Gogokid vs VIPKid: A Comparison

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Online ESL world is booming and growing at a fast rate and every time you look around, there is a new company emerging. You might be faced with the overwhelming decision as to which company you should work for and which company is “the best”. This article, Gogokid vs VIPKid will give you a window into some of the key aspects that you might be wondering about and also will help you to understand how diversifying is important as an online ESL teacher.  If you would like to apply to either or both of these companies, please use my sign up links below or click the apply buttons. I am a teacher and hiring coach for both companies and will be with you at each stage, answering questions and making sure you are fully prepared for the demos.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To VIPKid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vipkid.com%2Fteach%3FpartnerId%3D15506453||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To Gogokid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fteacher.gogokid.com%2F%3FchannelId%3D344%26referralId%3DCTDWBRRA||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdunClhAWhM&t=73s” el_width=”70″ align=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Why Work For Multiple Companies?”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You may have wondered why someone would want to work for more than one company. Perhaps you have never really understood why people would be looking other companies since the one you are working for is too good to be true! Maybe you have even wondered yourself if it is possible. Am I allowed to work for more than one company? What will VIPKid say if I work for Gogokid? Will my contract be renewed?

Yes.

 

The answer to that is a resounding yes, you will not lose your job for working with multiple companies. It is important to note that when working for these online ESL companies, we are independent contractors, not employees. As independent contractors, you are not restricted to contracting with one company.   It is important to diversify and I want to give you 3 reasons why I see diversifying with more than one company to be beneficial to you and your business and work as an online ESL teacher.

 

1. Job security: In this industry, nothing is really guaranteed. A company could close its doors tomorrow. Your bookings might be low. If you work for VIPKid, you will know that bookings can go up and down and sometimes there are lulls. By adding a company like Gogokid, you are just increasing your security of making money as you can easily open up the other company’s schedule should the need arise.
2. Increase in money: Sometimes we might find a company that pays us more so we need to consider salary as a factor. If you have been with VIPKid for a long time but you haven’t obtained a raise, you might consider adding Gogokid as a second option so that you can make more money at certain times with them if you need to.
3. Variety: Sometimes when we just work for one company we can become complacent and bored. The last thing I want as a teacher is to become complacent in mediocrity. Adding a company like Gogokid or any other provides variety and let’s you learn and grow on another platform, curriculum and learn a new set of skills. Some companies teach up to 4 kids, whole classes of kids, or use more interactive slides.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid vs VIPKid: An Introduction”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Gogokid & VIPKid are both Chinese-based online ESL companies providing 1:1 English lessons to Chinese children. They provide the platform to connect US & Canadian teachers with Chinese children between the ages of 5-12. VIPKid was established in October 2013 by Cindi Mi and in 2018 was worth 3 billion dollars.  VIPKid is a very large company. Gogokid is a relatively new company established in 2018 by Bytedance, and they have been quickly growing and offering a similar platform and framework as their competitor VIPKid.

 

Both companies are parent-booked, meaning you open your slots and parents can book you. Both companies also provide all of the lesson material so that all you need to do it show up and teach the lesson that the child is on.  There are many different aspects that could be covered in a comparison article, but I am going to focus on the following main headings that usually are the most discussed questions.

 

The following sections will compare:

 

Requirements

Pay

Application Process

Hours

Curriculum

Classroom

Cancellation Policy

Pros & Cons

Scheduling Tips

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”1. Hiring Requirements”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]

• Bachelors Degree
• Native Speaker
• Eligible to work in US or Canada
• 1+ years teaching related experience
  (volunteer, coaching, tutoring, camps, Sunday School, etc…)
• TESOL / Teaching Certificate (VIPKid will let you do the VIPKid-TESOL for free after your Mock)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]

• Bachelors Degree
• Native Speaker
• Eligible to work in US or Canada
• 1+ years teaching related experience
  (volunteer, coaching, tutoring, camps, Sunday School, etc…)
• TESOL / Teaching Certificate (You can get a $19 TESOL here)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To VIPKid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vipkid.com%2Fteach%3FpartnerId%3D15506453|||rel:nofollow”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To Gogokid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fteacher.gogokid.com%2F%3FchannelId%3D344%26referralId%3DCTDWBRRA||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”2. Application Process”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]

1. Create Account / Fill in Application
2. Interview Demo (3 Options)
   or Attend Fast Pass Event
3. Mock Certification (Redo until you pass)
4. Final Stage: TESOL / Background Check / Upload Documents / Profile / Contract Signing

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]

• Create Account / Fill in Application Form
• Interview
  *Live Interview OR Recorded (in some instances).
• Orientation Quiz
• Final Stages : Contract & Paperwork

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrqSfUTZGYI&t=10s” el_width=”70″ align=”center” title=”VIPKid Hiring Process Explained”][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”3. Pay”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Advertised as $14 – $22 / hour.

