RareJob: Using Skype to teach English
Last week, we announced the results of the Skype for Business Competition. We promised to share more details about how the winners (and other entrants) are saving time, saving money and staying ahead by using Skype in their businesses.
Here’s a detailed case study about RareJob, the second place winner in Asia-Pacific:
RareJob was established in Tokyo in 2007 based on the idea of using Skype to create unique job opportunities linking Japan with other countries around the world. The inaugural project the company took on was teaching English as a second language, or ESL, employing tutors from the Philippines.
ESL instruction is a major industry in Japan, valued at ¥316.6 billion (about US$316 million) in 2007 according to Yano Research Institute Ltd. This is also a highly competitive market dominated until recently by several large nationwide chains of privately operated schools.
RareJob entered the fray armed with Skype. Gaku Nakamura, Chief Technology Officer, knew Skype well before he started the company with partner and CEO Tomohisa Kato.
“Before starting RareJob, I was involved in software development using the peer-to-peer technology at the heart of Skype. I used Skype at work everyday, so I knew its potential as a low-cost, high-quality communications tool,” said Nakamura.
Great tutors without exorbitant costs
Skype enabled RareJob to build a strong base of highly qualified tutors in the Philippines, and at the same time sprint ahead of the competition by keeping operating costs down.
“All of our tutors are students or graduates of the University of the Philippines. We select tutors who have the highest English capability and most natural accents. We then help them get set up on Skype if they do not yet have an account, and train them in using Skype as an educational medium.”
Unlike most of the major players in the Japanese ESL field, RareJob avoids the cost of maintaining schools in high-rent districts around train and subway stations. These areas have traditionally been the most convenient locations for busy commuters. And while the company pays competitive salaries to its Philippine tutors, labor costs are noticeably less than in Japan, and the tutors do not have to travel to Japan to do their jobs.
All this means savings to students without sacrificing profitability for RareJob.
“We use Skype for all our internal communications with tutors, as well as with our office in Manila. This lets us provide online lessons to Japanese students at ¥5,000 (US$50) per month. If a student does a 25-minute lesson everyday, that’s ¥129 per lesson, about 40 times less than what the same student would pay for one-on-one lessons in a classroom.”
The home advantage
What can be more convenient than studying in the comfort of your own home? RareJob users reserve time slots in advance over the web. When the reserved time arrives, one of the company’s tutors calls the user, and the lesson begins. It’s that easy, and another key reason for RareJob’s popularity. In the economic climate since late 2008, more Japanese are going straight home from work, dining in rather than spending money outside. RareJob provides the cost-conscious Japanese with an easy, interactive means toward gaining a new skill, and perhaps contributing to future career development.
With an average of more than 2,000 ESL lessons per day and 700 registered tutors, RareJob is Japan’s largest independent provider of online ESL instruction. Registered students have steadily risen, from about 1,000 in April 2008 to more than 13,000 in August 2009, and if anything the economic crisis is driving new growth.
“Other online service providers use different technologies, such as dedicated videophones the students have to lease or buy. This makes them less expensive than the classroom-style schools, but still a lot more than RareJob.”
RareJob’s students can also take advantage of Skype features not available with other online technologies, such as very high-quality audio and fast file sharing.
The future is video?
RareJob is only a year and a half old, but it has quickly emerged as a promising entrant in Japan’s ESL market and a company with a bright future. Nakamura sees his brand of ESL instruction as continuing to evolve with Skype.
“Most of our students use voice calls for their lessons. The Philippine broadband infrastructure is not as far along as Japan’s, so video calls are often impractical. But as we see Skype improving both audio and video quality while reducing the bandwidth needed, the potential of video instruction will grow. Video adds the dimension of visual aids like pictures. And students can observe the gestures that go along with different phrases and ways of speaking, leading to more natural conversation.”
RareJob’s mission is also only partially completed. ESL instruction is a success, but Nakamura and Kato are constantly working on new ideas for “rare jobs.” Whatever the result, Skype will be there as the company’s core utility.
im interested to teach english to anyone interested of my services. im a graduate of business administration as well as bachelor of laws here in the philippines. if interested, you can contact me in my my skype id:sheila042181 or thru my email add; sheila.melu@yahoo.com. tnx. God bless.
hello…i’d love to teach english via skype. I’m a licensed teacher here in the Philippines. You can contact me in my skype id: greenferl / email add : greenferl@yahoo.com.ph….THANKS!
good day!! this job got me interested… i worked in japan for 5 years and never heard that they had this kind of job regarding teaching japanese to learn english.. im interested in doing the job. you can contact me at my skype account, as14_fire or my e-mail, as14_fire@yahoo.com. thank you very much.. Godbless!!
I amy having trouble getting the program the way it is suppose too. I have tried all I know and still can’t get it to work properly.
I set it to the spec. stepps and it will not work. I set it to send my home phones to my cell phone on 20 seconds or 5 rings and when some one calls me it sends my call to my cell phone one ring about 2 seconds.
