If you don’t have a degree then you might think the world of teaching, especially teaching English abroad, might be out of reach.
We’re here to tell you that is not the case. Yes, some countries require one for work visas, and some employers might insist upon one for certain jobs. Admittedly, not having a degree makes it a bit harder – we won’t lie – but it certainly doesn’t rule anyone out from having a memorable and lasting English teaching experience.
Thankfully, you can still start your teaching career and find great teaching jobs abroad without a degree as long as you have accredited Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification, which is cheaper and faster to attain. Once you’ve got your TEFL certification, you can change your career or study for a degree whenever you like!
The key part is knowing where to look, and in this guide to teaching English abroad without a degree, you’ll be on the road to finding work as an English teacher in no time, whether you’ve graduated from university or not!
Can I teach English abroad without a degree?
Yes, you can.
With TEFL Certification you can open up a whole world of job opportunities, from classroom assistance to bona fide English teaching. From there, you can forge a fantastic career in teaching, or move on to other areas – starting your own business, working in local politics somewhere far-flung, interpreting; the choices are endless.
Admittedly, having a degree makes it easier in certain parts of the world, and of course, with certain employers. Regardless of where it is on the planet, some employers may feel they exclusively want university graduates.
Alternatively, some countries may have a degree as part of their work visa process, meaning that without a degree, you can’t teach English in certain places.
However, there are plenty of countries out there where a degree isn’t an essential requirement.
Why do some countries require a degree?
In many countries, the requirement for a degree isn’t determined by the employer but by visa regulations. If a bachelor’s degree is a requirement for a work visa, then employers will only be able to hire teachers who have one.
It’s essential to find out if a degree is a visa requirement or not. If it isn’t, then it’s up to employers whether they ask for a degree or not – meaning there can be some flexibility. Once you’ve identified the countries where you can teach English without a degree, you’ll be able to focus your job search – there’s no point spending time on applications for jobs in countries you can’t get a visa for!
Is there any way around visa requirements?
Unfortunately, there’s no bargaining with visa regulations.
Maybe you’ve heard of someone who doesn’t have a degree but worked in a country where it’s a requirement. So how did they do it? Either they worked voluntarily, were there on some sort of internship or programme, or they worked illegally.
Working under the table isn’t particularly uncommon in certain countries but it’s something we strongly advise against. Not only can you get into serious trouble with the authorities, but it leaves you vulnerable to being exploited by dodgy employers. Check out our post about how to spot TEFL scams and bad employers to get clued up.
Visa regulations, of course, vary from country to country. If you’re in any doubt, check with a local embassy to make sure of the visa regulations before applying.
Where can you teach English without a degree?
Fortunately, there is a range of fantastic options for teaching English abroad without a degree. Though some of the most popular choices like Japan, France, Greece and the UAE all require a University qualification, it doesn’t mean the door is closed for a whole host of exciting TEFL destinations. Find out how to teach in Japan without a degree
Here’s our worldwide guide to where you can and can’t teach without a degree.
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Cambodia | £680 - £1,000 ($900 - $1,300) | No | November | No | No | Yes | Under 65 |
| Teach in China | £1,000 – £2,000 ($1,300 – $2,575) | Yes | September | No | Yes | Yes, if degree obtained from an English-speaking country | Under 55 |
| Teach in Hong Kong | £1,550 – £6,300 ($2,000 – $8,380) | Yes | August | No | Not usually | Yes | Under 60 |
| Teach in India | £120 – £775 ($150 – $1,000) | Yes | April | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Indonesia | £565 – £1,030 ($745 – $1,355) | Yes | July | No | Not usually | No | Under 60 |
| Teach in Japan | £1,600 – £2,000 ($2,100 – $2,675) | Yes | April | No | Sometimes | Yes | Under 65 |
| Teach in Kazakhstan | £360 – £470 ($465 – $600) | Yes | August | Yes | Yes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Malaysia | £550 – £1,450 ($720 – $1,900) | Yes | January | Preferred | Sometimes | Yes | Under 65 |
| Teach in Myanmar | £600 – £1,500 ($800 – $2,000) | Yes | June | Preferred | Sometimes | No | Under 52 |
| Teach in Mongolia | £630 – £1,000 ($875 – $1,400) | Yes | September | Yes | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Nepal | Voluntary | No | April | No | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in South Korea | £1,280 – £1,600 ($1,670 – $2,000) | Yes | March | No | Yes | No | Under 62 |
| Teach in Taiwan | £1,335 – £1,735 ($1,700 – $2,220) | Yes | September | No | Sometimes | No | Under 65 |
| Teach in Thailand | £740 – £980 ($1,000 – $1,280) | Yes | May | No | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Vietnam | £920 - £ 1,500 ($1,200 to $2,000) | Yes | August | No | No | Yes | Under 60 |
