Amazing Talker - First Impressions As An Online English Teacher - Should You Teach With Them Online?

Today I want to talk about my experience with signing up to Amazing talker and going through the application process, including a live demo lesson.
There are many good things about this platform but I also have some reservations just from the first impressions I've had.
I'll share this and more in the video
Sign up to Amazing Talker today - bit.ly/3uyIV3b
👨‍🏫 How to become an IELTS teacher:
I really recommend this site if you want to take your TEFL course online: bit.ly/3fVcln4
You can also read about my journey becoming a teacher here: theenglishgrin...
💲 How to start an online teaching business:
If you are interested in starting an online business, for teaching, or anything else, check out this free guide (PDF download): bit.ly/3lRUeC9
📚 Recommended study aids:
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS Student's Book: amzn.to/2WQuatX
Complete IELTS bands 6.5-7.5 (Student book): amzn.to/2CYsoQo
Cambridge IELTS 14 General Training Student's Book: amzn.to/2CGCup1
IELTS 14 Academic Student's Book: amzn.to/3jwD1KX
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⁉️ IELTS Public Band Score Descriptors:
Writing: bit.ly/3etIj6I
Speaking: bit.ly/2BbDRer

[@noelpaintonsmith8091]

I applied with this country, but was overwhelmed when I first logged on with the amount of teachers who were reaching out to "mentor" me, which was kinda creepy to me. I decided NOT to continue because it just seemed so very strange. I wasn't ready to interview IMMEDIATELY which is what they wanted me to do. Now that I heard about the fees, there is no way I'd work for this company now! 48% off the first $100 is outrageous.

[@MissEloisee]

Same here!! It was kinda overwhelming, also it was horrible that if you do not accept a student in 10 seconds you lost him like what! Yes I teach, but I have a schedule and things to do. Honestly it was not for me, I’m deactivating my profile

[@delilah4747]

@@MissEloisee ITS ACTUALLY 3 SECONDS :)

[@Jessica-xc9qp]

I'm GLAD I'm here. This video gave me a lot of insight and saved me a lot of time.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I'm happy it was helpful! Thanks for watching Jessica.

[@joeyfiuza]

⚠DEMO CLASS UPDATE FOR PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO APPLY TO AMAZING TALKER ⚠: About the "demo class". I've just taken it a few minutes ago. I applied as a French teacher, certified in teaching French as a foreign language. When I sent a message to the mentor/interviewer to ask what would be the topic of the demo class, which is a thing Amazing Talker advised you to do, she simply replied she would have only one question for me. The question was :"Do you have teaching experience ?". I answered "I do". She then said "You passed. Congratulations. Good bye." And that was it.😅

[@englishwithteachermarius5950]

Strange enough, I work fork for the company fulltime and make good money. Patience and hard work is key here. Also take in account that as a salted online teacher I know all these platforms and I promise you you that Amazing Talker will still get you 10x more students than any other. Good luck out there.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I'm really glad it's working out for you. As I said, I only got as far as passing the interview. When my 'team leader' suggested I work for free for a number of weeks to build traction, I just wasn't in a position to do that. Perhaps I will give it a real trial and do an update video in the future.

[@englishwithteachermarius5950]

@@TheEnglishGrind That is the one big mistake you made is joining those teams. Do it solo, you will be successful. I do suggest no higher than $25 tho

[@TheEnglishGrind]

@@englishwithteachermarius5950 Interesting. I have to admit that after talking to one of those teams I was completely put off, so perhaps going solo is a better bet. Thanks, Boet!

[@rivap.4791]

Hey there, as an established teacher elsewhere (private agents), my average class has been $30 per hour up to $46 per hour. I'm thinking of trying out different platforms and have sent an application to Amazing Talker. It's been suggested to me by the teacher doing the "interview" that I start at $15 per class. Did you do this as well? I'm assuming that will be 30% off $15. I was told that I can raise my price over time (perhaps in about 2-3 months I can begin to charge up to $30 or more). If you don't mind, I'd love to know your personal experience when it came to initial price points etc. Thanks!

