Teaching Degree Qualifications

  There are some countries throughout the world where a degree is a required qualification for teaching ESL. However, with only a TEFL certificate there are still numerous opportunities on almost every continent. There are more opportunities worldwide than we can cover, so try to do your own research where possible.  [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]

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]

  It is possible to take a course at almost every level of qualification in teaching English as a foreign language. To answer the question, we will first look at what those qualification levels are. We then look at some actual courses and what you can do with your degree.  [Read more]

  Level 4 TEFL qualifications provide a solid base from which to start a serious EFL teaching career. Even if you are only planning to teach short-term, a level 4 TEFL will provide access to a wide range of jobs and give you a qualification that is equivalent to a first-year degree course.  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) has become a popular career choice for many individuals looking to work abroad and immerse themselves in different cultures. One common question that arises is whether it is possible to teach English abroad without a degree if you have a TEFL certificate. The answer to this question can vary depending on the country and institution you are looking to work for. In many countries, having a degree is a requirement to obtain a work visa and work legally as an English teacher. However, there are some countries where having a TEFL certificate may be sufficient to secure a teaching position, especially in private language schools or tutoring centers. It is important to research the specific requirements of the country where you wish to teach to ensure...  [Read more]

In the United States, the requirements for teaching English in community colleges can vary depending on the institution and the specific position. While a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification is not always a strict requirement for teaching in community colleges, having one can certainly enhance your qualifications and make you a more competitive candidate. Many community colleges prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in English, education, linguistics, or a related field. Additionally, having a TEFL certification demonstrates that you have received training in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and language assessment practices, which can be valuable skills in an ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom setting. In some cases,...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in humanities can still qualify you to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require a bachelor's degree in any field as a minimum qualification for English teaching positions. While a degree in English or education may be preferred in some cases, a humanities degree can still be sufficient, especially if you have relevant experience or additional qualifications such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. When applying for English teaching positions abroad with a humanities degree, it is essential to highlight any relevant coursework or experience that demonstrates your proficiency in English language and literature. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL certification can significantly enhance your qualifications and make you a...  [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 have a teaching degree from another country, you can still teach English abroad in many cases. One of the most recognized qualifications for teaching English as a foreign language is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification is widely accepted worldwide and can open up opportunities for you to teach English in a variety of settings. Having a teaching degree from another country can be beneficial when looking for teaching opportunities abroad. Many schools and language institutes value the skills and experience that come with a teaching degree, even if it is not specifically in English language teaching. Your background in education can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively...  [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]

Did you know that there are multiple levels of TEFL certification, including TEFL level 4, TEFL level 5, and TEFL level 6? Just when you thought picking an appropriate TEFL course would be easy, you discover that there are several levels available! It is crucial to know what each of these TEFL levels means before choosing your TEFL course. This will help you in determining what level is ideal to reach your desired goal and what courses you need to take in order to get the teaching job you are looking for. To begin, keep in mind that TEFL levels are based on the UK qualifications framework. This includes levels 0 through to 8. Check out the graphic below to get a better understanding of what kind of qualification each level corresponds to: A level 3 TEFL certificate corresponds to the AS...  [Read more]

Yes, having a degree in fine arts can still qualify you to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require a bachelor's degree in any field as a minimum qualification for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). While a degree in English or education may be preferred in some cases, a degree in fine arts can demonstrate your creativity, critical thinking skills, and cultural awareness, which are all valuable qualities in an English teacher. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL certification can further enhance your qualifications and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market. When applying for English teaching positions abroad with a degree in fine arts, it's important to highlight relevant skills and experiences that showcase your ability to effectively...  [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]

Yes, having a degree in communications can be a valuable asset when pursuing a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) abroad. While a degree in English or education is often preferred, many countries and language schools also accept degrees in related fields such as communications. One of the key requirements for teaching English abroad is to have a bachelor's degree, so your degree in communications meets this criterion. Additionally, your background in communications may provide you with transferable skills that can be beneficial in the classroom. Communication skills, for example, are essential for explaining language concepts and facilitating classroom discussions. In some cases, having a degree in communications may even make you stand out as a candidate. Your...  [Read more]

