time, while you build up your regulars, and 2) make sure you have an ipad or mac/pc computer. I made it all the way through the interview process on my chromebook, investing in the recommended hardware, only to find out after hiring that the platform is no longer Chrome compatible. I was able to get ahold of an ipad for cheap, but lot $30-$50 on equipment for the Chromebook.
As for the interview process, I made it through both the demo lesson and the mock class on the first attempt, and while I do have a teaching degree, I don’t have a ton of in-class experience, so I don’t think it’s impossible for you, either, with a little work. You don’t need to have a teaching degree or classroom experience, but you do need a bachelors degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with children. “Working with” is relative though, and I believe that it can include babysitting jobs, or even raising your own kids. I don’t think stretching this is a real problem, as they no longer ask for a resume, but if you have very little to no experience with kids, this may not be the job for you. If you’ve decided to apply, I’d say that you should worry more about the demo lesson than the mock interview. They provide a ton of resources, videos, and a class to prepare you for the mock lesson, in which they explain their expectations and assessment rubric in detail. Plus, you can do it until they feel that you’re up to their standards. The demo, however, is tougher because its a cold interview, and you can only make a few attempts before they reject you (though a friend, and my Recommending Teacher, did this a few times with different emails until she got accepted). Find a clean white wall that you can light well for the demo, with either natural light, white light, or both. This doesn’t have to be the spot where you’re going to teach, though. I sat on the floor of my living room, in a corner. For the mock class-interview they’ll want to see a variety of props, but all I needed for the demo lesson was my dollar store white board. My recommending teacher sent me some print-outs that I taped to the wall behind me, for the classroom aesthetic. And she sent me some cut-outs that I was ready to use as props if I needed them. My recommending teacher went through a slightly different process than I did, only a few weeks later, so as far as I know, my experience is the current one. They give you three slides; one for you to demonstrate a set of concepts (with easy to remember TPR to correspond with the concepts), one to practice the concept with the student (I went over the concepts again then asked the student a comprehension question that could be answered from what I had just said), and one “quiz” to let them show comprehension, on which all you have to do is ask the comprehension question. This follows the “I do, we do, you do” model of scaffolding that they want to see.
If you want me to share any additional details or resources to help you through this process, or if you want to ask any questions, feel free to put me down as you recommending teacher by putting in my code […] on the sign up page. Once you’ve done that, send me an email at […]. Yes, I get a bonus if you’re hired, but that gives me every reason to help you actually get hired, so I’ll do everything I can to help you through, and explain the small stuff that confused me on my way through, that didn’t matter enough to explain here.
Pleae email me any tips. I am preparing for my demo lesson. I will be happy to enter your code. Thank you!
I’m new with VIPKIDS. I’ve been teaching three weeks. I’m enjoying the kids. But I have some concerns:
1. The rating system uses total number of classes and parents’ “apple” points to recommend teachers. Most of the parents don’t respond, you might have 10% rating because only 2 parents respond out of several classes. I don’t know if parents use that to choose teachers.
2. I’m having trouble booking classes. I’m a veteran educator, and I have worked hard in preparation. I’ve been willing to schedule classes any time.
What can I do to improve my number of bookings?
I’d appreciate suggestions. I’d like to make this work.
Hi Jay,
Thanks for the information.
I am asking just to “keep it real” as they say. Do they hire African American teachers? Don’t want to waste my time if they don’t.
Yeah they do. I’ve seen multiple online (Youtube, Ig) I know two personally (darker skin tones than me) and I also just got finished the process. Gonna sign my contract today.
Yes, they do. I have definitely seen African American teachers on the community forum for the company. I have no idea how many they’ve hired, percentage-wise, but there are some for sure.
Yes, they do.
Hello, Jay. Thank you for the information about the VIPKid program. I think I am going to apply. The information you (and others) provided is great.
Hi Mirian, glad you found it helpful and wishing all the best getting hired. Hope it goes well 🙂
Jay
Thank you for sharing! I’m a VIPKID teacher and I love it, but I definitely had some of these concerns at the beginning too! Overall it’s been a great experience for me! Thank you for covering all the bases. 🙂
As a retired teacher I was a bit hesitant on weather to try to get hired or if this was just a scam. I am grateful for your insight regarding this issue. I’ve been blessed by your info.
recently I came through a emotional brake down do to the fact that after 30 years teaching I had nothing else to do under daily bases. Everyone has grandkids, spouse, among other and I never married, never had children so it came to the point I felt useless. Ill be looking forward to read and share more concerning the subject in matter. Again thank you so very much.
(please excuse all my written errors) Spanish is my main language English is my second language and the class I taught from 1rst grade to 6th graders).