[@englishwithteachermarius5950]

@@rivap.4791 It is a guideline for less experienced teachers only, you dont have to follow that. Establish yourself as a $35 Tutor to begin with and go up incrementally fron there, Establishing a good student base here is hard though, takes a lot of dedication

[@whatwouldyoudo64]

I have been an online English teacher for over 5 years. Taught over 20k classes. I worked for some of the largest ESL companies with thousands of teachers. And yes I even was multiple times the top teacher among thousands! I can tell you that the so called rankings is BS. The reviews from other teachers “ your Competition “ and students is BS! And if they think with all my experience I am going to teach for months for peanuts 🥜 F them. And I guarantee the moment you start raising your rates your students drop off like flies! Can it work sure, you work for nothing for about 6 months and starve!

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Yep, totally agree. I never actually continued with AT after I was told by my 'onboarder' to teach for free. This is a fantastic platform for students but not a viable option for teachers as far as I could see.

[@theindividualizt]

The student is not going to value the learning at such below-average wage prices. It simply means the student will devalue the skill they're learning; devalue the teaching experience; devalue the teacher, and will, as a result, be more likely to be inconsistent with the learning. Ultimately, the student will never progress, and will remain stuck where they are, and will have wasted their money. Conversely, the teacher will not deliver the best value, as they simply won't get excited at such low rates. It's called a false economy. Also consider that working from home has costs, such as Internet, commuter, lighting.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Well said Sandi. Unfortunately, it seems this is the way our industry is going, at least online.

[@theindividualizt]

@@TheEnglishGrind As you say, work for yourself, and cut out the exploitative middlemen.

[@carleato01]

Wow 48% from the hard working teachers. Give it a miss guys. I hear matching with AI is terrible. Your all worth more than this guys.

[@TheFilmLocker]

Great video! I´ve just signed up and it´s not easy finding a group to join. They all seem to be full or require you to work 40+ hours a week.

[@daniellekempdanielle3062]

Thanks so much for this. I'm looking for resources for my lessons. Do you know any websites which provide a package of lessons, such as a series of ten presentations for IELTS, each presentation building on the last? (I'm not only looking for IETLS, that's just an example).

[@kemerovo65]

Thanks for the video. I also have just passed the demo (which I could not record for some reason, unfortunately), and the demo was easy. By the way, I had to prepare 2, and I did not choose what to teach, the "students" made choices, then 1 student changed her mind one day before the lesson and chose a different topic, and then she could not be online due to the Internet problems. I got another "student" after a while... The demo lesson itself took over a week to get through... I found the application process to be very difficult. Probably, there is an issue with a software, because I seemed not to have all the right buttons and icons on my screen, and my training is somewhat stalled. However, I am alarmed at this point about how intrusive this system might be. I am expected to respond to the students within a minute, "ideally". Well, it is a lot to ask. As a teacher, I did not get used to fish for students and to race, who comes first. And I also have my doubts about how viable it might be financially. Please, share, how will you progress in the system.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Hey Tatiana, I had a very similar experience with my initial demo 'student' cancelling last minute and then referring me to her 'boss' within the teacher group. Personally, I'm not interested in a system where I have to offer 25 minutes of my time for a few dollars for a demo just to get any traction. The fact that you have to respond to a student in seconds to get a look in and then you have to convince them to take classes with you by giving more discounts isn't viable. I also dislike that every morning now I wake up to an email telling me I'm at the bottom of the rankings because I didn't sign in for 24 hours. It's a little abusive to be honest. There have got to be easier ways to make money teaching online. I hope you find something that works, but for me at the moment Amazing Talker is not a market for serious teachers who have a family to support.

[@kemerovo65]

@@TheEnglishGrind Thanks for the instant reply... You confirmed my thoughts about the system

[@imasoftwarrior]

@@TheEnglishGrind Interesting! Please share any serious platforms. I'm looking for a new place to work at.

