Open English is one of the best-known online English schools in Latin America. Based in Miami, it teaches teenagers and adults, many of them university students and professionals, through live online classes with a set curriculum. It hires English teachers on a freelance basis to deliver those classes. Teachers don’t market themselves or plan courses: Open English provides the materials and schedule, and teachers lead the sessions.
At a glance
| What it is | An online English school for Latin American learners |
| Students | Mostly teenagers and adults across Latin America |
| How you earn | An hourly rate for scheduled classes |
| Reported pay | Roughly $7 to $15 an hour across sources |
| Requirements | Native English speaker, typically North American; teaching experience |
| Helpful extras | Conversational Spanish or Portuguese |
| Where it works | Remote; open mainly to North American applicants |
How it works
You apply online, go through a short presentation about the company and classroom, and complete an assessment and interview if shortlisted. Once accepted, you choose teaching blocks and are assigned classes. Classes use Open English’s own curriculum and platform. Many are small groups or live sessions where you guide students through conversation and set activities.
Because students are in Latin American time zones, peak hours often fall in the evening and at weekends for those regions.
Pay
Open English doesn’t publish its rates. Teacher reports and review sites put pay roughly between $7 and $15 an hour, depending on experience and the type of class. Some sources say applicants are asked about their expected rate during the application. Pay is lower than what experienced tutors can earn on marketplaces, but there’s no marketing or planning.
Requirements
Most sources describe Open English as hiring native English speakers, often specifically from North America, with clear pronunciation and some teaching experience. A teaching certificate and online teaching experience help. Conversational Spanish or Portuguese isn’t always required but is valued, since students are Spanish and Portuguese speakers.
What teachers say
Teachers value the ready-made curriculum, flexible blocks and motivated adult learners. Common complaints are the modest pay and limited room to raise it. Some note that applications from outside North America are not accepted.
Tips
Highlight any experience with adult learners, business English or Latin American students in your application. If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, mention it clearly. Choose teaching blocks at peak times in Latin America to get more classes.
Your setup
You’ll need a reliable computer, a stable wired or strong wifi connection, a headset with a microphone and a webcam. A quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background helps classes run smoothly. Because the classroom and materials are provided, you don’t need to buy course books or build slides, but it’s worth testing the platform before your first block so technical problems don’t eat into class time.
Is it worth it?
Whether Open English is worth it depends on what you want. If you value predictable classes, no lesson planning and adult learners, the trade-off of a modest hourly rate can make sense. If you want to set your own price or build a private student base, a marketplace is a better fit. Many teachers combine the two: a structured school for steady hours and a marketplace for higher-paying private students.
Getting the most from it
Treat your first weeks as a trial. Note which blocks bring the most classes, which class types you enjoy and how the pay works out once you count preparation and waiting time. Keep notes on any feedback from the school, since good evaluations can help you keep a full schedule. If the pay or hours don’t work for you after a few weeks, you’ll have experience that strengthens applications elsewhere.
Owen’s take
Open English is a solid structured option if you’re a North American native speaker who wants classes handed to you. The pay is modest, so it works best as reliable side income rather than a main job. If you speak Spanish or Portuguese, you’ll stand out.
Who it suits
It suits North American native English speakers with some teaching experience who prefer a set curriculum. It suits less well teachers outside North America or anyone aiming for higher hourly rates.
Similar options
- LatinHire places tutors with Latin American clients.
- Lingoda offers scheduled online classes.
- Cambly pays a fixed rate for conversation.
- Preply lets you set your own rate.
More options are in Tutoring & Coaching.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Curriculum and classes provided
- Motivated adult students
- Flexible teaching blocks
Cons
- Modest pay
- Mainly for North American applicants
- Rates not published
FAQ
How much does Open English pay teachers?
It doesn’t publish rates; reports range roughly from $7 to $15 an hour.
Who can teach for Open English?
Mainly native English speakers from North America with teaching experience.
Do I need to speak Spanish to teach for Open English?
Not always, but Spanish or Portuguese is valued.
Who are Open English’s students?
Mostly teenagers and adults in Latin America.
Is Open English legit?
Yes, it’s an established online English school.