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Austria | £700 - £2,600 ($850 - 3,200) | Preferred | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Belgium | £1,455 - £1,780 ($1,800 - $2,200) | Preferred | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Czech Republic | £500 – £1,285 $600 – $1,450) | Preferred | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Denmark | £2,900 - £3,900 ($3,600 - $4,800) | Preferred | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Estonia | £720 - £900 ($920 - $1,150) | Preferred | September | Preferred | Accommodation sometimes included | Yes | None |
| Teach in Finland | £700 - £3,050 ($900 - $3,850) | Preferred | August/September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in France | £926 – £1,852 ($1,082 – $2,164) | Yes | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Georgia | £185 - £760 ($240 - $1000) | Preferred | September | No | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Germany | £1,1123 - £1,872 ($1,297 - $2,162) | Preferred | August | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Greece | £630 – £900 ($790 – $1,100) | Yes | September | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Hungary | £390 - £650 ($500 - $830) | Preferred | August/September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Italy | £1,054 – £1,229 ($1,312 – $1,531) | Preferred | September | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Netherlands | £1,300 - £2,600 ($1,600 - $2,800) | Preferred | September | Yes | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Norway | £2,100 - £2,500 ($2,580 - $3,090) | Preferred | August/September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Poland | £400 – £700 ($480 – $850) | Yes | September | No | Accommodation sometimes included | Yes | None |
| Teach in Portugal | £616 – £880 ($756 – $1,080) | Yes | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Romania | £200 - £460 ($260 - 580) | Preferred | September | No | Accommodation sometimes included | Yes | None |
| Teach in Russia | £800 - £1,300 ($1,000 - $1,600) | Preferred | September | Preferred | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Slovakia | £330 - £900 ($400 - $1,120) | Preferred | September | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Slovenia | £550 - £950 ($700 - $1,200) | Preferred | October | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Spain | £614 - £1,317 ($758 - $1,623) | Preferred | September | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Sweden | £1,100 - £2,400 ($1,400 - $3,000) | Preferred | September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Switzerland | £1,850 - £2,475 ($2,260 - $3,015) | Preferred | August/September | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Turkey | £170 - £575 ($220 - $730) | Yes | September | No | Accommodation sometimes included | Yes | None |
| Teach in Ukraine | £215 - £920 ($260 - $1,125) | Preferred | September | No | Accommodation sometimes included | Yes | None |
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Argentina | £500 - £950 ($600 - $1,200) | No | March | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Bolivia | £400 - £550 ($500 - $700) | No | February | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Brazil | £650 - £900 ($800 - $1,100) | No | February | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Chile | £550 - £800 ($700 - $1,000) | Yes | March | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Colombia | £400 - £800 ($500 - $1,000) | No | January/February | No | No | Yes | Under 62 |
| Teach in Ecuador | £400 - £650 ($500 - $800) | Preferred | May | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Guatemala | £400 - £550 ($500 - $700) | Preferred | January | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Mexico | £400 - £800 ($500 - $1,000) | Preferred | August | No | Sometimes | Yes | None |
| Teach in Peru | £325 - £650 ($400 - $800) | Yes | March | Preferred | Sometimes | Yes | Under 70 |
| Teach in Uruguay | £325 - £800 ($400 - $1000) | Preferred | March | Preferred | No | Yes | None |
| Country | Avg. monthly salary | Degree required | Start of term | Teaching experience | Housing & flights included | Suitable for non-native English speakers | Age restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teach in Algeria | £550 - £900 ($700 - $1,100) | Yes | March | No | No | No | None |
| Teach in Bahrain | £1,200 - £2,500 ($1,500 - $3,000) | Yes | January | Yes | Yes | No | Under 60 |
| Teach in Egypt | £400 - £700 ($500 - $900) | Yes | September | Preferred | No | No | None |
| Teach in Jordan | £500 - £950 ($600 - $1,100) | Preferred | August | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Kuwait | £1,200 - £2,000 ($1,500 - $2,500) | Yes | September | Yes | Yes | Yes | Under 60 |
| Teach in Lebanon | £650 - £1,200 ($800 - $1,500) | Preferred | August | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Morocco | £400 - £800 ($500 - $1,000) | Yes | September | No | No | Yes | None |
| Teach in Qatar | £1,200 - £2,800 ($1,500 - $3,500) | Yes | September | Yes | Yes | No | None |
| Teach in Saudi Arabia | £1,600 - £3,200 ($2,000 - $4,000) | Yes | August | Yes | Yes | No | Under 60 |
| Teach in UAE | £1,600 - £4,000 ($2,000 - $5,000) | Yes | August | Yes | Yes | No | Under 65 |
Central and South America
Central and South America is a great place to get started with TEFL, if not just for the various cultures, ecologies and landscapes, then for its more lenient work visa regulations. Demand for English teachers has been steadily increasing in this part of the world, particularly in areas such as Business English.
In Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia and more, you don’t need to hold a bachelor’s degree to teach English. Normally, a 120-hour TEFL qualification will do the trick.
In Peru and Chile, things are a bit different, with degrees being preferred more often than not for TEFL jobs. However, every role is different; don’t rule either out entirely, especially with teaching programmes and other types of visa available.
Middle East & Africa
Unfortunately, like most of Asia, the Middle East and Africa are similarly strict when it comes to needing a degree.
Destinations like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar all require degree certificates for a working visa. However, Jordan and Lebanon, both interesting TEFL destinations, do not strictly require a degree.
Lebanon has a plethora of international schools, and it ranks very well for English proficiency – 34th in the EF English Proficiency Index, and number 1 for the Middle East. Jordan, meanwhile, has far fewer English resources, ranking 90th, which represents an exciting challenge for any budding TEFL teacher who wants to explore the Middle East.
Countries that require a degree to teach English abroad
Asia, sadly, is much stricter on those who don’t hold a degree.
Popular destinations like Japan, South Korea, Thailand and China all require a degree in order to gain a work visa. In fact, every Asian nation other than Cambodia and Nepal requires a degree.
France and Greece, two very popular TEFL destinations, require a degree. Meanwhile, much of the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and, well, everywhere but Jordan and Lebanon, require a degree.
5 tips for finding a TEFL job without a degree
So, now you have a better idea of where you can TEFL without a degree! That’s all fine and well, but what about landing that first TEFL job, and maintaining a career in teaching English abroad?
Luckily, we’ve come equipped with some excellent advice to keep you on the straight and narrow. Some of it’s common sense, but a lot of it is the knowledge that’s been imparted to us from previous TEFL teachers, who have been there, done it and got the t-shirt!
Without further ado, here are our top 5 tips to help you land a great job!
Get TEFL qualified
A TEFL qualification is essential if you’re going to find work teaching English abroad without a degree. Most employers look for teachers to have a 120-hour TEFL qualification, so make sure you choose a course with at least those hours. A TEFL course provider should be accredited and recognised internationally – like ours!
Do your research
Don’t waste time trying to apply for jobs in countries where you don’t meet the work visa requirements. Work out where you want to teach, check you meet the visa requirements, and focus your job search where you do.
Be flexible and patient
It may take slightly longer to line up a teaching job, but if you’re patient, put in the time and effort with job hunting and are flexible in where you are willing to teach, you should have no problem finding a suitable position. Our TEFL Jobs Centre is updated regularly with new and exciting positions all over the world and all our students get lifetime access to it.
Boost your CV
Make yourself a more competitive candidate with further qualifications, such as an Advanced TEFL course, or by gaining work experience through volunteering at home or abroad. You want to stand out – especially against other candidates who might have a degree – so going the extra mile will help you find work more easily.
Watch out for dodgy employers/recruiters
There’s a huge demand for teachers in Asia, particularly China. If you need a degree to get a work visa and an employer or recruiter is offering you a job then this will be illegal and not a situation we advise anyone to put themselves in. We have some useful tips for avoiding TEFL scams and bad employers, which is essential reading for anyone looking for their first TEFL job.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q. Can you teach English abroad without a degree?
Yes, you can teach English abroad without a degree.
Vast swathes of Europe and Latin America don’t require TEFL applicants to have a degree, in order to gain a work visa. The same is true in parts of Asia and the Middle East, but it’s in Europe and South America where the bulk of these opportunities are.
Teaching online is a great option, but be aware that certain online companies will require a degree.
-
Q. Do I need a degree in a specific subject?
No, you do not need a degree in a specific subject to teach English abroad.
