Is VIPKID Right for You?

VIPKID has revolutionized the world of ESL with its one-on-one, flipped classroom English lessons for Chinese children ages 4-12. At only five years old, VIPKID has grown to over 30,000 North American teachers enthusiastic about this lucrative side hustle. If you are interested in applying to VIPKID, it’s important to know what the company expects and how you can prepare.

VIPKID holds very high standards. According to founder Cindy Mi, almost 100,000 teachers apply to VIPKID each month, but only 5,000 are recruited. Don’t let these figures deter you! If you apply and fail the interview or mock class, you are welcome to reapply a few months later.

The company’s requirements are as follows:

*Bachelor’s degree (in anything, but education is a plus)
*Eligibility to work in the US or Canada (and native to one of these countries)
*1 school year of traditional teaching experience (or equivalent in mentoring, tutoring, or alternative education)

I am not a certified teacher in the US, but I had a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, eligibility to work in the USA, and two years of ESL experience in Spain. I also highlighted my experience tutoring children and assisting in children’s dance classes, science camp, and preschool during my high school years.

If you meet the requirements, fantastic! You can begin filling out the info form.

As I near the end of my first full year with VIPKID, I have some further advice to prospective VIPKID teachers: 

*Don’t apply if you do not enjoy teaching YOUNG children. VIPKID is for elementary school students; so if you’d rather teach middle or high school levels, I wouldn’t recommend VIPKID.

*Patience is absolutely essential. Teaching requires patience in general, but when you’re instructing online you may have to deal with technical difficulties, distractions that you are unaware of, a student’s lack of interest, etc. 

*Apply if you can maintain a high energy level. A virtual classroom can sometimes feel very impersonal. Each class is only 25 minutes, so you want to make sure your class is engaging and fun to be a part of. Your enthusiasm will help a student feel welcomed and comfortable.

*Be willing to put in the work. As a VIPKID teacher, you are an independent contractor and therefore get to set your own hours. However, it can take a few months before all of your available time slots are filled with students, so putting in the work early is important. The most successful VIPKID teachers prepare great props and “classrooms,” open consistent time slots (especially during peak hours), stay up-to-date with VIPKID’s policies and rules, write excellent feedback to parents, and learn how to work with every kind of student. Consider this before you begin VIPKID’s lengthy application process.

VIPKID has been one of the most rewarding positions I’ve ever had. Even though it’s hard waking up at 2 a.m. each day, I know that I’m making a difference in a child’s life and enriching their education with a second language. This company allows you to bridge language barriers, learn about a new culture, improve your teaching skills, and be a part of a huge teaching community both online and through various events.

If you’d like to know more about VIPKID, read: 

Online Teaching With VIPKID

Teaching a VIPKID class

The Students of VIPKID

If you have any further questions regarding VIPKID, I’d love to help you! Let me know via the ‘about/contact’ tab!

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