How to Teach English Online In Brazil [2025]

1) Non-Native Speakers
Schools favor native English speakers. It narrows your job prospects as online companies automatically filter your resume out based on your nationality.

2) Non-American accent
Do you speak with an accent? Asian markets especially prefer North American accents – even when Brazilian teachers speak perfect English.

3) Lack of TEFL Certification
Brazilian teachers often have a Letras degree or CEFR certification, which shows language proficiency but not teaching ability. Most employers expect a 120-hour TEFL certificate, a baseline hiring requirement for many countries, including China. You can obtain a TEFL certificate through our Inspire Academy.

4) Cultural Work Expectations
The Brazilian culture values weekends and social time! Most residents avoid work on Sundays, and many businesses are closed. However, some online teaching positions may require you to be available on certain weekends to meet students' needs.

5) Missing Work Benefits
Brazilians are used to benefits like a 13th-month salary and month-long paid vacations. Online teaching pays by the hour, meaning you'll earn only when you teach.

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What are the benefits of teaching English online?

1) Set Your Own Schedule
Teaching online allows flexibility. Whether juggling studies or family time, you can choose hours that suit your lifestyle. Peak teaching hours are between 7 and 11 a.m. BRT.

2) Earn in USD
Boost your bank account by getting paid in US dollars. The dollar is a stable currency and has strong buying power.

3) Work from Home (WFH)
Skip the commute and create your ideal work-life balance. Save time and cut costs by teaching from home.

4) No Extramural Commitments
Your obligations are focused on teaching. No requirements to attend after-hour extramural activities, sports days, parent-teacher meetings, or even grading.

5) Teach Students Worldwide
Gain global insights as you connect with students from diverse cultures and age groups worldwide. Teaching virtually allows you to connect more closely with students in smaller or individual class sizes.

6) Build Your Career
Have an opportunity to boost your career from teaching to management. If you're looking to advance, you're in the right place—many of our team leaders and support employees were once our teachers!

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Find the Right ESL Teaching Platform

As a Brazilian, you'll face extra challenges in the online ESL world. While many platforms favor native speakers and North American accents, don't let that discourage you! Here's a breakdown of four main paths for Brazilian teachers:

1. Online ESL Companies
2. Online Teaching Marketplaces
3. Freelance Teaching
4. The Really Great Teacher Company

Each path has pros and cons, so here's a breakdown to help you decide what fits best.

These education companies focus on remote ESL lessons and have a structured curriculum. You sign up directly with an online school and teach according to their program. Many schools require native English speakers so it can be difficult to get hired.

What to Expect

• You work as an independent teaching contractor.
• They handle all aspects - curriculum, lesson plans, scheduling, and student support.

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Getting Hired

• Most require a TEFL certification, an interview, and a demo lesson.
• Some schools have strict nationality or accent requirements that might limit opportunities for some teachers.

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ESL Pros

• Steady Hours: You'll have a regular flow of students without needing to recruit them yourself.
• Consistent Schedule: With set class times, your income becomes more predictable.
• Less Prep Work: Fixed curriculum and pre-made lessons save you planning time.

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ESL Cons

• Nationality preference: Many companies prioritize North American teachers, limiting opportunities for Brazilians.
• Lower rates: Pay is often capped, with limited room for negotiation.
• Set hours: You may have little control over your schedule.

ESL companies give you steady work and structure, but there's a catch - you can only earn so much, and they can be strict about who they hire.

Education marketplaces allow you to set your rates and manage your own schedule. But, like an Uber driver, you're paid only for your actual teaching hours, so any class downtime is unpaid.

If you're Brazilian, you'll need to work extra hard to stand out because many students prefer native North American speakers.

What to Expect

• Join platforms like Preply, Cambly, iTalki, or AmazingTalker, where you create a profile and set your rates. These platforms often take a commission of up to 33%.

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Getting Hired

• A strong intro video and competitive pricing can help attract students, but be prepared to market yourself consistently.
• You'll need to do trial lessons with new students, which may be low-paid or uncompensated for.

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Pros

• Control over rates and schedule: You're the boss—set your own hours and rates.
• Entrepreneurial freedom: Teach niche courses in business that can command higher fees.