Countries will generally accept a Bachelor’s in any subject. That said, if it’s adjacent to teaching, or English, then all the better! That would very strongly indicate a desire to teach the language, or teach in general. Obviously, schools and educational companies will respond well to that kind of expertise.
Still, broadly speaking, the answer is no. You could have a degree in Zoology or Mathematics and still be an excellent fit for a TEFL career abroad.
-
Q. What countries allow you to teach English without a degree?
There are several locations where you can teach English without a degree.
Much of Europe and Latin America will accept TEFL teachers who are certified in teaching English, but don’t necessarily hold a degree. Also, locations including Cambodia, Nepal, Lebanon and Jordan are also looking for TEFL teachers who don’t hold a BA.
Can I teach in Japan without a degree?
Yes, you can teach in Japan without a degree, but there’s a particular way to do it. TEFL teachers who aren’t degree holders can apply for the working holiday visa, which has a list of specific requirements, including:
(Video) Teaching English Abroad in 2022- A valid passport from a partner country
- A visa application form
- A passport-sized photograph
- A CV, resume or personal history
- An itinerary for your time in Japan
- A written reason for applying for the Working Holiday Visa
- Either £2,500 in cleared funds or £1,500 and a return ticket
FAQs
Can I get a TEFL job without a degree? ›
If you have a TEFL certificate, finding teaching jobs without a degree here is quite easy, and there are plenty of options in private schools and training centres.
Can I teach TEFL online without a degree? ›Can you teach English online without a degree? The simple answer is: yes! The honest answer is: still yes, but be aware that it's going to be more of a challenge than it is for teachers who do have a degree. Here at The TEFL Org it's really important to us that we provide you with honest and accurate information.
Can I teach abroad without a TEFL certificate? ›CONCLUSION. Even without a TEFL certificate, you can still apply for a teaching job abroad. However, you will probably need to complete a TEFL course before you complete your visa application, and for most counties, you will need a degree.
Is TEFL Org internationally accredited? ›About The TEFL Organisation
We have multiple awards, Ofqual accreditation and are internationally recognized and we will help you enroll on the right course to kickstart your TESOL or TEFL life! Our classroom and online courses have been equipping students worldwide to teach English as a second language.
Is TEFL Certification worth it? Yes. If you want to get a good teaching job and be an effective teacher for your students, then it is definitely worth it. Remember, most schools worldwide require a TEFL certification; and once you're certified you can the ball rolling on applying and interviewing for jobs.
How long do TEFL jobs last? ›Long-term Contracts
A TEFL placement is considered long-term if the length is 3-6 months or more. Long-term contracts cover all types of jobs; language schools, private schools, universities… the list goes on.
TEFL jobs: No degree required
Once you've obtained your TEFL Certification, you have the opportunity to change your career at any time you want. You can find TEFL jobs abroad without a degree pretty much anywhere in the world your heart desires. TEFL jobs no degree required, here we come!
You'll see a range of prices when you browse online TEFL/TESOL courses – from $150 to as much as $1,500. The average 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course with a tutor typically falls in the middle range of this, at around $300-$600.
How long does it take to get TEFL certified? ›Typically, a fully accredited TEFL certification course will last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. Shorter, 4-week long courses will generally run full-time (30-40 hours per week) and are very demanding.
How do I get a TEFL job with no experience? ›In order to score a teaching job without prior teaching experience, the key is to simply spend time cultivating your TEFL/TESOL resume, highlighting the qualifications that you do have, such as a specialized TEFL certification.
What countries need TEFL teachers? ›
- South Korea ($1,150-$2,650 USD a month) ...
- China ($1,200-$2,600 USD a month) ...
- Japan ($1,700-$2,600 USD a month) ...
- Taiwan ($2,000-$3,000 USD a month) ...
- Gulf Arab States ($2,000-$5,000 USD a month)
120 hours is the bare minimum that most ESL employers will ask you to complete. Of those 120 hours, many ESL companies will ask that you have some classroom experience.
Is TEFL Org trustworthy? ›Overall, if you want to teach English abroad or work around the world but aren't sure how, getting TEFL-certified with TEFL Org is one of the easiest and most reputable paths to take.
How do I know if my TEFL is legit? ›Another great way to find out which TEFL courses are legitimate is to check out where the alumni are teaching. If alumni went on to find great TEFL jobs with reputable schools and language institutes, then you know that the course is legitimate.
