The digital nomad lifestyle is attractive to many, and for good reason. Working online offers the promise of ultimate freedom, and if you happen to be a polyglot, then you have a marketable skill that’s desirable in countries all over the world.
As a language teacher, you could be online tutoring in Australia and Japan every morning and relaxing on the beach or pursuing your hobbies every afternoon. Follow the tips below to bring this dream to life.
1. Set yourself up with the right tech
No matter how much work you put into your lesson plans, if you don’t have the best technology for online teaching, your digital business will not get off the ground.
Here’s what you need to get started:
- A top-quality headset with an excellent microphone – pronunciation is central to language learning. You need to hear and be heard with absolute clarity.
- Video conferencing software that you’re 100% familiar with and confident using.
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection.
- A backup plan for all the technology you’re using – what happens if your headset malfunctions or your internet goes out? Your backup plan could involve having a spare headset, a serviced office you can go to if your internet cuts out, or an alternative device you can use if your laptop crashes.
2. Take advantage of the digital medium
The benefits of online language tutoring extend beyond the freedom it gives you as a teacher. The digital space is home to a wealth of resources that can make the learning experience more enjoyable for your students.
There are plenty of apps that allow you to create quizzes, and these are generally far more fun and engaging than the old paper and pencil approach. You can also allow students to submit their homework in written form or as videos or audio recordings. Give them the freedom to express themselves through technology, and they will love attending your classes.
3. Use culture to teach language
While the grammatical underpinnings are vital to language learning, students often find it easier to retain information when they understand the cultural settings in which the language lives. Including cultural education can also boost their motivation to learn by filling them with the desire to travel and experience these wonders for themselves.
4. Develop your personal brand
You may decide to teach via an established platform. However, you can also branch out on your own by advertising your services in forums and expat groups on social media. Whichever course you take, it’s essential to develop a personal brand that will entice people to choose you over the competition.
Like any job, you have to settle in before you can demand the big bucks. But most sites allow you to set your own rates, so as you get more proficient in your teaching and more students leave positive reviews confirming what a great teacher you are, you can adjust your rates accordingly.
What’s unique about you and your approach to teaching languages? What special extras can you offer? Who are you, and who is your ideal audience? These are big questions, and it may take you some time to answer them. However, doing so can help you quickly carve out a lucrative niche in the market.
5. Make scheduling easy
If you work with an established platform, the scheduling system will be taken care of for you. If you branch out on your own, it’s worth investing in an online booking system that makes it easy for your students to see when you’re available and select a timeslot. Either way, keep your target market in mind when selecting your hours of operation. This may mean being available at odd hours to account for time zone differences.
Follow the tips above, and you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the perks of the digital nomad lifestyle.