**After bonuses, an average starting pay is $20/hour.

Base Pay: $7 – $9 / class 
* Classes are 25 minutes long
** You can teach 2 classes in 1 hour

Bonus Incentives:

Participation Bonus: $1/class
*Show up on time, finish on time.

Finished Class Bonus: $1/class
*Teach >45 classes in 1 month
**Teach 30-44 classes = $0.50/class

Other Incentives:

Short Notice Incentive: $2/class
*Teach a class that books within 24 hours.

Referral Incentive: $100 + milestones
*Refer a teacher who teaches 1+ classes.

Peak Time Bonuses: varies, and not always available.

Trial Conversion Bonus: $5/student
*Convert a trial student into a paying customer.

*You can read a more detailed look at the VIPKid Pay here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]***The Gogokid Pay has recently changed in 2020, please visit my updated Gogokid pay blogpost about this.***

 

Advertised as $14 – $25 / hour.

**After 120 point credit score, average starting pay with bonus is : $22.50

Base Pay: $7 – $10
*Classes are 25 minutes long
** You can teach 2 classes in 1 hour

Bonus Incentives:

Credit Score over 110 points = 110% x Base Pay

Credit Score at 120 points = 125% x Base Pay

*Every teacher starts Gogokid at 100 points. You can earn and lose points. You can ear points by teaching classes and getting good reviews, you can lose points by missing classes, canceling classes, etc..

1 class = 3 points.

 

Other Incentives:

Referral Incentive: $120 + milestones
*Refer a teacher who teaches 1 + classes.

Trial Conversion Bonus: $5
*Convert a student into a paying customer from a trial class.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”4. Hours”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]General Open Hours

*All times are in Beijing Time. Convert to your time zone.

 

Monday – Sunday: 8:30am – 10:00pm

 

Peak Hours: 6:00p – 10:00p (Monday – Friday)

Peak Peak Hours : 7:00p – 9:00p (Monday – Friday)

All Weekend Hours are Peak hours.

*Peak hours are high booking rates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]General Open Hours

*All times are in Beijing Time. Convert to your time zone.

 

Monday – Sunday: 9:00a – 9:30p

 

Peak Hours:
7:00p – 9:00p (Monday .- Friday)
9:00a – 9:00p (Saturday & Sunday(

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”5. Curriculum”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]VIPKid is a comprehensive curriculum covering Levels 1 – 7.

Students progress through the curriculum at their pace.  The curriculum is interactive in Level 1 and Level 2, but mostly static slides from Level 3 upwards. There is a focus on reading, speaking and using thematic content woven through academic areas of mathematics, grammar, spelling and vocabulary.

The curriculum consists of 12 Units within a level, and each unit has 12 lessons. Lesson 6 and Lesson 12 are assessment lessons and students will display and share their final project in Lesson 12.

Teachers can also certify for other levels after getting hired with more specific focuses. Different certifications become available throughout the year so continue checking to see what you are eligible to certify for in the portal.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Gogokid has a more interactive curriculum and there are lots of features on their platform that you will not find in other classrooms.

A Quote from Gogokid:

We offer one-on-one online language lessons based on the U.S. Common Core State Standards and the Chinese standard curriculum through a virtual classroom infused with cutting-edge AI technology.

There are project lessons in which the student is supposed to do the project during class time rather than as homework. This means that sometimes the student is not prepared so the teacher needs to ensure that they have the project materials to at least guide and support the student. There are also project reminder lessons as well.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”6. Classroom”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]VIPKid has changed their classroom a lot in the last year or two and the current classroom utilizes great features. It is important to note that you are no longer able to teach the VIPKid classroom from your web browser or from a chromebook. You must download the PC App and teach from the App OR you can teach on your iPad.

The VIPKid classroom has standard interactive features like “drag and drop” of interactive items. The student and teacher can share the pen and draw on the screen. In addition, there are AI stickers that the teacher can control and put on the student and teacher. These are lots of fun! The VIPKid classroom also has the ability to make the teacher’s screen switch with the lesson so that it is larger.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Gogokid has a more interactive curriculum and there are lots of features on their platform that you will not find in other classrooms.