How can you tell if a TEFL certificate is real? ›This can be found in the lower left corner of their certificate. To protect the authenticity of The TEFL Org certificates, each student is given a unique ID which can be used to verify their certificate details. This can be found in the lower left corner of their certificate.
Do TEFL certificates expire? ›Not only does a TEFL certification not expire, it's also accepted worldwide.
Are TEFL exams hard? ›You might find a TEFL easy or difficult, depending on your current level of English. If you still struggle with English, maybe because it is not your first language, you might find that the course material is more difficult for you than someone who speaks English fluently.
Can you fail a TEFL course? ›It is possible to fail a TEFL course. If you have a degree already and are a native English speaker, you will absolutely be able to handle the course load.
Which country pays TEFL teachers the most? ›- Saudi Arabia. ...
- Hong Kong. ...
- Kuwait. ...
- Oman. ...
- South Korea. ...
- Taiwan. Average salaries: US$2,000 – 3,000 per month. ...
- China. Average salaries: US$1,500 – 3,000 per month. ...
- Vietnam. Average salaries: US$1,000 – 2,000 per month.
There is not a single exam that one must pass to get TEFL certified. Rather you will need to pass an accredited TEFL course that incorporates at least 100 hours of coursework, including lessons, exercises, tests/quizzes, and projects. Live practice teaching is also an essential part of an accredited TEFL certification.
How much does TEFL pay per hour? ›
Sign us up! Expected Salary: You can earn between $10 to $17 per hour.
Does TEFL pay well? ›Overall, a TEFL teacher's salary can vary anywhere from $600-$4,000 USD per month.
Is TEFL equivalent to a degree? ›CELTA qualifications and Level 5 TEFL certification are the equivalents of a diploma of higher education (DipHE), a foundation degree, or two years at university. Both qualifications sit between an A-Level qualification and a Bachelor's degree on the qualifications framework.
What qualifications do I need to teach TEFL? ›Answer: In order to teach English abroad, you will typically need TEFL/TESOL/ESL certification. A bachelor's degree in any subject might also be required by some employers. Experience in teaching, apart from the supervised experience you will gain during your TEFL certification course, is not usually required.
Which TEFL certificate is best? ›- Best Overall: International TEFL Academy.
- Best Online Program: Premier TEFL.
- Best Budget-Friendly Option: ITT.
- Best for Student Support: TEFL Org.
- Best Hybrid Program: ITTT.
- Best for Specializations: Teach Away.
- Best for Overseas Job Placement: TEFLPros.
- Best for Online Teaching: i-to-i.
You also need to consider how both courses are delivered and what would suit you best. If you want 100% in person classroom study then go with the CELTA. If you want to study online at your own pace then you should go for a TEFL course.
How many hours of TEFL do I need? ›Generally 120 hours minimum is the most common requirement, but some countries only require 100 hours or have no preference at all. Most employers prefer to hire English teachers with an internationally recognized TEFL certification from a 100-120-hour course.
How much does 120 hour TEFL course cost? ›An outline of the costs for the OISE TEFL certification
The 100-hour OISE TEFL course is $995, the 120-hour course is $1,295 and the 150-hour TEFL course is $1,495.
Course Fee: $529
Are new to TEFL. Speak English fluently. Want to travel and teach English abroad. or earn money from home teaching online.
- Research in-person TEFL course options & create a plan for teaching English abroad or online.
- Enroll in an in-person TEFL course.
- Complete your TEFL course.
- Begin your job search during or after your course.
- Interview & accept TEFL job.
Is 120 hour TEFL enough? ›
120-hour TEFL course
120 hours is the industry standard. This is the minimum you should have if you want to teach English abroad or online. If you're a native English speaker, have a degree and/or some previous teaching experience then this should be sufficient for securing work.
With more than 150 million English language learners, Europe represents a much smaller market than Asia, but the demand for TEFL-trained teachers is still enormous.
Can I teach English online without a TEFL certificate? ›Just remember, a TEFL certificate is a requirement for most reputable online teaching jobs. If you're ready to explore some opportunities, check out our online teaching job board today.
Which country is easiest to teach English? ›Germany. One of the easiest countries to teach English also just so happens to have the best beer and pretzels around. While Germany is sometimes mocked for its rule-following and seriousness, these are great pros when speaking about classroom teaching.
Where is the best place to teach English abroad? ›- Best for job availability: China.
- Best for job benefits: South Korea.
- Best for professional development: Japan.
- Best for teaching and traveling: Vietnam.
