51Talk

1. What is 51Talk? ​Founded in 2011, 51Talk is an online platform that specializes in English language training. While they started in China, they’ve since expanded globally. Their bread and butter is short, 25-minute, 1-on-1 sessions delivered via their own proprietary classroom software. ​2. The "Filipino Teacher" Model ​One of 51Talk’s biggest identifiers is its heavy reliance on teachers from the Philippines. ​The Advantage: This allows them to offer lessons at a much lower price point than platforms using North American or British tutors. ​The Vibe: Filipino teachers are widely praised for their high level of English proficiency, cultural affinity with Western idioms, and generally enthusiastic teaching styles. ​3. The Big Pivot ​You might have heard some noise about them in the news a few years ago. In 2021, China implemented the "Double Reduction" policy, which effectively banned for-profit academic tutoring for kids in China. ​The Result: 51Talk had to pivot hard. They shifted their focus toward the international market (Southeast Asia, Middle East, etc.) and adult learners, rather than just K-12 students in mainland China.