Gogokid uses AI technology as well and has many features for interactivity such as pens, shapes, and typing tools that the teacher can control. The teacher can also control the color of the pen and other items. There are more features which allows for more interaction and fun! The classroom itself is engaging for the student with lots of audio, video and interactivity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”642″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”641″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”7. Cancellation Policy”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Teacher Cancellations:

If a teacher cancels a class outside of 24 hours, it will not affect your payment, but it will count towards your TOTAL cancellations.

A teacher is allowed, by contract, 6 cancellations in one contract period. Please note, 3 classes in 1 calendar day (Beijing Time) = 1 cancellation. Therefore, 4 cancelled classes = 2 cancellations / 6 that you are allowed.

The penalty for canceling a class within 24 hours is:
$2 penalty if canceled between 24-2hrs
$10 penalty if canceled with less than 2 hours notice.

Soft & Medium Cancellations:

VIPKid has introduced soft and medium cancellations for sickness, emergencies, and those other tragic situations that should never warrant a decrease in pay or a count against your record.

They realize that life happens and these two types of cancellations have allowed for this.

Please refer to your own contract once signed for all of the various situations that can count as a soft or medium cancellation.

Soft Cancellations will not result in a financial penalty or a count against your missed classes.

Medium Cancellations will result in a financial penalty but will not count against your missed classes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Teacher Cancellations:

A teacher will receive no money for any class canceled outside of 24 hours before the class or any time within 24 hours of the class star time.

A teacher is allowed, by contract, 6 cancellations in one contract period. Please note, 3 classes in 1 calendar day (Beijing Time) = 1 cancellation. Therefore, 4 canceled classes = 2 cancellations / 6 that you are allowed.

 

Credit Score Deductions:

1. a “unit” (i.e. a value of ‘1’), upon a class being completed as “TEACHER CANCELLATION”;

2. two “units” (i.e. a value of ‘2’), upon a class being completed as “TEACHER CANCELLATION 24H”;

3. three “units” (i.e. a value of ‘3’), upon a class being completed as “TEACHER CANCELLATION 2H”;

 

Gogokid has introduced soft cancellations and they are dealt with on a case by case basis.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ultimate_heading main_heading=”8. Pros & Cons”][/ultimate_heading][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Remember that some of these pro’s are con’s for other people. This is subjective and only my opinions. You can take these for what they are work. It is important to also note that there is no perfect company, they all have pros and cons but hopefully you can take all of this information in this Gogokid vs VIPKid post and apply where you would fit best, or apply to both![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”VIPKid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Pros:

• Larger student base
• Highly reputable company
• Stability & plans for growth
• Predictability of the lessons

Cons:

• Little room for advancement in other positions
• Fear of losing your job over sickness and missed classes
• Pay is not the highest in the industry

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][ultimate_heading main_heading=”Gogokid” spacer=”line_only” spacer_position=”bottom” line_height=”1″][/ultimate_heading][vc_column_text]Pros:

• Higher base pay and potential for bonuses.
• Small company with lots of promise
• Highly interactive classroom

Cons:

• Startup company going through growing pains
• Has not proven itself as a stable and reputable company yet.
• Policies and Contracts change frequently.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcwilCX2DxY&t=2s” el_width=”70″ align=”center” title=”A comparison video of VIPKid, Gogokid & Magic Ears”][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you can see, both companies are very similar to each other and offer very similar policies and procedures. You will find that there are more similarities than differences so working with both at the same time is not a difficult thing.

A lot of teachers have questions about scheduling and how to schedule with both companies. There are various ways of doing this. You can devote certain days to certain companies (ie: M, W, F – VIPKid & T, Th, Weekends – Gogokid) or whatever suits you.

You can also devote time slots to each company. Perhaps you book really well off peak hours with VIPKid, since they have more students and so you may want to devote your peak slots to Gogokid.

It is something you will need to figure out for yourself if you want to signon with both. I highly recommend diversifying and I think that both companies are great to work for.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To VIPKid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vipkid.com%2Fteach%3FpartnerId%3D15506453|||rel:nofollow”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_btn title=”Apply To Gogokid” shape=”square” color=”orange” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fteacher.gogokid.com%2F%3FchannelId%3D344%26referralId%3DCTDWBRRA||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1045″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center” title=”Pin It!”][/vc_column][/vc_row]