Enter your search term

Search by title or post keyword

What is Cambly And How Does It Work?

Live online tutoring is one of the next big things in language immersion. Gone are the days of online worksheets, watching pre-recorded videos, or even scheduled class times. A new trend in online language learning is websites that allow tutors and students to meet up online at any time and talk in another language via a live video feed. For students, it’s an easy way to practice a language whenever their schedule allows, or to get additional help whenever they need it. For tutors, it’s a really great way to bring in extra cash helping people with language skills. One of the most popular companies offering live online tutoring right now is Cambly. And if you’re someone looking for a side hustle where you can work from home, and would love to help people learn English, it might be a great company to check out. In this article we’ll look at the Cambly service, and break down what they offer students. We’ll also look at what Cambly tutors do — and how they’re paid — and walk you through the application process.

What Is Cambly?

https://youtu.be/BhaDciQgl50
Cambly is an online platform that pairs native speakers from the United States, Canada, UK, and Australia with students around the world who want to participate in an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Cambly’s main selling point is flexibility. The company does offer pre-set courses, scheduled meetups, and test prep for students. But its distinguishing factor is that students can basically sign on at almost any time and instantly get connected with English tutors to practice language skills. Cambly Inc. was founded in 2013 by Kevin Law and Sameer Shariff in San Francisco. On Glassdoor, a website that allows employees to offer honest feedback about companies, it has a 4-star rating out of 5 as a place to work. Tutors noted that it had a great interface, and you really could set your own schedule, with their only lament being that it would be tough to earn enough through Cambly as a full-time job if you live in a major city with a high cost of living.

What Cambly Offers Students

Cambly gives students online instant access to English teachers. These teachers can answer questions, work on a specific topic that the student wants to work on, or just help students practice English skills by talking with them via video chat. It’s a more informal approach to English tutoring. Some other things that Cambly offers students:
A man tutoring a high school student on a laptop

Recordings

Every video chat on Cambly is recorded and provided for students should they want to review it. Chatting with someone is great, but if they connect with a teacher they love who covers a topic well, that session will be able to be re-watched and reviewed whenever.

In-Chat Translation

A really nice addition to Cambly is that it allows students, in their native language, to type in a question into the window’s chat box if they get stuck or have a question. That question will then be instantly translated into English for the tutor, so they can try and help them navigate the problem. It’s total immersion, with a little help from the internet.

Reservations

While Cambly does offer instant tutoring whenever you want it, it also allows you to schedule time with teachers that you connect with and want to work with again.

Coursework and Certificate

For English students who like more structure, Cambly offers more traditional courses that work through aspects of English speech. Many students like to combine traditional courses with impromptu drop-ins to practice English, almost like a course and then office hours. And every student who completes 10 hours of private lessons will receive a certificate saying they’d done so.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve talked about Cambly, the company, and what it offers both students and tutors. Let’s get into some frequently asked questions about the service: 1. What’s the best way to earn as a tutor with Cambly? In reviewing notes and message boards online, the best way to earn consistently is to take advantage of Priority Hours and commit to a schedule whenever you can. Setting schedules lets students book you ahead of time, and when you are on, you are given priority over tutors who just dropped in. You may not make enough consistently to make it a full-time job in a major city with high rents, but with consistent schedules, you can earn well from home. Plus Cambly pays every Monday via PayPal, so there’s no hunting down invoices or hoping payment comes. 2. Where are Cambly students located? Cambly students are located all over the world. In a given day tutoring you might spend time chatting with someone from China, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey. 3. Is there an app for students? There is! The Cambly app is available on iPhone and Android, and makes it easy for students to hop on and practice their English conversation skills right from their mobile phone. Tutors they ask to use a computer so Cambly can track hours properly.

Teaching English Online With Cambly

If you’ve got solid Internet speed and want to try online English teaching, Cambly can be a fantastic way to bring in a little extra cash or become a steady part-time job. With extremely flexible scheduling, consistent pay, and competitive rates for new teachers, the service is a popular one among tutors. If you’re thinking about becoming an ESL teacher, Cambly can also give you experience before you dive fully into becoming certified. You can try out online tutoring sessions, decide if you love it, and all the while bringing in extra money. For a part-time work-at-home job, it’s a great option.

1 thought on “What is Cambly And How Does It Work?”

  1. Would like to know more I am currently a teacher and not working on a Wednesday Does this program pay hourly if so how much please?

    Reply

Leave a Comment

The Best ClassPass Promo Codes for 2019
  • App-based-gig

The Best ClassPass Promo Codes for 2023

May 1, 2020
2 min read
Wyzant tutoring: A student writes in a notebook in front of a computer
  • App-based-gig

Wyzant Tutoring: Is It a Good Way to Earn Extra Income?

February 26, 2020
6 min read
vector graphic showing an illustration of how to get paid to help people move
  • App-based-gig

Get Paid to Help People Move

January 23, 2020
5 min read

Explore More within Gigworker

Other App-Based Gigs
Get to work faster with jobs in the gig worker industry.
post explore

Browse Our Gig Headquarters

The gig economy is booming, and thanks to COVID-19, more people than ever are getting involved. But what is this new sharing economy and how does it work?

Important Gig Economy #Fundamentals to Understand

gigworker logo icon
What is the Gig Economy?

Member’s Area

Unlock access to forums, groups, downloadable content, exclusive courses, and more – just for members.

Create an Account

Side Hustle Ideas

Get inspired with our list of 750+ side hustles. Sort by category, rating, and other custom taxonomies.

Browse Side Hustles

Gig Companies

Browse our complete list of gig economy companies, and the gigs they’re hiring for.

Helpful Content

Read thousands of informative posts, written specifically to help you excel in your favorite gigs.