How to Get Started Teaching Online: Best Platforms & Telf Courses

How to Get Started Teaching English Online as a South African

Getting started as an online English teacher is actually easier than most people think. Once you’ve completed your free TEFL course, like the one from TEFL Hero, you already have the basic qualification that many online teaching platforms ask for. 

From there, it’s about setting yourself up properly and applying to the right places.

1. Get Your Setup Ready

First, make sure you have the basics ready — a laptop or desktop computer, a good internet connection, and a quiet space for lessons.

Most online teaching jobs happen through video calls, so having a decent webcam and microphone helps you look and sound professional. You don’t need fancy equipment; what matters most is that your students can hear and understand you clearly.

2. Create Your Teaching Profile

Next, create a simple teaching profile or CV that highlights your new TEFL certificate and any experience you have with communication, tutoring, or working with people.

 Even if you’ve never taught before, focus on your ability to speak clearly, be patient, and help others learn — those are qualities most schools and platforms look for.

3. Apply to Online Teaching Platforms

Once that’s ready, start applying to online teaching platforms. Many South Africans begin on websites like Cambly, Preply, Italki, or AmazingTalker.

These sites allow you to set up your own profile, upload your TEFL certificate, and start offering lessons to students around the world. Some of them don’t even require prior teaching experience — just good English and a friendly attitude.

Look at: Top 6 Free Content Marketing Online Courses with Certificates

4. Record a Short Introduction Video

After you’ve set up your account, spend some time watching other tutors’ profiles to see how they present themselves. Then, record a short introductory video where you introduce yourself, talk about your teaching style, and mention that you’re TEFL-certified.

Keep it short and natural — students just want to see that you’re confident and approachable.

5. Start Small and Build Up

Finally, remember that building up students takes time. You might start with one or two learners, but as you get more reviews and confidence, you’ll be able to increase your rates and even teach full-time if you choose to.

Many South Africans earn a steady income this way — teaching English online while studying, working part-time, or even from home.

Best Free TELF Online Certification Courses 

01. TELF Hero (introductory TEFL certification)

The TEFL Hero 40-Hour Online TEFL Course is a legit and fully free course designed for beginners who want to start teaching English online.

What the Course Is About

The TEFL Hero 40-hour course is an introductory TEFL certification that teaches you the basics of teaching English to non-native speakers. It covers lesson planning, classroom management, grammar, pronunciation, and online teaching methods.

It’s not one of those “paywall” courses where you have to pay to get your certificate — both the training and the certificate are free.

How It Works

You sign up on their website, complete lessons and quizzes online, and once you pass, you get a digital TEFL certificate you can download immediately.
It’s self-paced, meaning you can study when you want — whether you’re working, studying, or just testing the waters before going for a full 120-hour course later.

Who It’s For

• People who want to start teaching English online (especially beginners).

• Anyone looking to test out the TEFL world before committing to a longer or paid course.
  

• South Africans who want a recognized qualification to apply for online tutoring jobs on sites like Preply, Cambly, italki, or AmazingTalker.
  
  

Is It Accredited?

While it’s not accredited by big names like Ofqual or the British Council, TEFL Hero is known in the ESL space and used by many online teachers. Employers that accept entry-level TEFL certificates usually recognize it, especially for online tutoring jobs.

If you plan to work abroad later (like in China or Thailand), you might still need a 120-hour accredited TEFL course — but for starting online, this free one works perfectly fine.

Tip

Once you complete this free 40-hour course and start teaching online, you can later upgrade to a 120-hour or 150-hour accredited TEFL if you decide to go full-time or teach internationally.