[@Val-hs2ih]

Hi Tatiana, tomorrow is my demo and I´m nervous, Is this woth it?

[@kemerovo65]

@@Val-hs2ih Hi, how did your demo go? I am sorry, I did not see your message on time. I am with AT for a year... Yes, it is not too bad when you get used to it. It helped me through the lockdowns a lot.

[@KarwuayOficial]

Ok so, you basically have to compete for students which I think is not very fair for the new teachers, I mean is going to be really hard to get students.

[@EnglishPracticeTestPractice]

lo I am also on this platform, am wondring if the income they said is attainable. it seems hard to get students as it seems to be a competition who gets to accept the students match first

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Yes, that part was strange for me too.

[@TerryClarkAccordioncrazy]

Is AT a scam? All I had were other teachers contacting me trying to set up mentoring schemes and not one single student!

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Can't say it's a scam, but I did get the impression it was some sort of affiliate/pyramid scheme. You join one of these mentoring groups and the head people get a reward. I have no problem with that, but it did seem that an individual couldn't make it without joining a group. I personally never went beyond the onboarding process as I refused to work for free just to get my foot in the door.

[@TeacherJamesOnline]

Hi there. I've just joined A.T. No demo required, set up profile now just awaiting students. Also based in Taiwan so in a good spot to juggle in class with online. I've checked out your recent videos...just wondered how you got on with A.T since the time you posted this? Did your IELTS teaching skill help you get more students, because it's something I'm considering diving more into so I can go from your typical cram school teacher to something more specific. Although, I do enjoy teaching kids so I'd probably do both. Hope all is well!

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Hey James. I never pursued A.T. At the time it seemed that I would have to work a lot for free to make any progress on the platform and then pay up to 30% of my revenue when I did earn something. That was some time ago, so I have no idea if it's improved since then. Sorry I can't help you with this one, good luck mate.

[@edavon2088]

Thanks for. Your thoughts on Amaz T. Taipei Ed

[@edavon2088]

Hey Phil, Taipei Ed here. I'm also just starting out with Amaz Talker. Have u tried Cambly?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

No I never tried it. Hope it works out for you.

[@annarutterford4494]

Hi Phil I found this video extremely helpful. I'm trying to get started with online teaching. I am CELTA certified and I wondered if you may be looking for an extra member for your own team or if you know any other good companies that are seeking teachers. I'm not yet trained in preparing students for IELTS. Thanks! Anna

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Congratulations for the CELTA, it's the best one to do. My advice would be to look for a local school who take on IELTS tutors or go for an online platform and teach independently. I'm still doing the former. I'm going to release a video soon about how to become an IELTS teacher, so look out for that.

[@annarutterford4494]

@@TheEnglishGrind Thank yo so much Phil, this is exactly the advice I need for the next step. I will look out for your video!

[@carolinehannam4852]

Great video and thank you for the information. I agree that the commission structure and fees is harsh and I wonder if it's even possible to make 3,000 a month. Also do you know if we have to prepare all our own lessons based on the students needs. Lesson planning is time consuming too. Still can't make up my mind if I should go with italki or amazing talker.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

You are welcome. Yes, you have to prepare all your lessons and it seems the student can be very precise in their requests. I think there are ways around this, however. If you were to advertise your services as 'conversation classes' you could probably bulk plan lessons and recycle them. Let me know about your experience with italki, I'd be interested to know how they compare.

[@daria7366]

I haven't tried Amazing Talker as a teacher, but I guess Italki's way better. Fees are acceptable and teacher friendly service.

[@All_About_English]

I started teaching at the end of March and made very little in my first week. However, I did find a mentor, however, and he and his group helped me hit the ground running in April and made over $2000 net. They even advised me on when to increase my rates and such, and in May, I just finished out with $3,100 (and no extra fees). If you're willing to put in the work, it's a great way to make extra money. I'm just now qualified for group classes and hope to start teaching groups soon.