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Cons

• Tough Competition: Many students prefer native speakers, so it may be difficult to secure regular classes.
• Unsteady Income: Your earnings go up and down with student demand, making regular income less predictable.
• High Commission fees: Education platforms take up to 33% of your income.
• Trial Lessons: When students purchase a trial lesson, Preply's commission is 100% of its value, which means you're working for free.
• Exclusive contract required: Can't teach for other companies while under contract.

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Online teaching marketplaces provide flexibility, but competition and platform fees can make it challenging to secure a steady income.

Going independent offers maximum freedom and earning potential. But it's also the most challenging route, as you're responsible for every part of your business. This is not for beginners.

How It Works

• You manage your brand and marketing, set rates, find students, and create lesson materials.

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Getting Hired

• No formal application exists, so you must attract and retain students through SEO, social media, or other marketing strategies.

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Freelancing Pros

• Complete control: Freedom to choose hours, rates, and teaching material and methods.
• Higher potential earnings: No commission fees; you keep everything you earn.

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Freelancing Cons

• High competition: Brazilians face additional hurdles in competing with native speakers, particularly in regions where accent and nationality are prioritized.
• Heavy workload: All administration, accounting, marketing, lesson planning and scheduling are on you.
• Income inconsistency: Building a steady student base takes time and effort.

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Teaching independently is like running your own business—rewarding but demands dedication.

The Really Great Teacher Company bridges the gap for teachers who want both support and stability. We are one of the few ESL companies that hire non-native speakers.

How it Works

• Apply to become part of our managed teaching community. Thanks to our global client base, you'll be matched with students from online language schools across the world.
• We handle all administration and scheduling, allowing you to focus on your teaching.

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Getting Hired

• Submit your resume, TEFL certification and introduction video.
• If you match the teaching position criteria, you will be contacted for an interview.
• Following a successful interview, you might be required to perform a demo lesson.
• Following which, a Recruiter will provide you with feedback or next steps.

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Pros

• Consistent income: Regular pay block teaching hours equals financial security.
• 24/7 Admin support: Scheduling, payments, and tech support are handled for you.
• Community and resources: Access to a teaching community, support groups, and continuous learning.
• Career growth: Professional development and career advancement.
• Non-Exclusive Contract: Tutor on other sites to maximize your earnings.

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Cons

• Set Pay Range: Rates may be lower than freelancing, but because more hours are offered, this results in a steady stream of student work, and income stability.
• Teaching Guidelines: You must follow specific teaching methods and materials, but this structure can make lesson planning easier.

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The Really Great Teacher Company is a fantastic choice as it combines stability, career growth, and a supportive community.

Your lifestyle, goals and preferences matter. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Criteria	Online ESL Companies	Online Marketplaces	Independent Teaching	The Really Great Teacher Company
Ease of Entry	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Steady Income	Yes	No	No	Yes
Schedule Flexibility	Low	High	High	Medium
Rate Control	No	Yes	Yes	No
Admin Support	Yes	Some	No	Yes
Teaching Materials	Provided	Self-made	Self-made	Provided
Tech Support	Yes	Varies	No	Yes
Career Growth	Limited	No	Self-driven	Yes
Support for Brazilians	Low	Low	Medium	High
Marketing Required	No	Yes	Yes	No
Commission/Fees	None	Up to 30%	None	None

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Tips for Choosing the Best Path

• For stability and structure: Go with The Really Great Teacher Company or ESL Companies for steady pay, fixed hours, and a support network.
• For freedom: Independent teaching gives you the most control over rates and hours, but requires self-motivation and marketing.
• For flexibility, Online marketplaces let you set rates and hours, but you'll need to work hard to build a steady client base.
• For balance: The Really Great Teacher Company offers structure and flexibility, ideal for Brazilian teachers seeking a supportive environment.

