Teaching English Without TEFL: The Reality

Teaching English abroad opens up a whole world of possibilities. Whether it’s making money while travelling, taking a few years out for a new experience or launching a career teaching English and living abroad long-term, teaching English overseas can be a life-changing adventure.

But how do you actually become an English teacher abroad?

Well, most people take a special training course known as TEFL before becoming a fully-fledged English teacher.

But is a TEFL course really necessary? Is it possible to get a job as an English teacher without certification?

Let’s find out… 

Teaching English without a TEFL certificate… is it possible?

Well… it depends.

In some countries, it’s possible to find work as an English teacher without any qualifications. Every country is different. And within each country, every school, business and academy is different. So, there will be possibilities to teach English without TEFL certification.

However, teaching without TEFL will leave you with very limited opportunities. And salaries are likely to be low, meaning it will be difficult to build a sustainable career as an English teacher without TEFL.

And while some people think that simply being a native speaker is enough, speaking English and teaching English are completely different things.

Can I teach English online without a TEFL certificate?

Most likely not.

Much like in-person teaching, the vast majority of online teaching schools and academies will only hire teachers with a TEFL qualification. 

Why get a TEFL certificate?

Better employment prospects

First of all, you’ll have a far better chance of getting hired.

Getting a TEFL certificate is a surefire way to boost your employment prospects with schools, academies, universities, businesses and as a private teacher. 

As an internationally recognised professional accreditation, it will make you instantly employable wherever you go. Essentially, it’s a qualification that’s highly respected by employers all over the world.

And with plenty of global demand for quality English teachers, from Spain to Costa Rica, South Korea to Vietnam, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to choose from. 

Higher salary

With a TEFL certificate to your name, you can demonstrate to employers that you have the professionalism, skills and experience to take charge in the classroom. All of this translates to better pay, giving you the perfect springboard to set up your career as an English teacher and enjoy life abroad. 

Skills, experience and confidence

While a TEFL certificate might be important for employers, it should be downright essential for you.

The best TEFL courses give you the teaching techniques, classroom management skills and lesson planning strategies you’ll need to deliver a high-quality learning experience.

Let’s face it… being able to teach anything takes a lot of skill and experience. And teaching English as a second language is no exception.

Plus, gaining foundational teaching skills and experience will give the confidence to flourish in the classroom, developing your own unique teaching style and finding abilities that you never knew you had!

Can I do TEFL without a degree?

Yes you can. A degree isn’t needed for most foundational TEFL courses.

However, you will most likely need to show that you have relevant academic qualifications and work experience, demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English and express a genuine passion and enthusiasm for teaching English. 

How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate?

The majority of TEFL courses consist of about 160 hours of in-class and at-home study across four weeks. So you can get TEFL certified within a month. 

Beyond the foundational course, you can complement your studies with advanced English teaching courses, which build on the fundamentals to help you develop your skills, experience and confidence.

Where is the best place to get your TEFL?

Spain has cemented itself as one of the best destinations to launch a career teaching English as a foreign language. 

There’s plenty of great TEFL academies to learn your trade and, as the Spanish are increasingly focused on learning English, you’ll have lots of employment opportunities once you graduate.

Then there’s the amazing weather, the fantastic culture and the glorious food!

At TEFL Iberia, we’re one of the leading TEFL academies in the country. And as we’re situated in Barcelona, our students get the best all-round experience. 

After you pass your course and get TEFL accredited, you’ll have immediate access to the Barcelona jobs market and we’ll help connect you with job contacts and give you specific advice. 

You’ll also have a ready-made group of friends, sharing the experience of a lifetime with the other students taking the TEFL course. 

We’ll also use our expertise to help you find accommodation, get a visa and navigate  local bureaucracy.

And once you’ve got your TEFL certification, the sky’s the limit!

Ready to find out more? Check out what TEFL Iberia has to offer and take your first steps towards becoming an English language teacher.