Tefl Certification Versus University Degree

  If you want to teach English abroad and you do not have a 4-year degree there are still plenty of great destinations to choose from. Most countries in Latin America have no such restrictions, while popular countries such as Spain and Italy are also great options.  [Read more]

Due to government restrictions or work visa requirements, there are several countries where English language teachers without a 4-year university degree might find it difficult to secure employment. However, the good news is there are still plenty of great opportunities for those without a degree if you are flexible and willing to go where the demand for your services is high. 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/TESOL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Although China has the largest market for TEFL qualified teachers in the world, the regulations for...  [Read more]

  Without a university degree, is it still possible to teach English online? Yes it is! While it is more difficult to teach English online without a degree, it is still very much possible to make it happen.  [Read more]

  Taking a gap year between school and university, between university and a first job, or at any other time in your life is an increasingly popular option. Although some people can afford to head off without any money concerns, many people embrace TEFL as a way of earning cash on the road.  [Read more]

  Do you want to teach English abroad but don’t have a degree? Don't worry! Although having a degree may make it easier to find a teaching job, teaching English without a degree is still a very real option.  [Read more]

  Do you want to teach English as a foreign language but you don’t have a degree? Don’t despair! Although having a degree might make it easier to find a teaching job, it’s not impossible to teach English without a degree.  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a university setting, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are equipped to effectively instruct students at this level. First and foremost, it is essential to have a strong foundation in the English language yourself. This includes a high level of proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, as well as an understanding of linguistics and language acquisition theory. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements and expectations of teaching English at the university level. This may include understanding the curriculum guidelines, learning outcomes, and assessment methods typically used in university English courses. Furthermore, consider enrolling in specialized training or certification programs for...  [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]

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad for many different reasons, including the buoyant job market, laid-back culture, great climate, and fabulous cuisine. Jobs are available year-round in most major towns and cities, but are you eligible to join the many thousands of people teaching English across Spain right now? This is one of the most common questions asked by those who dream of living and working in Spain, and the answer is NO, you do not need a university degree to teach English in Spain. There is no legal requirement for English teachers to have a degree and demand is so high that most employers are also unconcerned about your degree status. Most employers in Spain prefer to hire native English speakers as this is what local students are...  [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]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both certifications that qualify individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. While they have similar goals, there are some key differences between the two programs. TEFL certification is a broad term that encompasses a range of training programs that vary in length, content, and quality. TEFL courses can be taken online or in person, and they can range from a few weeks to several months in duration. These courses cover a wide range of topics related to teaching English as a foreign language, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. On the other hand, CELTA is a specific type of TEFL certification that is offered by Cambridge...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL certification for career development, it is essential to look for a program that is accredited, reputable, and recognized internationally. The quality of the program, the level of support provided, and the opportunities for practical teaching experience are all crucial factors to consider. One highly regarded provider of TEFL certification is the International TEFL Academy (ITA). ITA offers accredited TEFL courses both online and in various locations around the world. Their courses are internationally recognized and meet the highest standards for TEFL certification. Additionally, ITA provides comprehensive job search guidance and support to help graduates find teaching positions abroad. Another reputable option is the University of Cambridge, which offers the...  [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]

  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]

  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]

  One of the best things about a career in TEFL is that it is open to almost anyone, regardless of age, background, prior experience, or whether or not you are a native English speaker. But one of the most frequently asked questions is, -Do I need a degree to teach English abroad?-  [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]

The good news is that you do not need a degree to teach English online in many situations. We will expand on this throughout this article. The general qualification required to teach ESL either in person or online is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certification. This is seen as the entry level qualification and is usually required by most employers. Other qualities they will be looking for include, in no particular order: (i) Experience: Any formal teaching experience is highly regarded by employers. This may be just a few hours from your TEFL training with real classes, or volunteering at a summer school for example. The more your experience matches the type of teacher they are looking for (such as children or adult teaching) the better. Make sure your C.V or resume indicates all teaching...  [Read more]

  Is a lack of teaching experience or relevant qualifications holding you back from starting a new career as an EFL teacher, or are you worried that you might be too old to find employment? Well, don’t be. As the demand for new teachers is so strong in many parts of the world, there are plenty of jobs available no matter what your age or background. Previous teaching experience is rarely a requirement for the majority of positions. The truth is that the vast majority of people currently teaching English around the world had no experience of teaching before they landed their current role. Academic qualifications are also not necessary in many cases. Teaching jobs in some countries are restricted to degree holders only, but there are many others without any such regulations. Age is...  [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]

  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]

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]

Yes, having a degree in sciences can still qualify you to teach English abroad. Many countries require a bachelor's degree in any field to obtain a work visa for teaching English. However, some countries or language schools may prefer candidates with degrees in English, linguistics, or education. It's essential to research the specific requirements of the country you are interested in teaching in to ensure you meet the qualifications. In addition to a degree, most countries require English language teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. There are various TEFL courses available, ranging from online certifications to in-person...  [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]

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]

  Many people dream of teaching English in China and there are many great reasons to do so, including the fact that there are always plenty of well paid jobs on offer. However, due to recent changes in immigration laws, it is no longer possible to legally work as a teacher if you don’t have a degree.  [Read more]

  Most people who plan to head overseas to teach English have a few specific locations in mind, but unfortunately local restrictions can sometimes get in the way. For example, some countries are off limits to teachers who do not have a university degree; however, Spain is not one of them.  [Read more]

If you have a degree in linguistics, you are well-equipped to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) abroad. Linguistics is the scientific study of language and its structure, including the study of grammar, syntax, phonetics, and semantics. This knowledge is highly beneficial for teaching English to non-native speakers, as it provides you with a deep understanding of language systems and how they work. Having a degree in linguistics can make you a more effective and confident English teacher, as you will have a strong foundation in the principles of language learning and teaching. You will be able to explain grammar rules, language patterns, and pronunciation in a clear and logical way, helping your students understand and improve their English skills. Additionally, your degree in...  [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]

Yes, having a degree in the humanities can be a valuable asset when seeking opportunities to teach English abroad. Many countries and language schools require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree, but the field of study is often not specified. A degree in the humanities can demonstrate critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, and a strong foundation in language and communication, all of which are beneficial for teaching English as a foreign language. When applying for teaching positions abroad with a humanities degree, it is important to highlight relevant coursework or experiences that are related to language, literature, or education. Emphasizing any teaching or tutoring experience, even if it is not specifically in English, can also strengthen your application....  [Read more]