VIPLearn Review Summary

VIPLearn is an online marketplace allowing Native and Non-Native English speakers anywhere to set their hours and rates (minus a 15% commission). You must have a degree and language certification to teach 1v1 classes for 30-60mins to all levels/ages, though student numbers are questionable and teacher reviews are few.

VIPLearn Pros and Cons

Pros:

• No location restrictions (beyond strong internet connection)
• Set your own pay rate
• 2 payment cycles a month
• Straightforward application process approved within days
• No minimum hours requirement – you choose your schedule
• Freedom to teach how you want with your own materials

Cons:

• Commission/service fee of 15%
• Only for English teachers
• No teaching materials or curricula provided
• Lack of transparency regarding corporate background and location
• Few (impartial) reviews from existing teachers
• Questionable student numbers

What Is VIPLearn?

VIPLearn (not to be confused with VIPKid) is an online marketplace for ESL teachers. They claim to be based in California, USA, though no physical address is publicized, they share BlingABC‘s server, and their only student site is in Chinese.

VIPLearn facilitates one-on-one English lessons with students of all ages and levels, where teachers have the freedom to design and deliver their classes in their own unique methodology and style. Consequently, all lesson materials must be prepared by the teachers and are not provided by the company.

Specialists in English test preparation, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT, are especially sought after.

This video demonstrates some of the the functionality of VIPLearn’s virtual classroom:

VIPLearn Salary Information

VIPLearn pay rates are set by the teachers/instructors up to US$50 per hour, though the average is reportedly between $20-$45.

30-minute trial classes are usually priced between $1-$7.

A discounted rate is offered to students who purchase ‘packs’ of 5, 10 or 20 lessons. Pack prices are also set by the teachers.

If a student misses half of their lesson through lateness or no show then the instructor still receives the full fee.

There are 2 payment cycles each month, between 1st-15th and 16th-30th/31st, with earnings transferred via PayPal or bank transfer.

VIPLearn Commission Rate

As is typical of teacher marketplaces, VIPLearn deducts a commission or ‘service’ fee for each completed lesson using their platform. This rate currently amounts to 15% of earnings, but ‘is subject to change according to company policies’.

VIPLearn Hours and Schedule

VIPLearn teachers are free to choose their own hours and schedule and from any time zone.

Regular VIPLearn classes last 30-60 minutes, while trial lessons are 30 minutes long. Students may book classes individually or in multiples of 5, 10 or 20.

Instructors who miss at least 30% of their lesson through lateness are expected to return the lost time.

VIPLearn Requirements

The requirements to become a VIPLearn teacher are:

• Be a Native or Non-Native English Speaker
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree
• TEFL/CELTA/TESOL/DELTA certification (unless the degree is in language/linguistics or Education)
• Access to a strong internet connection (anywhere in the world)
• Eager to help students and passionate about developing others’ abilities in language

Teaching experience is not mandatory but is a plus, and there is a particular desire for teachers with experience in TOEFL, IELTS or SAT English test preparation.

Any recruiting-related questions can be sent to [email protected], but do not email resumes/CVs directly as they will not be considered.

VIPLearn Application Process

To apply for VIPLearn jobs, first register with your email address and password on the VIPLearn sign up page.

Once you have successfully registered, you will be shown this screen outlining the next steps in the VIPLearn hiring process which involves your:

1. Qualifications
2. Demo Lesson
3. Self-Introduction Video

Submit the following information with your qualifications in the online application form:

1. Accept VIPLearn’s Language Instructor Policy
2. Basic Information
   • Profile picture
   • First and Last Name
   • Birthday
   • Gender
   • Nationality
   • State/Country
   • Timezone
   • Any other name used before
   • Identity document (upload)
3. Qualifications
   • Degree
   • School
   • Country of the school
   • Graduation Date
   • Major
   • Diploma (upload)
   • Teaching Certificate Category (upload)

VIPLearn Demo Lesson

For the next step, you will record a short demo lesson lasting 30-60 seconds based upon one of the suggested materials they provide.

Here are some basic guidelines that VIPLearn offers:

• Showcase your language instruction style
• Have a neat background (with no maps)
• Use one of the three provided lesson materials
• Pretend that both you and the audience can see the material on the screen (as it cannot be shared in the recording)
• It is not mandatory to follow the lesson material guidelines – you may demo your lesson with your own understanding of the content
• Props and flashcards are welcome

Note that you must click the somewhat-hidden ‘save’ button before you can submit your recording:

It will take 3-5 working days for your application and demo to be reviewed. Any questions while you wait should be directed to [email protected].

Should you pass the internal review process, you will finally be invited to submit your self-introduction video for the platform. This should only be 1-minute long so keep it simple and brief, with a neat and clean background (no maps) and any physical tattoos covered up beneath appropriate attire. Add subtitles if possible.

In the self-introduction video you should mention your:

1. Name or nickname
2. Educational background (focus on your highest qualifications)
3. Teaching experience:
   • Where have you taught before?
   • What age groups did you teach?
   • How long have you been teaching English?
4. Hobbies (1-2 sentences showing your personality)
5. Benefits of taking your class:
   • How will you help learners?
   • What are your teaching styles and methods?
   • What types of materials do you use in the classroom?

You can see examples by searching for existing teachers.

VIPLearn Reviews – What Is It Like Working for VIPLearn?

Being a relatively new offering, VIPLearn has not yet collected any Glassdoor or Indeed reviews.

Testimonials from two teachers are quoted on the VIPLearn website, though as they are used for promotional purposes they are clearly one-sided and should be taken with a grain of salt:

“Working for VIPLearn has been a smooth and fun experience for me. The learners are an absolute delight and the staff at VIPLearn make it easy to handle the logistics and administrative tasks so that I can do what I do best – help learners master English.”

– Timothy M.

“I am honored to be a member of VIPLearn and the quality training of the company advances me in all aspects of teaching. Working in VIPLearn is a very pleasant thing, and I am very satisfied to see the learners make progress every day.”

– Colleen R.

These two teachers are prominent in the company’s YouTube videos, while Colleen also runs the ‘ESL Insider’ channel where she has shared the experience of fellow teacher, Roisin, below.

Having taught over 100 lessons on VIPLean, Roisin offers some more balanced insights, admitting that it took her a while to get used to some of the classroom’s idiosyncrasies, whilst having to spend money and prep time on sourcing and adapting pre-made courses and materials as none are provided. However, she likes the freedom the platform offers and how new features are continually added:

There are few reports elsewhere currently, though teacher threads on Reddit and Facebook warn that there is pressure for teachers to keep their prices down due to a shortage of students on the platform:

Conclusion – Is VIPLearn Worth It for Teachers?

Being a relatively new platform that does not publicize its corporate background, with no business address on the company’s website coupled with a lack of impartial teacher reviews, there is an element of uncertainty surrounding VIPLearn. It is hard to see what they offer above more-established teacher marketplaces. The simple application process at least makes it feasible to test them out as a potential supplement to your existing portfolio, though they are unlikely to be a full-time option for many.

For additional opportunities, check out our full list of online teaching jobs.