[@joajoa3069]

@@All_About_English Anyway we can connect? I have a mock lesson coming up and like to connect with you for tips!

[@All_About_English]

@@joajoa3069 I'd be happy to help.

[@SitaClaire]

Have you noticed any issues with students payments not going through and being unable to book their lessons?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Sorry, I never went any further with AT so I don't know.

[@loreacolor9134]

What do you think of the new 30% comission? Could you make a video talking about it?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Is this in addition to what AT already takes before you are able to earn 3K per month? I will have a look into it. Thanks for the video suggestion!

[@sonjasimonovic7930]

Hey, great video, I just wanted to ask how long does it take for the interviewer to rate my demo lesson after it is finished?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

When I did mine the guy pretty much accepted me immediately and then started trying to get me to join his 'team'. I don't know if that's normal or if he later had to do some official paperwork.

[@colourinmyrainbow]

Thank you for this! I have just made up my mind that this company is a joke... I have loads of experience, 2 degrees, CELTA, pgce, the whole tooty! I Passed the demo, no sweat and I was ecstatic... only to be faced with harsh realities. The whole AI system where you have to "catch the match" along with how many other teachers? All pouncing at the same time! And then there's still the chance the student doesn't respond to your message... and loads and loads of material to sift through, to try and make sense of everything. NO thank you! Sheer insanity. AI guarantees low quality employees imo. Reviews of the company confirm this.

[@texasenglishacademy5302]

Your absolutely right, I have made up my mind as well after watching this video and your comment. This is why I refuse to join this or any other kind of online platform. I rather do it all myself, it's harder to find students but I have full control.

[@noelpaintonsmith8091]

Same here as to the experience and background of teaching. YES, I felt pounced upon immediately. So, it was a NO WAY for me after going through the entire process.

[@baecee5586]

Based on the countless reviews I have read, this is the worst platform to teach online. Seems like the company benefits the most and seems like a rip off. Shame on them!! Though, I did I appreciate your video.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I think you are right. The more I researched it the less appealing it seemed. Thanks for watching.

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

Hello. I'm 59 years old and have my TESOL certificate. Do you have a specific recommendation for teaching English online for someone in my age group? Thank you.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Hey John. I don't think I would give you any other advice than I would a less mature teacher. I would say play to your strengths. If you have practical experience, in the business world for example, then market yourself as such. Interview prep, presentation reviews and the like can be a good sub-market to go into. You may also want to target those cultures who value and respect their elders. Personally I've not seen much ageism in the industry except here in Taiwan. Saying that, one of the top IELTS teachers on KZbin (Keith) is no spring chicken and he seems to be doing just fine. Good luck with everything mate!

[@urbanlegendsandtrivia2023]

@@TheEnglishGrind Thank you so much for the great advice. I lived in England for three years back in the 1960s.

[@EnglishTeacherRyan]

Hey Phil - congrats on the move! That's an interesting pay scheme, in that it goes down to 0% when you're at $3000. Has this scheme changed at all since you started on the platform? Thanks for the tips Phil; all the best!

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Hey Ryan, I have to admit that I never really took Amazing Talker to the next step. I felt that the interview process was a little 'culty' and when I got accepted the idea of working for almost nothing wasn't possible for me back then. At the time I was making more money teaching online through local schools and with in-person classes. Taiwan is actually an expensive place to live in many respects! I've enjoyed watching your channel grow over the last couple of months while I've been working on other things. Keep pushing that publish button!!

[@EnglishTeacherRyan]

@@TheEnglishGrind Ah I'm sorry to hear about that but I hear what you're saying, and I've heard similar things from other people. Thanks for the support - cheers! 👊🏻

[@kingrobert1st]

Hi hil! I am in Thailand and also teach English in a secondary school but need online classes to suppliment my income. I have an account with amazingtalker and since today I am unable to log in. Do you have any idea why that is?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I couldn't tell you really. All I know is that after 15 days of not logging in they revoke your ability to talk to students. Don't know if that's permanent though. Just FYI, Taiwan has gone into semi-lock down again this week and they are based in Taipei, could have staffing issues this week. I can only suggest you just reach out to them via support. Hope you get it sorted.

