Do You Need A Teaching Degree To Teach

  Strictly speaking the answer is no, you do not have to possess a TEFL certificate in order to find work as an English language teacher. In some countries around the world it is still possible to secure employment simply by being a native English speaker. However, there are several reasons why we would strongly recommend that you complete a TEFL training course before you set off to teach English abroad. In recent years many popular destinations for EFL teachers have begun to tighten the requirements necessary for teaching English in schools and language centers. A recognized TEFL certificate is now required in order to secure a work permit in many countries, whilst the ever growing number of teachers with a TEFL qualification means that employers in the majority of countries...  [Read more]

  Although a degree is necessary if you want to have access to every English language teaching market worldwide, there are also plenty of good options open to those without a high-level qualification.  [Read more]

  Teaching English online has been one of the massive growth areas in the ESL teaching world over the last ten years. However, before signing up for any company you will usually have to meet certain requirements. For example, some platforms require a degree and some do not.  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

If you don’t possess a university degree, it is still possible to teach English in a foreign country. Regardless of your academic background, there are countless language schools out there that will happily hire you. Even though a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there really is no reason to give up on your dream of teaching English abroad if you do not have one. We at ITTT believe that having a degree is not the most important thing when considering a career in language teaching. Instead, certain qualities, like passion, dedication, and the ability to establish a connection with your students, may be argued to be far more important in this career than a university degree. However, you should still possess the right skills and know-how for leading a successful classroom. This...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

Absolutely! Having a degree in journalism can be a great asset when it comes to teaching English abroad. While a degree in English or Education is often preferred, many countries and language schools also accept degrees in related fields such as journalism. One of the key requirements for teaching English abroad is often having a bachelor's degree in any field, so your journalism degree should meet this criterion. Additionally, your background in journalism can bring a unique perspective to the classroom and help you effectively communicate with your students. When applying for English teaching positions abroad, you may need to obtain a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English to...  [Read more]

We should start by acknowledging that there are some countries where a degree is required for certain teaching jobs. However, even within these countries there are often opportunities for teachers without a degree. In such situations you would need to be more flexible in terms of the type of job and conditions. As we will see later, undertaking volunteering or internship programs are examples of such flexibility. The main point here is that you can teach in many countries without a degree, provided you do have some other attributes or qualifications that employers are looking for. One of the most important qualifications worldwide for EFL teachers is the TEFL certificate. If you have a certificate of at least 120 hours then you should be able to find a number of jobs available to you. You...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Russia can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to understand the requirements before embarking on this journey. To teach English in Russia, you typically need a bachelor's degree in any field, as well as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Some employers may also require a teaching license or previous teaching experience. Additionally, having a good command of the Russian language can be beneficial, but it is not always a strict requirement. In terms of qualifications, a bachelor's degree is usually sufficient for teaching English in Russia. The degree can be in any field, although degrees in English, education, or linguistics may give you a competitive edge in the job market. A TEFL certificate is also commonly required and can be...  [Read more]

In order to teach English in Norway, there are several requirements that you need to meet. First and foremost, you must be a native English speaker or demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the English language. This is essential as you will be teaching English as a foreign language to students who are looking to improve their language skills. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree is typically a requirement for teaching English in Norway. While it is not always mandatory for the degree to be in English or education, having a degree in one of these fields can be beneficial and increase your chances of finding a teaching position. Another important requirement is obtaining a teaching certification or qualification. This can vary depending on the institution or school where you wish...  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Cambodia is...  [Read more]

To teach English abroad, you will typically need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field, although a degree in English, Education, or Linguistics can be advantageous. Many employers also require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification, which can be obtained through various online or in-person courses. Additionally, some countries may require a teaching license or previous teaching experience. Having a TEFL certification is highly recommended as it provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. There are different levels of TEFL certifications, including basic, advanced, and specialized courses. The number of hours required for a TEFL certification can vary depending on the program and the country where...  [Read more]

To teach English in Belgium, there are several requirements that you need to fulfill. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree in English or a related field is typically necessary. This degree should be from an accredited institution to ensure that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach English effectively. Additionally, many language schools and institutions in Belgium require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Having a TEFL or TESOL certification demonstrates that you have received training specifically in teaching English to non-native speakers. This certification is highly valued by employers in Belgium and will give you a competitive edge when applying for...  [Read more]

To teach English in Germany, there are several requirements that you need to fulfill. First and foremost, you typically need to have a Bachelor's degree in English or a related field. This degree should ideally include coursework in education or teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). Some schools may also require a TEFL certification, such as CELTA or TESOL, which provide training specifically for teaching English to non-native speakers. In addition to educational qualifications, many schools in Germany also require teachers to have some teaching experience. This can vary depending on the institution and the level of students you will be teaching. Some schools may require a minimum of one year of teaching experience, while others may prefer candidates with more extensive...  [Read more]

To teach English in the Philippines, you need to meet certain requirements. The specific qualifications may vary depending on the institution or organization you wish to work for, but there are some common requirements that most employers look for when hiring English teachers in the Philippines. First and foremost, a bachelor's degree is typically required to teach English in the Philippines. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having a degree in one of these fields can be beneficial. In addition to a bachelor's degree, many employers also prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications provide training in effective teaching methods for...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in engineering can be beneficial when pursuing a career in TEFL. Many countries require a bachelor's degree in any field to qualify for a work visa, so your engineering degree would meet this requirement. Additionally, having a technical background can make you stand out as a TEFL teacher, especially when teaching English for specific purposes such as technical English or business English. When applying for TEFL jobs abroad with an engineering degree, it's essential to highlight any transferable skills that make you a strong candidate for teaching English. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and analytical thinking are all valuable traits that can be applied in the classroom. Your ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner can also be an...  [Read more]

