Classo Review Summary

PLEASE NOTE that since this review was originally published, it appears that Classo has ceased operating.

While little is publicly known about Classo, on the surface they offer attractive pay for both Native and Non-Native Speakers delivering 1-on-1 classes, whilst requiring only proficiency and teaching experience (no mandatory TEFL/TESOL or degree). This impartial Classo Review covers all available information.

Classo Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Relatively high rate of pay (especially for Non-Native Speakers)
• Experienced and proficient Non-Native Speakers are considered
• No degree/diploma required
• Teaching certificate (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA) not mandatory
• Options to teach other languages (not just English)

Cons:

• Must have language teaching experience
• No transparency about the interview process
• Few anecdotal accounts of actual teachers’ experiences

Is Classo Legit?

Classo are an online language-learning platform based in Seoul, South Korea. They were originally founded as Storivers in June 2013 before changing their name around 2017.

Classo’s website claims to be the ‘highest paying global online teaching platform’, which seems a little disingenuous as we have reviewed other English teaching companies with higher thresholds. However, it does pay one of the better rates around and its competitors typically only hire Native Speakers, whereas Classo will also consider Non-Native Speakers with ‘proven high levels of proficiency and teaching experience’. In such instances, therefore, Classo could legitimately claim to be the highest paying platform for Non-Native Speakers (which we’ve found thus far).

Classo Salary / Pay Rates

Classo pay rates range between US$18-$21 per hour. This is on the basis of teaching two 25-minute classes at $9-$10.50 per lesson. Your precise pay rate will depend upon your teaching background and command of the language you’re delivering. You can expect to be offered the same amount regardless of whether you are a Native or Non-Native Speaker, so long as you meet their experience and proficiency requirements.

Classo currently does not appear to offer any bonus or incentive schemes. However, bonuses are used by other companies to boost less-attractive base rates of pay, and it can be extremely difficult to meet the necessary number of classes required each month without any penalties (for lateness, absence, technical problems, etc.).

Payments are made by Classo to its teachers on the 10th of each month via direct deposit. As an independent contractor, you will be responsible for paying taxes in whichever country or state you reside in for tax purposes.

Classo Requirements

• Language teaching experience
• Near-Native language proficiency
• Teaching certificate preferred (not mandatory)
• Computer with camera and microphone
• Fast and reliable LAN internet connection

Classo’s requirements are not especially strict for the industry, or compared to companies offering comparable rates of pay. No degree or diploma is currently listed as a requirement, though they did used to want a Bachelor’s degree when operating under Classo’s previous guise of Storivers, so they seem to have changed their policy on this. Classo states (in their FAQ) that a ‘formal teaching certificate is preferable and surely an asset’, but means that a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate is not mandatory.

Demonstrable teaching experience is the one essential requirement which you must have when applying to Classo.

While the majority of teachers hired by Classo are Native Speakers or gyopo (Koreans living overseas), they will consider Non-Native Speakers who can demonstrate a high level of proficiency and extensive teaching experience in their language of instruction. While for most of our readers this will be English, Classo additionally provides lessons for students learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Chinese, and they will consider other languages too in preparation for introducing them. So if you’re proficient and experienced in delivering any one or more of these languages, then Classo is worth considering.

Tech. Requirements

Classo does not require any special equipment, just a standard computer with a camera and microphone, and access to ‘fast and reliable’ internet via a LAN connection (not wifi).

Classo Teaching Schedule

While there are no minimum or set Classo hours, and they allow you to choose when you wish to teach, realistically, your best chances of securing classes are during the peak hours before and after school (6am-10am and 7pm-11pm, South Korea time).

Classo Interview Process

To begin the Classo interview process, you must first email them expressing your interest in becoming a tutor. Their email address is [email protected], and can be found on the tutor application page of their website. We suggest attaching your resume/CV and treating your email as a cover letter, where you outline:

• What language(s) you wish to teach (e.g. English)
• Your proficiency in that language
• Your experience of teaching that language
• Any teaching or additional qualifications (if applicable)

Classo unfortunately doesn’t provide any further information about the next stages of their interview process. However, it is common practice for online language teachers to face questions regarding their experience, proficiency, qualifications, teaching methods and philosophy, as well as having to provide some form of mock/demo class. An extensive list of real interview questions can be found here.

Classo Teaching Platform

Classo online teaching is conducted via video chat in virtual classrooms created by the company’s in-house development team. The Classo teaching platform is browser based, and so requires no additional programs or installations in order to utilize it. However, it is suggested that you have Skype installed on your computer as a backup, just in case you experience any technical issues whilst using Classo’s teaching platform.

Classo expects you to create your own teaching materials based on your interests, and you have options to teach beginner, advanced, business or conversational classes to students of all ages.

You will need to create a teacher profile and keep it visible and updated with your teaching methods, preferences and interests in order to attract and have students matched to you. As part of this, you will need to record an introduction video similar to the one below:

Conclusion – Is Classo Worth It?

There isn’t very much information around concerning Classo, however, there is nothing to suggest that they’re not worth applying to. Their pay rate is certainly competitive, and especially so if you are a proficient and experienced Non-Native teacher. Classo appears to value teaching experience over qualifications, and so they’re a good option for those whose background is more practical than academic, or who wish to try out online teaching before investing the time and money into acquiring certification.

You can apply to Classo by emailing [email protected].

PLEASE NOTE that since this review was originally published, it appears that Classo has ceased operating.

A full list of other online teaching companies can be found here.