What Do I Need To Teach English

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]

Yes. If you travel outside of your home country to teach English, you will need to possess a valid passport. Most countries require your passport to be valid for a minimum of six months after the date of entry, so it is vital that you check this in advance. To avoid any hassles while you are away from home, we recommend that you have at least two years validity on your existing passport. Once you know the country or countries where you intend to travel, you can contact the nearest consulate for each country if you have any questions or doubts regarding their entry regulations. From within the U.S. you can apply via the State Department's web page. From outside the country you should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. British citizens should visit the U.K. Government's...  [Read more]

As teaching English abroad involves applying for jobs and traveling overseas, you will require a variety of documentation at different times. Although there maybe some things that you cannot arrange until you have arrived in your country of choice, it is best to organize the required documents as far in advance as possible so they are on hand in case you need them during a job interview or when applying for a visa. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you will...  [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]

  The documentation needed when applying for jobs teaching English abroad can vary depending on the destination and the employer. To avoid the inconvenience of being stuck overseas without the paperwork required by employers or the immigration office, you should do as much research as possible before leaving home.  [Read more]

The majority of people who complete a TEFL certification course will head overseas to live and work in schools and language centers across the world. However, the job hunting process and securing work permits etc can require a range of different documents that varies from one job to the next. To ensure the whole process runs smoothly, you should make sure you have everything you might need as far in advance as possible. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you...  [Read more]

  If you are planning to teach English overseas you will inevitably require some documentation at different times. To avoid any setbacks or delays, you should be aware of what might be needed well before your departure date.  [Read more]

  This question is regularly asked by TEFL trainees and the answer is simple: No, you do not need to speak any other languages in order to teach English overseas. In most situations, English is taught using the principle of immersion, where the only language used in the classroom is English.  [Read more]

  Although it is possible to teach English online without any formal qualifications, it is definitely recommended that you complete a TEFL course before you get started as many online teaching platforms require applicants to be TEFL certified.  [Read more]

Many potential TEFL trainees come to us and ask whether they need to speak another language in order to teach English overseas or online. The good news is the answer is most definitely NO, you do not need to have any language skills other than a thorough understanding of the English language. Obviously, if you do speak the native language of the country you intend to live and work in it can be a real help in many ways, but it is not normally required by the employer. The specific requirements for teaching English abroad or online will vary depending on the country and the individual employer. In all cases a thorough understanding of the mechanics of English will be required. On top of that, a TEFL certificate from a reputable course provider is usually a must, while some jobs will also...  [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]

If you plan on heading to Europe to teach English it is important that you are aware of the regulations regarding visas and work permits in your chosen destination. The visa situation varies from one country to the next and may also depend on your own nationality. Because of this, we recommend that you visit the relevant embassy website to get the most up to date information before you make any final travel plans. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens,...  [Read more]

People come from all over the world to teach English as a foreign language in Spain, and there are a variety of different visa options depending on your nationality. The following is a brief overview of the current options; however, we recommend that you always conduct your own research to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. As Spain is a member of the European Union, teachers from other EU member states do not need a visa to live and work legally in Spain. However, you will still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number on arrival in the country. The application process should be straightforward and you can usually expect your employer to help you through it. For non-EU citizens, the most common option is a 90-day tourist visa that is issued on arrival at a...  [Read more]

Yes, most countries require foreign visitors to possess some form of visa in order to enter for tourism, business, education, or employment purposes. The requirements vary greatly from one country to the next, so we recommend that you contact the relevant embassy or visit their website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Here we break down the most common forms of visa that you are likely to come across. These are generally issued to short term visitors who do not plan to work or study during their stay. There are several categories of tourist visa depending on the destination and your own country of origin. The most common is the 'upon entry' tourist visa that is issued in the form of a passport stamp on arrival at the immigration desk. For example, US citizens heading...  [Read more]

  Europe continues to be a very popular region for teaching English abroad as jobs are abundant in many countries. Although EU passport holders are free to work without a visa, non-EU citizens need to be aware of their options before getting on the plane.  [Read more]

  It is vital that you research the visa requirements of the country where you plan to work in advance of your departure. In some countries you can simply turn up at the airport and enter on a tourist visa, while others require you to apply for a visa in advance.  [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]

  If you are planning to head overseas to teach English, one of the most important things to check in advance is that you have a valid passport. Without an up-to-date passport your dream of living and working abroad will remain just that, a dream!  [Read more]

The combination of a tropical climate, stunning beach filled coastline, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the most pristine rain forest in the region, makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for teaching English abroad. The majority of foreign English teachers working in Costa Rica have no more than a tourist visa in their passport. Unlike many other countries, it is technically legal for teachers to work without the need for a work visa. For many nationalities, including Americans, Canadians, and most Western Europeans, tourist visas are issued on arrival in the country. Visas are valid for 90 days and can be renewed by crossing a border to a neighboring country and then simply crossing back to receive a new one. When entering Costa Rica it is worth...  [Read more]

This is going to depend on who you choose to work for. Many online teaching platforms now require teachers to be TEFL certified and a significant number of them simply dismiss unqualified teachers as they assume they lack the skills and knowledge required. However, a TEFL certificate is not a requirement to set up your own online teaching business, although it is safe to say that your future students are going to prefer a teacher who is actually certified. In recent years, online education has exploded all across the globe and the demand is through the roof. This has led teaching platforms to tighten the requirements for their teachers in order to set the bar high over their competition. A recognized TEFL certificate is now, more often than not, required in order to secure an online...  [Read more]

  Spain is a popular destination for teaching English abroad as it always has a wide choice of jobs on offer, particularly in cities such as Barcelona and Madrid. For most non-EU citizens it is common practice to enter the country on a 90-day tourist visa.  [Read more]

  If you choose Costa Rica as your destination you should check with your nearest Costa Rican Embassy for the most up-to-date visa information before getting on a plane. Currently, it is common practice for most foreign teachers to enter the country on a 90-day tourist visa.  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset when teaching English to special needs students. Special needs students may require different teaching techniques and strategies to effectively learn English, and a TEFL certificate can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt your teaching methods to meet their needs. One of the key benefits of a TEFL certificate is that it equips you with a solid foundation in teaching English as a foreign language. This includes understanding language acquisition theories, classroom management techniques, lesson planning strategies, and effective communication skills. All of these are essential for teaching any group of students, including those with special needs. Additionally, many TEFL programs offer specialized training in teaching...  [Read more]

Definition of TEFL: The acronym means the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language, usually in a country where the first language is not English. It could therefore be applied to any teaching situation where the English Language Learner (ELL) has a first language which is not English. The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there are some differences. The teaching of EFL has two main sectors, public and private. The public sector mainly includes government institutions such as schools and higher education institutions. The private sector includes private schools and language centers and a large number of self employed freelance teachers. Each of...  [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 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 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]

To teach English in Poland, there are certain requirements that need to be met. First and foremost, having a Bachelor's degree is typically mandatory. This degree does not necessarily need to be in English or Education, but having a degree in these fields can be beneficial. Additionally, obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is often required. This certification equips 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 essential. As a teacher, you will be expected to demonstrate fluency in English, both spoken and written. Some schools may also require candidates to have a certain level of proficiency in the Polish language, although many international...  [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]

  Although most people who head overseas to teach English will need to commit to around a year to be eligible for the best jobs, there are some who are only looking to teach for a short period during the summer break.  [Read more]