Tech Requirements

1. Minimum Hardware Requirements: A laptop or desktop with Intel® Core™ i5 CPU @2 GHz (4 CPUs) or better and 8GB RAM or higher. A mobile phone or iPad won't cut it.
2. HD webcam: 2 megapixels minimum. A high-resolution webcam makes your video clear and professional.
3. High-speed internet: Stable fiber/cable connection with minimum 20 Mbps upload and download speeds. Check yours on speedtest.net, as speed tests are part of your interview.
4. LAN cord: Wired ethernet connections are faster, more reliable, and have less lag than wireless ones. So, connect directly to your internet router via a LAN cable.
5. Mobile Internet Backup: Use your phone's data plan as a backup. With 1 GB of data, you'll have enough for about ten 25-minute lessons—perfect for staying connected if your primary internet goes down.

Your Teaching Space

Want to look professional on camera? Here's what works:

• Bright Lighting: Pop a desk lamp or ring light behind your laptop - it'll light you up perfectly. Avoid sitting in front of a window - it'll turn you into a silhouette.
• Camera at Eye Level: Elevate your webcam to eye level or slightly higher (a stack of books works) for a more natural, flattering look. This way, your eyes—not your chin—are in focus, creating a welcoming view.
• Engaging Props: If you're teaching children, props like flashcards, puppets, or visual aids (like maps and charts) help make lessons interactive and reinforce key concepts.
• Quiet Zone: Keep your teaching space calm and distraction-free. Remove anything that buzzes, rings, or makes noise.
• No Interruptions: Make sure kids, visitors, or pets won't walk into your frame. If you have young children, create a play area nearby with portable fencing or a playpen.
• Professional Background: Teaching from your bedroom? Hide the bed or any personal items from view to keep the focus on you and your lesson.
• Comfortable, Ergonomic Setup: Use a supportive chair and a desk that allows space to stretch out. Comfort helps keep your energy up during classes.

Feel free to experiment until you find what works in your space. A well-designed home classroom makes all the difference!

Getting paid in USD is a big plus, but pay attention to your tax responsibilities. Here's a guide to handling foreign income tax requirements in Brazil:

Tax Rates:

As a Brazilian resident, your global income is taxed progressively from 0% to 27.5%. Here's a breakdown:

• Up to BRL 2,112.00: 0%
• BRL 2,112.01 – BRL 2,826.65: 7.5%
• BRL 2,826.66 – BRL 3,751.05: 15%
• BRL 3,751.06 – BRL 4,664.68: 22.5%
• Above BRL 4,664.68: 27.5%

Worldwide Taxation:

Brazil taxes all income for residents, so even foreign income must be declared.

Declare Your Income:

All income, including USD earnings, must be reported on your annual tax return (Declaração de Imposto de Renda).

Consult with an accountant to stay compliant and maximize your earnings.

1) Cash Flow & Planning

Online freelancing allows you to set your rates and hours, but you'll need to manage your expenses.

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2) Inconsistent Earnings

Working in an open marketplace means earnings can fluctuate. You'll need to hustle to build a steady student base because income isn't guaranteed, and there's plenty of competition.

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3) Create a 30-Day Budget

Map out a 30-day budget to track your income and expenses. A monthly plan helps ensure you have enough for bills, even during low-earning weeks.

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4) Build a Financial Cushion

Save up at least three months' worth of living expenses. This buffer can help you through slow months, surprise expenses, or emergencies.

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5) Cover Your Own Benefits

Since you're teaching online as a contractor rather than an employee, you'll need to handle your benefits. Budget for:

• Health issues
• Labor insurance
• Retirement savings
• Paid leave

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6) Diversify Your Income

Freelancing income is variable, so having more than one income stream can give you greater financial stability. Teaching on multiple sites or on a side gig can give you extra financial stability.

How long does the TEFL course take in Brazil?

The 120-hour online TEFL course typically takes around 4 weeks to complete.

Will any TEFL qualification work?

No, not all TEFL courses meet global standards. Most schools require a 120-hour accredited TEFL qualification, so make sure the organization is reputable.

Do I need a Certificado de Ensino Médio (high school Diploma) to teach TEFL?

Yes, a Certificado de Ensino Médio (similar to matric) is the minimum requirement for TEFL.

What internet speed and connection type do I need to teach English online?

A stable fiber connection (fibra) is essential. Aim for speeds of 20 Mbps for both upload and download. Speed tests are required during interviews; you can check yours at speedtest.net. Use a mobile hotspot as a backup to handle any coverage drops.