Hi Benito, sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds like VIPKid would a great fit as teaching and being helpful to others is what you love to do. Many of the comments and reviews from VIPKid teachers are that they love doing what they do and that VIPid has given them a wonderful opportunity. I hope you find what you’re looking for soon and I appreciate you taking the time to share your story 🙂
Jay
Hi, I have a question! I passed the interview and m reviewing the contract. But in the contract it says something about having liability insurance in order to be able to work for them. Does anyone know what this means and if it is mandatory to have it if I want to work with the company?
Thank you!
Great information! I’m considering applying with VipKid – I was a grade school teacher briefly, years ago, before my children were born. Since then I have taught contract pottery classes in schools and now I’m looking for something to augment my income.
Do you know if there is a minimum number of classes you must teach/be available for?
Hi Connie, thanks for reading and for your question. I believe there used to be a minimum number of hours required but that was a few years ago. To the best of my knowledge there is no longer a minimum number of hours or classes but if that has changed maybe someone else reading this can provided further information. And if you do apply, wishing you the best and crossing my fingers 🙂
Thanks again for stopping by,
Jay
Hi Connie! Jay is correct! There are no minimum hours! If you need help with the hiring process, I’d be happy to help! Just shoot me an email! teachersarah@heynewteacher.com
Hi Connie,
I started teaching with VIPKid fairly recently and they don’t have a minimum number of hours you need to work. Some ESL companies do. While there are things that I do and don’t like about it, overall, I’m really enjoying it. And there are a lot of great Facebook groups where VIPKid teachers can post questions and concerns, so you can get a lot of support and camaraderie that way. I hope that’s helpful! – Janet
How much time are you spending preparing for a lesson, considering they already have the curriculum and lessons already laid out for you?
I watched their intro video and was taken aback by the need to provide bank account info, plus a copy of my passport. Sounds like a possible scam.
You don’t need a copy of your passport. Just identification. This is typical for any job hiring process as they will do a background check. The bank account information is so you can get paid
Jay: Thanks for the tips! In 2003, I retired as an Adjunct Professor at a local University, after developing and teaching five “marketing communications” courses evenings twice a week since 1974. I missed it, and thought this would be a hoot, and an opportunity to do what I like, and make a few bucks. However, I’m going to back out. Sounds like more “peripheral stuff” involved than I want to mess with; props, toys, white board? Anyway, I’m sure your objective review will help everyone decide on way or another.
Does VIPKids use sessions with individual kids, groups or both? If so, what determines that?
Thanks,
Melanie
Hi Melanie, thanks for reading. VIPKid sessions are one-on-one and as far as I know there are no group sessions available.
Jay
There are now one-to-many options once you meet a certain threshold (1,000+ classes). There is a RURAL Education Project where 1 teacher will teach a class of 30ish students at a time. VIPKID offers this for free to rural schools that often get less attention and less opportunities than schools in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
The one-to-many classes are optional and you would need to both qualify and certify to teach those lessons.
I like the one-on-one time with each of my students.
Is VIPKID just for teachers? I’m not a teacher; however, I am looking to change careers and this sounds like something I would enjoy. I have a Masters in Organizational Management/HR and I am wondering if I could apply to become a VIPKID teacher? Thanks.
Hi Gregory, yes VIPKid is a ideal for teachers who are looking for something they can do online.
Jay
You need to have at least one year experience formally or informally teaching.
Of course you can! I do not have a teaching degree. I have a Paralegal Studies degree and work a full-time career as a paralegal. I teach with VIPKID part time.
Hey great article i wanted to ask that if if a guy living in Pakistan have a chance or they only prefer individuals from America.
They prefer American accents.
Good morning Jay,
I completed my demo/interview last night at 7 p.m. Central. My coach, Erin, had a plethora of information in her “Roadmap for Success” that she has published online.
My thoughts about the interview and how to be successful,
1. Get a VIPKids coach. This will help organize thoughts and give you a logical process to follow while preparing for your demo/interview.
2. Take the time to watch the videos, listen to the message, repeat the animated TPR techniques, and reward the child.
3. Be enthusiastic! I read the comments above by your readers and you, and they are all correct. A quick summary of “enthusiasm” is this: You are an actor on a stage when the process begins. You give the audience what they want, and they want excitement and enthusiasm. You prepare so that it’s obvious you aren’t just there “hoping for a job”. You spend a few bucks and get the props they discuss. You ask for your family/friends to listen to your 10 minute demo and see if they can pick apart what’s different from the reference videos you’ve watched and shown them. During the interview, you take the first 10 minutes of the video and SELL YOURSELF. Make certain that ANY instruction you’ve provided over the years is brought to bear with the interviewer. Go through the demo with “over the top” exaggerated enthusiasm. Meet ALL the objectives for the slides. CORRECT the errors the interviewer throws at you. Don’t show nervousness or fear of the process. Remember, if this is what you’re going to do everyday, you need to look like your having fun doing it!