- Best for non-native English teachers: Thailand.
- Best for country infrastructure: Taiwan.
- Best for work-life balance: Spain.
- English as a Second Language (ESL). ESL educators are some of the most in demand teachers. ...
- Math Teaching. Another teacher subject in demand is mathematics. ...
- Science Teaching. What about science teachers? ...
- Social Studies Teaching. ...
- Special Education Teaching.
DELTA: Level 7
The highest of all of the TEFL qualification levels, a DELTA is equivalent to a master's degree. As you can imagine, this is definitely not your average TEFL course! Of all the different TEFL levels, a Level 7 course is best if you're looking to open your own language school or teach new TEFL teachers.
Conclusion. A simpler way to look at it is a TESOL certification will qualify you to apply for jobs to teach English online easily and a TEFL certification allows you to teach online or abroad and, generally, carries more weight and reputation for ESL teaching.
Can you get a job with just a TEFL certificate? ›TEFL jobs: No degree required
Once you've obtained your TEFL Certification, you have the opportunity to change your career at any time you want. You can find TEFL jobs abroad without a degree pretty much anywhere in the world your heart desires. TEFL jobs no degree required, here we come!
Working in South Korea without a degree
It will be very difficult to find a job in South Korea without having a higher education qualification. It is necessary to have at least a bachelor with a few years of experience. However, you can try your luck with a working holiday visa (H-1).
How do I get a TEFL job with no experience? ›
In order to score a teaching job without prior teaching experience, the key is to simply spend time cultivating your TEFL/TESOL resume, highlighting the qualifications that you do have, such as a specialized TEFL certification.
How hard is it to get a TEFL job? ›Landing your first TEFL job is the hardest. Once you've got a year or more of teaching experience under your belt, things become easier. But in this sense the TEFL industry is no different to any other. And the advantage of the TEFL industry is the sheer demand for learning English.
How long does it take to get TEFL certified? ›Typically, a fully accredited TEFL certification course will last anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. Shorter, 4-week long courses will generally run full-time (30-40 hours per week) and are very demanding.
Does TEFL pay well? ›Overall, a TEFL teacher's salary can vary anywhere from $600-$4,000 USD per month.
Is TEFL equivalent to a degree? ›CELTA qualifications and Level 5 TEFL certification are the equivalents of a diploma of higher education (DipHE), a foundation degree, or two years at university. Both qualifications sit between an A-Level qualification and a Bachelor's degree on the qualifications framework.
Can I become a English teacher in Korea without a degree? ›Can you teach English in Korea without a degree? Yes. Most jobs require teachers to have a bachelor's degree in almost any subject; however, there are some schools that allow non-degree holders to teach (check out number five of our list below of the best jobs and programs for teaching English in Korea).
Can you teach English in Korea with just a TEFL? ›To get hired to teach English in Korea, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree. You must acquire an E-2 teaching visa and be a native English speaker as well. Finally, you must have a clean national-level criminal record, and a clean health check and drug test.
Which jobs are demanding in Korea? ›Teaching English in Korea is the most popular job for foreigners. Because of the high demand, the requirement for ESL (English as a second language) teachers is immense. You can work for government public schools like EPIK, SMOE, GOE, GEPIK, TaLK, private centers (Hagwon), or even universities.
Do TEFL certificates expire? ›Not only does a TEFL certification not expire, it's also accepted worldwide.
How much does TEFL pay per hour? ›Sign us up! Expected Salary: You can earn between $10 to $17 per hour.
Can I fail the TEFL course? ›
It is possible to fail a TEFL course. If you have a degree already and are a native English speaker, you will absolutely be able to handle the course load.
Which country pays TEFL teachers the most? ›- Saudi Arabia. ...
- Hong Kong. ...
- Kuwait. ...
- Oman. ...
- South Korea. ...
- Taiwan. Average salaries: US$2,000 – 3,000 per month. ...
- China. Average salaries: US$1,500 – 3,000 per month. ...
- Vietnam. Average salaries: US$1,000 – 2,000 per month.
Is TEFL a Good Career Choice? The growing use of English has generated enormous demand for English language instruction, presenting innumerable opportunities for native and fluent English speakers to gain employment in the field of TEFL.
Which one is better TEFL or Celta? ›CELTA is certainly a widely recognized and respected type of TEFL certification. However, that doesn't mean it's the best TEFL certification for you. If you're interested in teaching children, for example, a TEFL certification is better since CELTA is specific to adults.