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The timing is right today for turning native English skills into an online income, according to a new report from International Living. 

Retirees (and others) looking for a flexible, fun, portable way to earn from home should consider teaching English online — no office, no cubicle, no experience necessary. Qualified people need not have a teaching degree or any specialized qualifications beyond their native English skills. 

 “There has never been a better time to turn your English skills into an online income,” said Kary Vanice, creator of “Speak English and Get Paid,” a course that explores the many earning paths open to English speakers, and host of a new Earn-with-English online masterclass. 

“The United Nations recently reported that more than 290 million students in 13 countries have had their regular in-class studies disrupted due to the coronavirus. Almost all of these students are now taking classes online. Major online English teaching companies are on a hiring spree to fill the demand. 

Growing demand

English is the language of the internet — and the reach of the internet keeps expanding. A growing middle class worldwide is driving greater urbanization, which in turn creates more demand for English skills as well. 

And the ability to speak English has been equated to higher pay. So the demand is significant. 

 “The e-learning sector is one of the world’s fastest growing industries, slated to become a $65 billion industry by 2023,” Vanice said. 

“You have a virtual ‘perfect storm’ of opportunity just waiting to be cashed in on. With a laptop, a speedy internet connection and a little know-how, you can be set up in a matter of weeks to be earning online from the comfort of your own home.” 

 “Many of these opportunities allow you to determine your own work hours, what type of students you work with, and how much or how little you work every week,” Vanice said. 

“Some employers even prefer to hire teachers with no prior teaching experience, so they can train them how to teach their way, using their learning materials. With so much opportunity, there really is something for everyone.”

 International Living argues that with many Americans already concerned their nest egg might not hold out through retirement — even before the recent market crash — it makes good sense to have an income plan in place. Ideally, it’s one that allows a person to earn from anywhere, in the hours they prefer, from right there at home, and without a long ramp-up time or lots of specialized qualifications. Teaching English online checks all those boxes. 

Funds living abroad for some

“Because our English students are on the other side of the world, we teach very early in the morning (usually 4:30 a.m.). By 8 a.m., we are done teaching for the day, and ready to have fun with our kids.”

 That flexibility is attractive — and it comes built in, no matter if a person’s home base is Hays, Kansas or Barcelona, Spain.

“I’ve created my own schedule, teaching from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday to Friday,” said Tess Bercan, who is based in Costa Rica. “I earn about $1,000 a month doing this. 

“For me, this schedule is ideal. By 8 a.m., I’m done with my day, and I spend the rest of my time at the beach and meeting friends.

There are many online tutoring companies that hire English teachers. Research ESL (English as a Second Language) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). The “Speak English and Get Paid” course costs $397 and is available at barefootconsultants.com.