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Magic Ears and Gogokid are two online ESL companies that teach English to children from China. New teachers may be undecided about which is the best ESL company between the two.
The truth is, there is no best company.
Depending on the teacher’s schedule, goals, preferences, and interests, one company may suit a teacher more than the other. Both companies’ performance varies from teacher to teacher, so there is no one “best company.”
In this blog post, we will draw a comparison: Gogokid vs. Magic Ears.
This will breakdown what teachers can expect from both companies and decide which one is the best for them.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears [Summary]
Gogokid and Magic Ears are Chinese online teaching companies. They pay roughly the same per hour, except Magic Ears might be more demanding with a one-on-four teaching model. That being said, it’s easy to acquire Magic Ears bonuses. Teachers depend on parents to book their classes on the Gogokid platform.
Unfortunately, we’ve just received word that Gogokid and Magic Ears classes are coming to a close due to new Chinese legislation.
There is no point in signing up at this time.
Check out Cambly or our other online teaching opportunities here.
You may also be interested in: The Best English Teaching Companies in 2022.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Company Background
A little insight into “who” and “what” you are working for.
Magic Ears
Magic Ears is an online ESL company founded in 2016, making it a bit older than the Gogokid company. While small, there is still a growing demand for teachers.
Magic Ears operates on a 1-on-4 platform so that teachers can teach up to four students in their online virtual classroom. This allows them to pay a higher hourly rate, and they are one of the highest paying companies in the ESL industry.
They are currently hiring more teachers on their platform and have even branched out to hire from native English-speaking countries other than the US and Canada.
Gogokid
Gogokid is a newer company than Magic Ears, having established itself in 2018 by Bytedance, who are also the owners of TikTok.
In November 2020, Gogokid was on a hiring spree and offered a $300 sign-up bonus for new teachers. That meant that if you were applied and signed your contract with Gogokid in late October/ Early November, you were guaranteed a $300 bonus if you taught just three classes in the month.
Gogokid offers one-on-one classes with students up to the age of 12, just like Magic Ears.
Gogokid is still actively hiring and is one of the highest paying companies in the ESL industry.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Requirements
Sound good so far? Here is everything you need to know to determine if you can work for Gogokid and Magic Ears.
Teaching Certificate
Both Magic Ears and Gogokid require a teaching certificate, such as a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA.
It’s best to get an ESL (English as a Second Language) certificate before going for the interview because:
- It gives you some knowledge on how to teach English as a second language.
- Greater chance of getting hired
- Possibility of receiving a higher pay rate
- It helps you stand out among other applicants
Magic Ears has its own teaching certificate that you can apply for, but it costs $20, and you may not necessarily get the job.
They may also recommend you purchase an ACCREDITAT Confirmation Document. This confirms where you completed your TESOL if any recruiters or employers doubt your certification.
Another option that I recommend is to complete the International Open Academy TESOL course. This IOA course has a trust score of 4.7 from over 849 students who have completed the course.
The certificate qualifies you to teach at any online ESL company and meets the government’s minimum requirements for a 120-hour ESL certificate. It can be completed in just a few hours.
This course is usually $119, but you can get it for just for just $19 here. (Please note that this discount is subject to change at any time).
Teaching Experience
Magic Ears and Gogokid require teachers to have at least one year of teaching experience.
Please note that teaching experience can qualify as:
- Volunteering
- Babysitting, child-minding
- Coaching
- Homeschooling
- Working with kids to some capacity
It does not have to be strictly teaching in a classroom.
No Minimum Hours Each Week
Neither of these companies requires a specific number of teaching hours per week, which is great if teachers have had enough classes. Teachers can choose their hours flexibly with their schedules.
Hiring Criteria
Magic Ears hires candidates from the US and Canada. Recently they’ve opened to other native English-speaking countries, but it is unclear which countries. They’re also open to hiring teachers from South Africa.
Gogokid requires teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and be from the US or Canada. While teachers can be located anywhere globally, they must prove that they are legally eligible to live in the US or Canada.
Bachelor’s degree
Magic Ears hire those with a bachelor’s degree and students in their final year of study. As long as university students can show their transcripts, they can apply to magic ears.
Gogokid requires degree-qualified teachers only.
Don’t Hire from California
There are some independent contract laws in California that prevent Magic Ears and Gogokid from hiring teachers from California. Therefore, California residents cannot teach for either company.
For more information, please read the AB5 restrictions.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Pay
Pay is quite similar for both Magic Ears and Gogokid.
Base Pay
Magic Ears has a tier-based pay system that pays up to $26 per hour. They offer up to $12 for South African teachers.
