What Degrees Do Teachers Need

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]

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]

When considering this question it is important to first outline the different types of class levels found in English language classrooms worldwide. A fairly common classification of EFL teaching levels is indicated by the book resources available. If you consider book series such as, Reward, New Headway, and many others, you will find five levels. These levels are, Starter (or Beginner), Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. Now we have established the general language levels of students, we can now consider the four skills of English. It is very important to remember that there are four skills that are required by any language user. These four skills are, reading and listening (known as the receptive skills) and writing and speaking (known as the productive...  [Read more]

Vietnam is one of the most thriving Southeast Asian English teaching destinations. teachers have been in high demand in recent years and salaries have increased as a result of higher competition among schools looking to hire the best teachers. Teachers who have spent time in Vietnam unanimously agree that it is a wonderful place to live and work, so how do you go about finding out for yourself? To obtain a work permit to legally teach English in Vietnam you must be a native English speaker with a bachelor's degree. Many employers will also require a TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours. Some jobs at the top of the pay scale will also require some classroom experience, though these are few and far between. Even if a job is advertised as requiring experience, it is not always required if...  [Read more]

When it comes to accents we all have one no matter where in the world we were brought up. Most of us are familiar with the basic differences between British and American accents, but what about accents from Australia and New Zealand, Canada and South Africa? And within each of these countries there are dozens of regional accents, just to complicate things further. So, we all have an accent, but is it a problem when teaching English as a foreign language? The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong accent when it comes to teaching and learning English. When teaching it is fine to speak naturally, just be sure that you always speak clearly and that all your instructions are fully understood by the whole class. Whether there is one accent that is better to teach than others...  [Read more]

Hungary is a teaching destination that is rapidly growing in popularity due to a strong demand for English language proficiency, a low cost of living, and the friendly local population who are both welcoming and laid-back in their approach to life. The country’s location right in the heart of Central Europe is also a draw is it allows easy access to dozens of other countries across this fascinating region. As the demand for teachers is very high, it is possible to get a job without any qualifications or experience. However, the more you can offer employers, the better chance you have of getting the most sought after jobs that pay the best salaries. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is generally expected by most decent employers, particularly one that included practical teaching experience. If you...  [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Securing a TEFL teaching position can vary in terms of time depending on several factors such as your qualifications, experience, the location you are targeting, and the demand for English teachers in that specific area. First and foremost, having a TEFL certification is essential to be considered for most teaching positions. If you already have a TEFL certification, the process of securing a teaching position can be quicker compared to someone who still needs to complete the certification. Additionally, having a bachelor's degree is often a requirement for teaching English abroad, especially in countries where the demand for English teachers is high. If you already possess a bachelor's degree, you may have an advantage in the job market. Experience also plays a significant role in how...  [Read more]

If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university degree, however, there are still plenty of jobs out there for anyone with a TEFL certification. Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this...  [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]

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 you can. Speaking Thai is not a requirement for teaching English in Thailand. Even if they are fluent in the language, ESL instructors in the majority of Thailand’s language institutions are not required to speak Thai in class. In general, there is a great demand for English teachers in Thailand. In fact, people in Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations now have a greater desire than ever before to learn English, raising the need for ESL instructors in this region. The growing economy also means people in Thailand now have more disposable income to spend on English education. Thus, there are more opportunities for ESL instructors, especially those with credentials like a TEFL or TESOL certificate. In favor of ESL teachers willing to sign contracts for at least six months or a...  [Read more]

Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques. 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...  [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 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]

Teaching English in the Middle East can be a rewarding experience, but it does come with specific requirements that need to be met in order to work in this region. The Middle East is known for its high demand for English language teachers, especially in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. One of the primary requirements for teaching English in the Middle East is having a bachelor's degree. Most employers in this region prefer candidates with a degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Some countries may also require a teaching certificate such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. In addition to a bachelor's degree and a teaching certificate, many...  [Read more]

To teach English in Sweden, there are several requirements that you need to meet. First and foremost, you will need to have a proficient level of English language skills. This means that you should be a native English speaker or have obtained a high level of proficiency through education or experience. Additionally, many schools and language centers in Sweden require their English teachers to have a bachelor's degree in English, education, or a related field. In terms of qualifications, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is highly beneficial and sometimes mandatory. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Some...  [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]

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]