I love the program but if it want work the way I set it up then I must delete it from my computer and I don’t want to do that.
If, your people would call me and help me set up my account to where it is suppose to be it will not work. You all have sent me e-mails with no help.
I hope you can help me I love the program but it will not work for me.
Thank you
Don Haney telephone 1-606-297-4697 please help me you can call collect I don’t care at this moment.
I amy having trouble getting the program the way it is suppose too. I have tried all I know and still can’t get it to work properly.
I set it to the spec. stepps and it will not work. I set it to send my home phones to my cell phone on 20 seconds or 5 rings and when some one calls me it sends my call to my cell phone one ring about 2 seconds.
I love the program but if it want work the way I set it up then I must delete it from my computer and I don’t want to do that.
If, your people would call me and help me set up my account to where it is suppose to be it will not work. You all have sent me e-mails with no help.
I hope you can help me I love the program but it will not work for me.
Thank you
Don Haney telephone 1-606-297-4697 please help me you can call collect I don’t care at this moment.
Hello. I am interested with your ad. I am a graduate of BS Psychology in one of a well=known university here in the Philippines. You can reach me in my Skype account, abiichaii or just do email me at ChaChaii_Mox@yahoo.com.
Thank you and I am looking forward for your response.
Aubrey T. Galanida
Hi! I am also intersted. I graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Economics. I am proficient in English and am very partient. You can reach me through my email rani_qt@yahoo.com. Thank you very much! Hope to hear from you soon!
Rani Chan
hi, im interested in this job im presently working as korean english tutor in a academy.to anyone interested to get my service, here’s my skype email: jesusa.macayan ….. you can also contact me in my cellphone number +63993305467 /09193305467.
hi, im interested in this job im presently working as korean english tutor in a academy. I’m available from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. also available evry saturday and sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to anyone interested to get my service, here’s my skype email: jesusa.macayan ….. you can also contact me in my cellphone number +63993305467 /09193305467
私の名前はロバート。私８年沖縄で英語おしえてます。I would really enjoy teaching this way give me a try first lesson is free. I am available mornings and nights. My SKYPE ID is rcolomb190. Please feel free to call me also 日本語 OK ! 携帯電話 My cell phone # 098 4286 3446.
hi,im interested for teaching english.i am presently working as teacher here in one of the university in philippines.you can contact me at email add dhon26_hon@yahoo.com and cell number +639154602819..hope to select me..Thanks
Hi, I am a professional English Teacher from Canada. I would be interested in becoming an online teacher on Rarejob. Please contact me on englishteaching@live.com
I am a school teacher and qualified TESOl teacher ready to teach students on Skype today. Contact me at http://www.englishjackson.com
I am an Australian school teacher and qualified TESOl teacher ready to teach students on Skype today. Contact me at http://www.englishjackson.com
Hello everyone,
My name is aldine. I am an online english instructor for Koreans and Russian nationals. I teach English language through skype. I’ve been teaching english for more than four years now and I am very much confident based on my many satisfied students that I can give you quality education in English. I can give you a very reasonable cost with a high quality education. I can provide you with teaching materials that you need while studying.
Those who are interested in studying english at the comfort of your home, kindly add my skype ID: aldine_usares and my email is a_usares@yahoo.com. and my yahoo messenger is a_usares@yahoo.com You can also send me a message through my cellphone 09283188635.and the payments is negotiable…just contact me dont be hesitate..
Your english teacher,
aldine
I don’t even know any AMERICAN filipinos who speak english without an accent.
They’re probably teaching broken english with a bad accent to porr japanese who don’t know the difference.
You get what you pay for. I certainly wouldn’t learn japanese from a filipino.
Hello, I’m an English teacher. I’ve been teaching English for more than 8 years now. I’d like to help people learn English and speak it fluently. If interested, add me. My Skype Id : Jen.1990
Hi, I’ve been teaching English for 14 years to Spanish speakers and Koreans of all ages and levels in Guatemala. I’m a certified EFL/ESL teacher and I’m currently in the last year to become a certified High School teacher. I’m also an actor and singer, traits which have helped me a lot to be a very popular teacher all these years. If you’re interested please contact me at carlos_pepio@yahoo.com or look me up on Skype. Have a great day!!
Hi, I’m a graduate of the University of the Philippines (BS Development Communication Major in Science Communication and Community Broadcasting). I taught ESL to Koreans over the phone for two years. I was awarded “Teacher of the Year” in 2007. Most of my students enrolled with me several times throughout the 2 years because I was patient, conversational, passionate, and creative with my teaching methods.
After that, I moved on to communication training for Filipinos in one of the world’s most respected contact centers. I’ve always wanted to teach ESL in Japan and I think this is a great opportunity to further hone my skills and help students learn English.
My schedule varies on weekdays but my weekends are free. Please contact me at maranan_mariefjel@yahoo.com. Thank you for your time.
