Teaching English online has been a rapidly growing industry in recent years, and Zimbabwe is no exception. The demand for online learning has increased tremendously both in Zimbabwe and around the world. In fact, online language teaching has become a very lucrative business. In this blog post, we explore an episode of the KudaOnline podcast titled “How To Teach English Online In Zimbabwe”, and interview with Belinda Moyo, an expert in the field.
Belinda Moyo is a Zimbabwean native, and an English teacher for over 7 years. In the podcast episode, we learn that Belinda had to overcome various challenges to pursue her dream of teaching English online. This journey was not easy, and it was interesting to learn more about her story.
One of the most significant challenges that Belinda faced was being a non-native English speaker. It is well known that native English speakers are often preferred for English teaching jobs, and non-native speakers are often passed over. This discrimination can make it challenging for non-native speakers to find work in the online teaching industry. Belinda even mentioned that, in some companies, non-native speakers are considered as the last resort.
However, despite these challenges, Belinda managed to land an online teaching opportunity with a company based in the Philippines. Although the students were from Japan, she was able to teach English from her home in Zimbabwe. This was an exciting opportunity, but one of the conditions was that she had to have a certificate. This is a common requirement for many online English-teaching jobs.
Belinda did not have the means to afford to go through the certification process, which often costs a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, this is a reality that many Zimbabweans might face due to the country’s economic situation. Belinda acknowledged that not everyone can afford even a dollar for data, let alone an English-teaching certificate. However, Belinda suggested using internet cafes as an alternative, as many of these centers offer online courses at an affordable price.
Another significant challenge that Belinda faced was the issue with electricity. Power outages are frequent in Zimbabwe, and this can have a significant impact on her online teaching work. She shared that there were times when she would lose potential clients due to disruptions in her internet connection or power supply.
Despite these challenges, Belinda loves her work and finds it fulfilling. She mentioned that she makes around $600 per month teaching English online, which is a decent salary in Zimbabwe. However, she also shared that she has to pay around $50 for internet access, which is a significant expense in the country.
Belinda’s experience has taught her the importance of having multiple income streams in the online teaching industry. Especially for those who live in Zimbabwe, where the economic situation isn’t stable. She suggested that individuals should not focus on one company and should have other options to avoid getting stuck.
Moreover, Belinda recommended joining online job groups on Facebook as an excellent starting point for those interested in teaching English online. She emphasized the importance of having experience, which is more critical than whether you are considered a non-native speaker. Belinda believed that having more experience would lead to more job opportunities.
Belinda’s story is inspiring, and she had some valuable advice for anyone interested in teaching English online. As students continue to grab their computers for e-learning, this might be an excellent opportunity for various Zimbabweans to start teaching English online. Belinda’s story can help anyone who might be facing the same challenges that she faced.
In summary, the online teaching industry is a great business opportunity that can provide a good income. However, individuals need to be aware of the challenges that come with it, especially in countries like Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, it is possible to succeed in this industry even with non-native status and power outages. Furthermore, joining online job groups on social media can create various possibilities that can lead to having more job opportunities.
Belinda’s story is one that should inspire Zimbabweans who have thought about teaching English online. It’s a reminder that one should not give up on their dreams, even in the face of severe challenges. With the right information and determination, teaching English online can be a lucrative and fulfilling career choice. As Belinda herself suggests, one must be willing to take risks, be resilient, and make the most of what they have, which could be the foundation of a prosperous and rewarding career in online teaching.
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