4. My best advice is truly be prepared and have fun.
On to the Mock stages and the real work!
Hi Ken, that’s great news! Wishing you further success and a huge thanks for this insight. I think your advice will go a long way to helping others succeed with VIPkid, or any other opportunity they pursue. I really appreciate you taking the time to share 🙂
Jay
Great company to work for,
To start, you must have a Bachelor’s degree to apply. If you have that then you can apply and you do not need a special teaching certificate or degree for this job. You just tell them your experience of teaching kids no matter what it is. They want at least 1 years of experience such as tutoring or mentoring kids after school, YMCA. College or church. Any experience is valud and they do not need any documentation about your experience just your Bachelor’s degree. I started working at VIPKid and its a job that you teach Chinese children English. Everything is done online and you are an independent contractor.
Thanks for the review Jay! I just applied and I have an interview in a couple of days. I’ve watched all the videos and feel like they have definitely helped me get myself prepared for the interview and would suggest that anyone applying would do the same. I am newly retired after 30 years of teaching and would love to have an extra income like this. I’m going to take all the suggestions and get the props to be as prepared as I can be. I’m also going to look into the other site mentioned. If I’m hired, I can already think of people I can refer. I haven’t read anything about what that incentive is though…? Could you please explain? Thanks to everyone for your comments, I’m hoping for the best!
That’s great news! 😀 and good luck on your interview. You can learn more about VIPKid’s referral program at https://t.vipkid.com.cn/referral-partner
Thanks for reading and sharing your experience,
Jay
I like everything about VIPK except how they handle cancellations and problems where I have to contact them (a “ticket”). I think my experiences with that have taken years off of my life. I had an internet outage for one class and it took weeks and weeks and many appeals to get my $10 back. I currently am locked out of my bookings because my son was born 3 weeks early and I had to cancel 36 classes over the weekend and since 7 of them were last minute, that put it over six and so now they are reviewing my contract. Because of my son’s birth! They shoot first and ask questions later. And talking to them is like talking to cyborgs instead of humans. I even got Soft Cancellation 24 hours ago for all of those missed classes but I’m still locked out of bookings.
But the kids are great and the environment is excellent. I still recommend it but it is maddening how over the top their cancellation and missed class policies are.
Hopefully they don’t take too many years off your life 😉 Thanks for reading and for sharing your experience, it’s helpful for others.
Regards,
Jay
I’m starting my second month at VIPKid. I can tell you’ve I’ve taught in brick/mortar schoosl for 6 years, and still do. I do this on the side, and it’s great income.
What they’re looking for? It’s the bottom line. Can you get kids to want to take classes from you. When they interview you, they want to know that you can please the parents and the kids. That’s really it. Of course you do this by teaching English, but you are also selling yourself and the product in the process. So it doesn’t matter your knowledge, experience, or any one fact about you. It’s whether or not you can get people to take classes with you. That is what they’re ultimately looking for.
It is also easier for males for the most part. Getting booked is just easier as a guy, on average. My wife also teaches on VIPKid, is a much better teacher than I am, and is even certified as a TESOL English Teacher. I’m a SS and Shop teacher for high schoolers. But I get booked more frequently, even though she’s a better teacher than I am.
I currently have been with VIPKid only 20 days, but I’ve taught 71 classes to 63 kids and just got a bunch of repeat bookings. Make the class fun and inviting!!!!
Hi Joseph, thanks for sharing your experience with VIPKid, it’s very helpful for others who are interested in tutoring online. I appreciate you taking the time and thanks for reading 🙂
Jay
The hiring process has recently changed and I just had one of my referrals get hired so I’m pretty familiar! I don’t think the previous hiring process was very tough. I have had more nerve wracking experiences with interviews. I think there is so much information out there to help with being hired that as long as you do your research, you will be good to go!
I love VIPKID!
Thanks for the feedback Kirsten, much appreciated 🙂
Thank you so much Jay for your review and online platform. I recently discovered VIP kids online. I’m trying to find out more about it. So, I really got a lot from you and someone else’s detailed review. They’re both very helpful. I also want to thank you for the additional resources you provided for other online outlets. I could not open one page but I will be trying the others. God Bless you!
Thank you for this review. I am seriously thinking of applying and this helps me in considering working for VIPKid. It seems very good as a second job. As a 20 yr veteran teacher I feel I have a lot to offer so hearing about the hiring process I’ll not to be upset if they do not hire me., disappointed, yes, upset no. I will do my best, be me, do my teaching my way with what they give me and get the job or not. THank you again for this review.
