What qualifications do you need to teach English abroad?

Teaching English abroad is one of the most rewarding careers for those with an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience life in a different country.

But for those looking to get into TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language), one of the big questions is: what qualifications do you need to teach English abroad?

Many people think you need to study at a university and graduate with a degree. But what’s the truth?

Let’s take a look. 

What qualifications do you need to teach TEFL abroad?

For anyone serious about teaching English abroad, a TEFL certification is a necessity. The two most internationally recognised TEFL qualifications are the Trinity CertTESOL and the Cambridge DELTA.

These two four-week courses are known by employers of English teachers all over the world. There are other types of TEFL courses with similar content, but most employers will expect English teachers to have either the Trinity CertTESOL or the Cambridge DELTA.

Can you teach English abroad without a TEFL certificate?

It’s true that in some countries you can work as an English teacher without any qualifications, whether privately or through an academy, business or school. However, in the vast majority of cases, you’ll need a TEFL qualification in order to earn a living as an English teacher. 

Not only is having a certificate important for employers, as a teacher it’s something you should definitely want to obtain. Considering the amount of teaching skills, confidence and experience you get from a TEFL course, it’s the best way to prepare you for life in the classroom!

Some budding English teachers think that simply being a native speaker is enough. However, speaking English and teaching English are completely different things. 

Being able to teach is something that takes a lot of skill and experience. This is especially true for TEFL teachers.

Do I need a degree to enrol in a TEFL course?

No, a degree isn’t a requirement for most TEFL courses. However, you will need to demonstrate relevant academic qualifications and work experience, as well as an ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English (many English teachers are non-native speakers), and show a real passion and enthusiasm for teaching and learning. 

So, can non-native English speakers teach English abroad?

Absolutely! 

You’ll certainly need an advanced level of English proficiency, which you’ll need to demonstrate through dedicated tests during the application process.

But being a native speaker is not necessary. At TEFL Iberia, non-native speaking English teachers make up about 20% of our students. In fact, speaking more than one language fluently and being a practiced language-learner gives you a certain advantage over many native English speakers.

How long does it take to get a TEFL certificate?

Many TEFL courses are only about 160 hours, meaning you can get an internationally recognised TEFL qualification in only 4 weeks. 

The best TEFL schools offer complementary advanced English teaching courses. These are designed to build on fundamental teaching skills, allowing students to gain more confidence and develop their own unique teaching style.

Can I get a TEFL certificate online?

Yes! Lots of TEFL teacher training schools also offer excellent online TEFL courses for aspiring English teachers who want to study remotely in order to become a TEFL teacher. We do, however, recommend that you sign up to an in-person TEFL course if you intend to teach in-person.

Do I need to speak the native language when teaching English abroad?

No, it’s not a requirement. 

A quality TEFL course will give you the skills and experience to teach English anywhere in the world without having to use any other language. 

That said, it’s definitely helpful to start learning the local language in order to get the most out of your experience abroad. At TEFL Iberia, we offer an intensive Spanish course combined with our Developing Teacher course, to best prepare you for life as a TEFL teacher in Spain.

Where’s the best place to do a TEFL course?

Spain of course. But then, we would say that!

We highly recommend doing the course in the city you want to work in, as the TEFL provider will give you immediate access to the local job market, job contacts, specific advice, etc. You’ll also have a ready-made group of friends from your TEFL course, accommodation, help with local bureaucracy and a support network in your new country.

Seriously though, Spain is a fantastic country for English teachers. Spaniards are increasingly focused on learning English, with TEFL teachers in greater demand than ever before. The best TEFL courses in Spain are generally found in the big cities – think Barcelona, Madrid and Seville – where you’ll also have lots of employment opportunities.

Then there’s the lifestyle! Living and working in Spain as an English teacher is, for many, a life-changing experience. From the weather to the food, the lifestyle to the endlessly amazing places to explore, Spain offers English teachers a wonderful quality of life outside the classroom. 

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