I’m an English teacher in one of the universities here in the Philippines. I have been teaching English for more than two decades already. I’ve taught Grammar classes, Speech and Oral Communication, Philippine Literature, and Composition Writing. I’ve also taught Ethics, and Psychology classes. Hence, I’ve passed the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).
For those who are interested to learn ESL just reach me in my e-mail address: bhet_moneza@yahoo.com or thru my skpe account: bhet_moneza
A hearty English Lessons Online should be your choice in learning English. It caters to all levels of English from Basic, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate and Advance. You can book your first free trial lesson now with your English Teacher. Just add rosejane10 to your contact list and you’ll discover the difference.
Hello, ESL Students,
If you’re interested in conversational English lessons with a native U.S. speaker, please look at my blog
http://englishlessonswithmark.blogspot.com/
or
add me on Skype:
best.language.solutions
or
e-mail me: mark@bestlanguagesolutions.com
I look forward to working with you!
Mark
Hey there!
I’ve been teaching English for almost 3 years now focusing on the pronunciation.
I would be glad to help you learn or improve your English. For those who are interested add me on Skype:
edimadiaz
I look forward to wroking with you!
edi
Hi there! My name’s Ric (Skype name : englishwebteacher) and I’m a qualified English language teacher with Trinity Licentiate Diploma in TESOL and many years of international teaching experience . I am British and have taught English to students of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re interested in learning online with me, visit my website for details and prices. I also offer a 20 minute free trial lesson so you can try first, before buying. website: http://englishwebteacher.wordpress.com/
hi i’m so interested to work as an English language online tutor from-home, i’m a graduate of faculty of arts, English department, my second language is English & I’ve been studying English since the K.G! in a reputable language school in my country, furthermore i studied TEFL & Teaching English for business in 2009, 2010 & was certified with grade A.could you please help me?! my email is happybaby20@gmail.com.
melody.manguerra
Hello everyone!
I am a professional teacher from the Philippines. I have passed the Licensure exam for teachers. I have also passed The International English Language Testing System.What makes me proud of this work is that I was able to teach English abroad. I taught English in South Korea. I made Korean children as well as adult learn the basic english commands using free conversations. My interest in teaching still in my heart, so I am encouraging Korean nationals who want to learn English through skype. Right now I am here in United Kingdom studying HND in Hospitality Management. I can assure you that I still have time to talk with you. Here is my skype: melody.manguerra and here is my e-mail: mercado_miles@yahoo.com
Hi, my name is Biljana, living and studying in UK. I work as an English language, online teacher. In case you are interested: biljana.volcevska@gmail.com
What’s up everyone/skypers:
I am currently a student in University of California, San Diego with a major in Chemical Engineering. As you can tell, I am very good in math and science. Communicating through skype would be a very exciting experiences for me, and I am here to communicate english with you in flexible times. I speak Mandarin, Taiwanese, and English. I would say my English is better than Chinese.
So, if you want to learn any of the language or communicate with me, please contact me through yujenkao80123@yahoo.com.tw ( I will give you further details about the lessons)
Prices for lessons are negotiable, and I am here to teach you english and give you an up to date slang used in college. Conversations in college is very interesting, and I am here to sare with you about daily life of American college students.
THANKS! reply back to me at yujenkao80123@yahoo.com.tw
Hi
I am a Principal of a language school in the UK, currently doing an MA in online and distance education. I am very interested in receiving your comments, thoughts, experiences of using skype as a tool for teaching languages. I am also keen to start my own business incorporating online teaching using skype and/or Elluminate. If you would like to help me with my research or are interested in taking online lessons with me then please skype call or text andy.cowley77
Have a lasting experience
Andy
Hi
I am studying an MA in Educational Technology and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in the UK. My Master’s dissertation project is about how SKYPE can be used in online environments to teach languages to adults.
I am currently conducting a survey as part of my research. If anyone does this and could spare a bit of their time, please visit my Website at http://www.skypesurvey.e-learning.ee and the password is appropriately Skype. Full details are posted on the site.
Thanks
Roger
Hi! I have been teaching university Korean student in University of the Philippines-Los Banos. I am patient, determined and passionate tutor. add me up!
Hi, I just resigned from Duzon EnH – a well-respected online tutoring company based in Korea – and I’m looking for students of any race who would like to polish their English skills. Add me and let’s talk about your ideal schedule. Mine starts at 6:00 pm Philippine time. That’s 7pm in Korean and Japanese time, I believe.
Hi! I’m Jennifer Garcia, a current student from the University of the Philippines. I’m very grateful to teach the English languge. If interested, you can contact me via my skype at jennifer.c.garcia04 or through my email account at jgzeann@yahoo.com. I hope that you will choose me.
Hi…My name is Daisy.I am a licensed teacher from the Phillipines,I have been teaching as an ESL teacher for three years.I have taught Koreans and Japanese for one year.This time I am working in Thailand as an ESL teacher.I have been teaching here for two years already..If you want to contact me.Here is my email ad daisy_carin@yahoo.com.ph and my skype name is mamadesyat…
That’s interesting!