Hi Laurie, glad I could help in some way. Wishing you the best during the hiring process.
Jay
They give good feedback after the mock class interview. Then if you don’t pass the first time you can practice, apply the feedback, and try again. Don’t give up after one try. ? I have personally experienced this.
Awesome advice, thanks for sharing 🙂
Jay
I’m nearing the end of my second contract with VIPKID! Your review was very accurate!
They do not reimburse us for expenses, but I just write them off when I do my taxes.
The hiring process is brutal-I probably would have been more nervous had I known! I’ve referred many people who are more experienced than I am-some less-and I still can’t really tell you what they are looking for. Only two of my referrals have been hired.
That being said, I do believe the hiring process is very subjective. I think sometimes it just depends on the chemistry between the interviewer, the mock class mentor, and the applicant.
I am not an over-the-top prop user, neither am I super silly-though I can be when the situation calls for some silliness, haha. I only teach older students, Levels 4 and up-because I know my strength is not with the younger ones-that is something my mentor told me and something I’ve always known.
As for the income-can’t beat it for the hours. I do little to no prep for these classes. They slides are done for us and I just draw on my years of teaching and am more than able to pull ideas out of my head. I simply spend about five minutes looking over the slides before class-that’s it. I grab props from around the house and have a simple background. For the money, this is the easiest job I’ve ever had.
The late night/early morning hours are the biggest drawback, but there is NOTHING that can be done about that unless I move into a better time zone, like Korea (kidding).
Thanks again for the review!
Their cancellation policy is tough, but imagine the chaos with over 30,000 teachers if you are allowed to cancel for any reason? It’s similar to my B&M job’s policy-we’re only allowed 8 absences per school year (excused) and only 3 unexcused. Allowing cancellations without limited the reason or amount would create pandemonium for students and parents and for the company, so in a way I understand their stance on cancellations.
Hi Donna, thanks for the great review and feedback. As you mention, the hiring process is a challenge (and a commitment) so it’s really helpful for others to gain insight from your experience. I really appreciate that as I’m sure others will too. 🙂
Jay
Thank you for the information! I am looking for an online teaching job and was interested in this company. Thanks!
Hey Lee, that’s awesome… glad I could help 🙂
Jay
I also teach for VIPKID! I am a teacher and I sneak a few classes in before I go to my full-time job. I love that if I have an extra expense I can just open up a few more classes! VIPKID is doing so well that many other companies like it are popping up. I just joined Magic Ears as well because they do group classes. Their platform is pretty cool, too. I like working for both for a little variety.
Hi April, thanks for reading and commenting. Glad that VIPkid is providing some extra income on the side for you. I haven’t heard of Magic Ears but I’ll do some research and maybe do a full review of them.
Thanks again for stopping by 🙂
I can see the writer really likes this company, I myself tried to go through the hiring process; I would like to let all of the readers know that it’s not as easy as it sounds, I have been working as a teacher for close to 19 years in Costa Rica teaching Elementary, High School and University level students, remember that this is a Latin America country, so I have had to use a lot of ESL (TPR) techniques to teach the language, especially working with non-bilingual students. I prepared for the vipkid demo lesson to continue my application process, I even looked up teachers in youtube that had passed their interviews and were working full time with vipkid and I did everything they said to improve my interview, I even used all the TPR helpers which I already new, but I still couldn’t pass. One word to all those who would like to venture into this online teaching company. Be careful! Don’t underestimate the interview, it’s hard, I did everything they wanted, plus more, not to mention lots of TPR techniques, and I still couldn’t pass. But like the writer said above, if you have what it takes and they like you, you will pass. Good Luck!! 🙂
Thanks John, for the comment and great advice. Glad to have your perspective and I’m sure it will be helpful for others.
Regards,
Jay
Great job! Thanks for sharing this information!
Oh cool, I thought you were serious about the government thing… Haha!
But seriously, it looks alright. It does seem like it’s quite strict and not anyone can get in. I also don’t like that you’d still be bound to the hourly wage thing. It provides no security when it comes to your financial status. It’s much better to build your own business online. While it might be much harder to do, it’s much more worth it in the long run.
Kobe Bryant, a liar and a rapist, invested money in this business. For that reason, I will not work for them.
Hi Lou, I haven’t followed Kobe Bryant’s career and wasn’t aware of those things. I’m not certain if that should change people’s opinion of VIPKid, as I’m sure (or at least I would assume) there are many good people who work there as well. But thanks for that information and for sharing your thoughts.
Jay