TEFL and TESOL courses can be taken online, in-class or as a combined course (mixed online and in-class training). An internationally recognised TEFL qualification should contain at least 120 hours of externally validated study. Depending on the visa rules of the country that you would like to work in, a degree may also be necessary. More information about BA and MA TESOL programs can be seen on our Upgrade your Qualifications page. There are some clear advantages to taking an in-class TEFL course. The main benefit comes from the observed teaching practice sessions and the confidence that is instilled in new teachers. Face-to-face instruction also gives the TEFL trainer more opportunity to impart their knowledge and guide the trainee on areas that they feel are particularly important. The...  [Read more]

Even entry-level teaching jobs usually require applicants to have completed a standard TEFL certification course of around 120 hours. Teachers who want to take another step up the employment ladder often choose to take a higher level qualification such as a Diploma in TESOL. However, if you are seriously interested in reaching the very top of the TEFL job market, completing a master’s degree will certainly be a big help. ITTT does not oversee its own master’s degree course, but we do have a popular option that we can recommend. The Master of Education in TESOL (MEd in TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education provides a practical and affordable route towards gaining a highly regarded, internationally recognized qualification. With this qualification in your pocket you...  [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]

When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK. Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil) Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may...  [Read more]

If you want to meet the criteria laid out for most online or overseas TEFL jobs, then you will need to complete a standard 120-hour TEFL certification course as a minimum. Anyone who dreams of earning a higher salary or applying for management level positions will typically need an advanced qualification such as diploma. However, teachers who want to get to the very top of the EFL tree will probably need to think about completing a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL. ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally recognized teaching qualification. This is a 120-credit degree...  [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]

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]

Demand for ESL teachers is high in all areas of the world and employers typically prefer those who have a TEFL qualification over non-qualified applicants. It is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification before applying for an ESL teaching position. Having some form of teaching experience will also increase your options for employment, though as with a degree, this is not always a requirement. With countries ranging from ancient to very modern, Europe offers a whole range of history, climate, and population density. There are many countries where a degree is not required and these include the ever popular, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you are looking for something quieter, areas of Greece, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria may be...  [Read more]

This form of TEFL has quickly become one of the most popular ways to earn a living teaching English as it is highly flexible and exceptionally convenient for many people. It is usually possible to fit your working hours around any other commitments you have such as work, study or family, and it can be either a full-time job or a part-time way to earn some extra cash. Probably the most attractive quality of teaching online is that it can be done from almost any location worldwide, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a suitable device. Although the requirements stated for online teaching jobs will vary greatly from one employer to the next, it should not be hard for those with a TEFL qualification to find a suitable position. The main qualification necessary for most online...  [Read more]

First we will look at the different levels of study currently available and how they relate to the world of TEFL qualifications. Taking the UK as an example, there are nine qualification levels; examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below: From the above, we can see that a degree in TEFL/TESOL is at level 6 and is therefore a very high level of study in the English teaching world. A few examples of such Level 6 courses are shown below: https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-English-Language-Linguistics-and-TESOL/United-Kingdom/York-St-John-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/Bachelor-of-Arts-in-TESOL/USA/Great-Northern-University/ https://www.bachelorstudies.com/BA-TESOL/Thailand/Thongsook-College/ If you have a TEFL/TESOL degree the most obvious use of it would...  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, especially if you have a degree in education. Many countries and language schools require their English teachers to have a bachelor's degree, and having a degree in education can give you a competitive edge in the job market. With your background in education, you likely have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. Having a degree in education can also open up opportunities for you to pursue higher-level positions, such as teacher training or curriculum development roles. Your understanding of pedagogy and educational theory can help you create engaging lesson plans and effectively manage a classroom of diverse learners. Additionally, your degree may also qualify you for higher salaries...  [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]

With the help of the information we have provided below, you can start teaching English as a foreign language online even if you don’t have a degree. We have looked at why some employers might insist on a degree, how to increase your chances of getting hired, and where to hunt for jobs. Normally, employers require a degree in order to obtain a work visa when hiring someone to teach English abroad. Visas are not a problem, though, when it comes to teaching online - so why do they still want teachers with degrees? One reason can be found in recent reforms made in the largest TEFL market: China. China is the largest TEFL market in the world, and this is also true for the online TEFL sector, where many of the major online teaching platforms are based. Online teaching platforms operating in...  [Read more]