[@kingrobert1st]

@@TheEnglishGrind I am in the middle of submitting my application. I was logged in a few days ago. I don't see how staffing issues can stop a website from logging you in. I think you need to be logged in to go through support. Can you log in right now?

[@forsastanley3242]

Hi! I found your video extremely helpful. I wish to join your team. Could you please help me with mentorship? I will be grateful to hear from you.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Hey Forsa, I'm glad you found it helpful. I actually never continued with Amazing Talker after my initial onboarding, so I'm not in any team you could join. Good luck with your teaching journey nonetheless!

[@JonathanShynn]

Thanks for your video, I think maybe this is the worst platform in the world to teach languages. I saw a lot of negative reviews about this platform, especially the high commissions. I have a friend who works there and recently he told me that due to the pandemic situation in Taiwan, the commission for non-English teachers is now over 50%.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Thanks, Jonathan. I have to admit that I was so unimpressed I never continued with this platform. 50% is ludicrous!

[@michelleparedes9600]

​@@TheEnglishGrind the commission is not 50% Don't know where you heard that from :)

[@TheEnglishGrind]

That's what Jonathan said.

[@JonathanShynn]

@@michelleparedes9600 i also have friends working as non English teachers and that is they told to me.

[@michelleparedes9600]

@@TheEnglishGrind I see, well unfortunately it's not true🤣. I'm a Soanish and English teacher on AT and I can assure you it's not like that. I could dven show you my income report snd explain how the commission works. Seems like this video is completely biased. Maybe you want to give it another try in the future, let me know, I will genuinely help out :)

[@mariasabrinagracetumlad4036]

hello, are the lessons provided?

[@TheEnglishGrind]

No, you need to create the lessons yourself. I believe the platform also gives the student the option to ask for custom curriculums. So calculate that as part of your hourly wage.

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

I have my mock class tomorrow. This sounds like a scam

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I don't think it's a scam, it's just extremely beneficial to their student audience. It's very much like Fiverr or similar services where it's just a race to the bottom in terms of price. If you make around 15 USD an hour teaching anyway, this is a good option but that's about half of what I can make here so it's not worth it for me.

[@parjor4013]

Plz provide your videos with subtitles from india

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Thanks for the feedback, but honestly if you are using this as a teacher you shouldn't need subtitles. I can recommend my other channel, the IELTS grind, if you are using this as a student.

[@parjor4013]

@@TheEnglishGrind ok sir i will follow Actually im not a teacher Im going for a interview for the post of ielts trainer

[@orbmagic]

I just finished the interview a few minutes ago. And turns out, the "student" is within the team..Start from that point, I am going to go within my own pace. After all, going for 30 hours in a week is basically full-time. Not to mention, there is the commission fee...Duh.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

I think it really depends on your local teaching fee. I can earn about 50% more locally than on this platform, so as you said doing 30+ hours isn't great. Just remember, if you can get up to 3k per month your fee is 0%.

[@AhmadAli-sz2uh]

hi, thank you for this video, actually, I don't want amazing talker to promote my profile on FB, Instagram or another social platform.can I stop them to do this ???/plzzzzz answer.

[@TheEnglishGrind]

Sorry mate, I never continued with this company after being onboarded. I didn't really care for their organization. I'd recommend you try to contact them directly and see what your rights are. Good luck Ahmad!

[@AhmadAli-sz2uh]

@@TheEnglishGrind thank you so much for your reply.

[@NewZealandStateOfTheNation]

I work on the App, it is more like "Only Fans' of the online English teaching mixed with Tic Toc. Tons of girls are gaining followers based on hotness it seems.