By Annie Wilcox
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About Cambly
I began tutoring for Cambly in the summer of 2019 while traveling in Colombia. Because I was traveling, I was looking for a company that offered flexible scheduling, mid-day teaching hours (EST), and reliable pay. Cambly checked all of these boxes, and more. Cambly is an online English tutoring platform that allows teachers to work from anywhere.
I recently surpassed five-hundred chats on Cambly which translates to 500 lessons. In the past twelve months, I have taught students from six continents and thirty five countries and counting. Along the way, I have had the most wonderful students from ages 4 to 70 years old. For me, the opportunity to travel the world each day via the classroom is deeply fulfilling. If you are looking for the same flexibility to work and travel, Cambly might be the right option for you.
Cambly classes are one-on-one classes held over video in Cambly’s online platform. Students buy packages ranging from 15-minute sessions to 60-minute sessions. The most common are 30-minute sessions. Tutors can either take reservations in advance or can log onto the app and begin tutoring at any time. Students call to practice things such as conversation skills, IELTS/TOEFL tutoring, business English, structured grammar lessons, and survival English practice. Your profile specifies the kinds of opportunities you offer students.
Benefits
● Cambly pays consistently. ●
Cambly pays every Monday via PayPal. It is reliable and precise. Not many English tutoring platforms offer weekly payouts.
● Cambly offers flexible scheduling. ●
I create my own schedule. There are hours available consistently throughout the day. With some teaching companies based in Asia, it can be difficult to get a full schedule. You schedule is also dependent on the students’ school schedules. Cambly works with adults and kids in countries around the world. There are hours available throughout the day and night. They offer numerous scheduling options, so you can find a great fit for your lifestyle.
● Cambly works all over the world. ●
A day with Cambly takes you around the world. In the morning, I typically had students from East Asia. Midday, I met with my regular students from the Europe and the Middle East, primarily Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and eastern Europe. In the afternoons, I met with students from Brazil, the United States, and Mexico. It was always fun to catch each part of the world going about their evenings.
Challenges
● Cambly pays lower than other online companies. ●
Cambly pays by the minute. The rate is 17 cents per minute for adults and 20 cents per minute for their kids program. This amounts to $10.20 per hour for adults and $12 per hour for kids. I also teach for VIPKid. VIPKid does pay higher hourly rates, but over time, I have had more financial success with Cambly because there is so much work available. The hours on Cambly are more reliable. If you are in the United States or Canada, Cambly’s pay will not be enough to sustain you. It is a great extra paycheck, but certainly not enough for one job without burning out. Cambly’s pay was enough to live in Colombia. It really depends on your personal situation and your cost of living.
Requirements
➤ A computer, headset, and good lighting
➤ An educational backdrop for Cambly Kids (I use these world map wall decals)
➤ Internet (minimum 2 Mbps)
➤ Fluent English speaker (Cambly accepts non-native English speakers)
➤ No degree or experience required
➤ No minimum or maximum hours
How to Work for Cambly
Click here to find Cambly’s tutor application.
You will be asked to complete your tutor profile and tutor video which will determine whether you are hired or not.
1. Choose your tutor name. (Annie AE, Teacher Annie, Annie)
2. Choose a profile photo that is bright and professional. I recommend having a smile because this is culturally expected in some countries.
3. Fill out your basic info. (State, Country and English Accent or Dialect).
4. Next is the CV section where you will add your interests, education, experience, and previous job. Spend some time reflecting on any teaching experience you can include to boost your profile. Have you tutored or coached? Do you have a TEFL certification or teaching license? All of this is relevant to a strong profile.
5. Add the languages you speak. This section is important because sometimes people look for tutors who speak their language.
6. Attach any teaching certifications you have (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA).
7. The “Who I Teach” section will be searchable by students. Students will read your short introduction before they call you. Briefly highlight your experience, style or conversation interests.
8. The teaching video should be a 30-40 second video introducing yourself and explaining your experience and teaching style. Make sure you have good lighting on your face and headphones that have clear sound.
Cambly Kids
Cambly has a Kids Program too, which invites tutors who have at least a month of teaching experience on Cambly to apply. They seek tutors who have teaching licenses and university degrees. The invitation will be sent via email.
There is a short application and a teaching demo to complete. Cambly Kids pays slightly more and has a designated teaching curriculum. Classes are made in advance by reservations.
Update: Cambly is actively recruiting Kid’s Tutors due to the increase in enrollments.
The links in this article to Cambly’s website connect to my tutor account. I may receive a small commission from Cambly at no cost to you if you successfully tutor with Cambly. I recommend the company because it has been a worthwhile experience for me and for no other reason. You may use my link or apply on your own.
Have you taught on Cambly? What is your experience with them?
