Can you teach English abroad without a degree?

More and more people are taking the life-changing decision to teach English abroad. With English teachers in such high demand all over the world, from Europe to Asia and everywhere in between, budding TEFL teachers have more opportunities than ever before to travel the planet, experience new cultures and enrich lives.

However, there are barriers in place that give people pause for thought. One of these is the question “Can you teach English abroad without a degree?”

There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation around the subject. So, let’s set the record straight and find out what you need to be able to teach English abroad.  

Do you need a degree to teach English abroad?

No. A degree is not a necessary requirement to teach English abroad. Employers don’t look for university graduates when hiring staff.

Also, the vast majority of foundational TEFL courses don’t require students to possess a degree. However, you will need to demonstrate relevant academic qualifications and work experience when signing up to a TEFL course, together with a high level of written and spoken English. You’ll also need to demonstrate a genuine passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning. 

What qualifications do you need to become a TEFL teacher?

In order to teach English abroad, you will need a TEFL certificate. The two most widely recognised TEFL qualifications are the Trinity CertTESOL, certified by Trinity College London, and the CELTA, certified by the University of Cambridge's non-profit assessment organisation, Cambridge English Assessment.

These four-week courses involve 160 hours of study and are known by employers all over the world. While there are companies in certain countries around the world that will hire English teachers without a TEFL qualification, the vast majority of employers will only hire those who have completed a TEFL course.

How long does it take to get TEFL certified?

Generally, TEFL courses comprise around 160 hours of in-class and at-home study. Most courses are intense, spanning only four weeks, making the whole process reasonably quick from start to finish.

The best TEFL schools also offer advanced English teaching courses. These are designed to build on fundamental teaching skills, giving you extra tools to develop confidence and your own teaching style.

Can you get a TEFL certificate online?

Absolutely! With the increase in digital learning in recent years, it’s more common than ever to study remotely for a TEFL certificate. It should be noted, however, that schools value in-person teaching practice, if you intend to teach English in a physical classroom.

100% online TEFL courses are better suited to 100% online teaching. In fact, the best TEFL schools offer specialised online TEFL courses, so budding English teachers can become qualified without leaving their home country.

Can I teach English abroad with no experience?

Some people believe that being a native speaker is enough and you don’t need experience to teach English abroad. This is certainly not the case. Experience is highly valuable. But how do you get experience teaching English abroad?

Experience comes with studying for a TEFL certificate. Not only are you given the theoretical tools to become a TEFL teacher, a key part of the course is hands-on, in-class learning, with real students. 

Is it worth it to teach English abroad?

Teaching English abroad can be a wonderful experience. It can open your mind to other cultures and ways of living. It can challenge you in ways you never expected and give you abilities and a new found confidence you never realised was even possible.

Teaching English abroad gives you the opportunity to travel and see the world, while earning money and meeting new people. It also gives you the satisfaction of helping others, empowering them with a skill that can change their lives.

Want to find out more about teaching English abroad? Contact TEFL Iberia today at coordination@tefl-iberia.com or check out our courses on offer.