As it is a modern, vibrant city where English is a common language and most luxuries and comforts are available, Hong Kong is naturally a popular destination among TEFL qualified teachers. The city is a cultural melting pot where almost every language on Earth can be heard and there is an impressive number of major skyscrapers dominating the skyline, two reasons why it is sometimes referred to as the New York of the East. Due to its popularity, Hong Kong has strong competition for the best teaching jobs, so to have a good chance of landing one there are a few things you need to know. There have been government guidelines for employing foreign teachers in Hong Kong for some time; however, these have not been rigorously enforced until recently. These days it is very difficult, and...  [Read more]

China is without doubt the largest market for English language teaching in the world. With a population in the region of 1.4 billion people spread across a vast area, there are a huge range of opportunities to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer big city life, the peace of rural living, tropical or seasonal climates, China has it all. However, one big question is often asked by teachers who want to live and work in the country: Until quite recently the answer would have been yes, as schools in China generally don’t care whether their teachers have a degree or not, and this still hasn’t changed. What has changed is the government has tightened the rules on who is eligible for a Z (work) visa which is what every teacher needs to work legally in the country. The simple truth is that you...  [Read more]

To teach English in Indonesia, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree is essential. Most schools and language institutions require a degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is highly recommended. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Another important requirement is a work visa. To work legally in Indonesia, you need to obtain a work visa, also known as a KITAS (Kartu Izin Tinggal Terbatas). This process can be complex and time-consuming, so it's advisable to secure a job offer from a...  [Read more]

To teach English in Greece, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree is essential. This degree doesn't necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having some background in these fields can be beneficial. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is usually a requirement. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Furthermore, having a native-level proficiency in English is crucial. You should be able to speak, write, and understand English fluently. Some schools may also require a certain level of proficiency in Greek, the official language of Greece, although this is not always mandatory. Having prior...  [Read more]

To teach English in Japan, there are several requirements you need to meet. First and foremost, having a bachelor's degree is essential. Most schools and language institutions in Japan require their English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in any field. This is a non-negotiable requirement and is strictly enforced to obtain a work visa. Additionally, obtaining a work visa is a crucial step in teaching English in Japan. To apply for a work visa, you need to secure a job offer from a school or language institution in Japan. The employer will then sponsor your visa application, which will allow you to legally work in the country as an English teacher. Another important requirement is having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. While not always mandatory, having a...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Thailand is a popular choice for many individuals looking to immerse themselves in a new culture while sharing their language skills. To be eligible to teach English in Thailand, there are certain requirements that you need to meet. First and foremost, a bachelor's degree in any field is typically required to secure a teaching position in Thailand. While the degree does not necessarily have to be in education or English, having a degree is a standard requirement for obtaining a work permit. Additionally, obtaining a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) certification is highly recommended. Many schools and language institutes in Thailand prefer candidates with a TEFL or TESOL certification as it...  [Read more]

To teach English in Cyprus, there are certain requirements that you need to fulfill. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree is typically a minimum requirement. This degree doesn't necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having a degree is usually a prerequisite for obtaining a work permit to teach in Cyprus. Additionally, many schools and language institutes in Cyprus require teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Having teaching experience, especially in a language school setting, can also be beneficial when applying for English teaching positions...  [Read more]

To teach English in France, there are several requirements that you must meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor's degree is usually a prerequisite. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or Education, but having a background in either field can be beneficial. Additionally, many language schools and institutions in France require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. A TEFL certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having a strong command of the English language is essential. You should be fluent in English and have excellent communication skills. Being a native English speaker is often preferred by employers in France, but non-native...  [Read more]

To teach English in Ukraine, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a bachelor's degree is typically a prerequisite for teaching English as a foreign language in Ukraine. This degree does not necessarily have to be in English or education, but having a related field of study can be beneficial. Additionally, many language schools and institutions in Ukraine require teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. Furthermore, a good command of the English language is essential. While Ukrainian or Russian language skills are not always mandatory, they can be advantageous, especially when it comes to navigating daily life outside of the classroom. Some schools may also...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Spain is a popular choice for many individuals looking to live abroad and immerse themselves in the Spanish culture. To qualify for teaching English in Spain, there are several requirements that need to be met. First and foremost, a Bachelor's degree is typically a requirement for teaching English in Spain. While the degree does not necessarily need to be in education or English, having a degree is often a stipulation for obtaining a work visa. In addition to a Bachelor's degree, many language schools and programs in Spain require prospective English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications provide training on teaching methodologies, lesson planning,...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Austria can be a rewarding experience for those who meet the necessary requirements. To be eligible to teach English in Austria, there are several key requirements that individuals must meet. First and foremost, having a Bachelor's degree is often a minimum requirement for teaching English in Austria. While the degree does not necessarily have to be in English or Education, having a background in either of these fields can be beneficial. Additionally, many schools and language institutes in Austria require their English teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification demonstrates that the individual has received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers and is equipped with the necessary skills to be...  [Read more]

To teach English in Croatia, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a recognized TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is essential. This certification demonstrates that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree in English or a related field is often required by language schools and employers in Croatia. Furthermore, many language schools in Croatia prefer candidates who have previous teaching experience. This can be in the form of formal teaching positions, tutoring, or even volunteer work. Demonstrating your experience in teaching English will make you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Another important requirement for teaching...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

To teach English in Italy, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor’s degree is essential. While it doesn't necessarily have to be in English or Education, having a degree is typically a requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching English in Italy. Additionally, many language schools and institutions prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having a good command of the English language is crucial. As an English teacher, you will be expected to have native or near-native proficiency in English. This...  [Read more]