Magic Ears base pay is between $8-$10 (USD) per 25-minute class. The payment is determined based on qualifications, experience, and the demo interview.
Magic Ears also pay teachers their base rate for no-shows, whereas most companies do not. After teaching for a while at Magic Ears, teachers can move up to a higher base rate.
Gogokid offers teachers $7-$10 (USD) per 25-minute class or up to $25 per hour.
This base pay is also determined by your experience, qualifications, and demo interview.
Incentive Structure
Both companies Gogokid and Magic Ears, also offer incentives and bonuses for teachers.
Gogokid offers bonuses up to 5 USD per hour. This will depend on how many classes teachers have, parent feedback, and performance.
Magic Ears offers bonuses to enter and finish the class on time and open a certain amount of peak slots per month. It is relatively easy to attain these bonuses.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Hiring Process
Check out our Gogokid Review and Magic Ears review for further information to help you with your application and the hiring process.
Here is a summary of the hiring process:
Gogokid
Gogokid has a swift hiring process that can be completed in just a few steps.
- Apply by entering basic information on their website
- Complete a 10-minute recorded demo
- Submit documentation and contract signing
Magic Ears
Magic Ears has a more lengthy application process when compared to Gogokid. However, it is still relatively short.
- Apply by entering basic information on their website
- Complete the recorded or live interview demo
- Watch training videos
- Teach a trial class
- Contract signing
Both companies require teachers to upload their documentation and do a background check to ensure that they can work with children. After contract signing, teachers can open their schedules and start teaching.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Bookings
Classes are booked a little different on Gogokid and Magic Ears.
Gogokid
Parents book classes by viewing a teacher’s profile on Gogokid. This is why teachers need to maintain an excellent profile to increase bookings.
The booking rate varies from person to person. While some teachers may receive lots of bookings, other teachers might struggle, especially at the beginning, when students don’t know them yet.
Teachers can advertise themselves with an introductory video.
Magic Ears
Magic Ears will book your classes from day one. Magic Ears book classes for teachers so that teachers can have greater consistency. As teachers have more classes at Magic Ears, they will secure more and more of their schedule until they have near 100% of their schedules booked.
Some teachers are relieved to have classes booked by the company Magic Ears. Gogokid may have more of an inconsistent schedule initially as parents are just starting to notice you, but the booking rate increases over time with good teaching.
Gogokid vs Magic Ears: Pros and Cons
There are different advantages and disadvantages associated with each company which will determine the best company for you.
Gogokid Pros
Very short hiring process
Gogokid have recently removed the live interview and replaced it with the recorded interview, which can be completed at any time the teacher chooses.
Competitive base rate
It is possible to work up to a higher base rate pay and earn a lot of money with this company.
Gogokid Cons
Strict Demo
A lot of candidates fail the demo because they don’t meet the requirements. You can take a look at the Gogokid’s marking criteria for the interview.
Complicated pay structure
The bonus system can be confusing at times, and some teachers have expressed their dislike of the new bonus system because it is so complicated. It can be hard to calculate the exact bonus.
Not a lot of content on the slides.
Teachers will have to extend lesson time by planning additional questions to ask the students. Teachers can do this by asking them others where/when/what/who/how questions related to the lesson material.
Magic Ears Pros
High-paying
Magic Ears is another high-paying company in the ESL industry. They offer competitive rates because of their four-on-one teaching model.
Interactive Lessons
Lessons can be quite fun and interactive, especially as there are up to four students in each class.
Flexible cancellation policy
Teachers can cancel classes when they need and can have up to four cancellations per month. Teachers can cancel even more classes, so long as they can make up for their closed time slots by opening more time slots at a different time.
Teachers can also take extended time off but just need to inform Magic Ears to decide to do so.
Magic Ears Cons
Require a high amount of energy
Magic Ears are quite strict on its requirements and how the classes are taught on the platform. It’s best to maintain a high level of energy and remain enthusiastic.
In Conclusion
That sums up the companies in a nutshell: Gogokid vs Magic Ears comparison.
I hope you can choose a company that suits your interests and needs. Both are great ways to earn some income teaching online, without even having to leave your home!
If you liked this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends and see if they would be interested in these great opportunities to work online.
Useful Links
- Become an Online Teacher Guide
- Easy (and fun!) Online Teaching Backgrounds
- 12 Things Every Online Teacher Needs
- Using Manycam to Teach Online
- How to Get Paid Teaching Online
- Online Teaching Jobs
- Online Teaching Jobs without a Degree
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
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