Teaching English: How you can TEFL without a degree

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Qualifying as an EFL teacher gives you the opportunity to see the world and pursue a career at the same time. You’ll also have the chance to make a difference. Supporting students through their learning and seeing their confidence grow will without a doubt be a thoroughly rewarding experience.

So, what do you need to TEFL?

You can teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) if you’ve got a great grasp of the English language and have an impressive TEFL qualification. Some common misconceptions can lead you to believe that you must have a degree, or must be a native English speaker, but in reality it all depends on where you’re applying for work. Sure, your options are more limited without a degree but that’s not to say you don’t have any. In this article, we’ll explain why you shouldn’t let a lack of degree hold you back from teaching English.

The number of English learners is growing by the year. Did you know that more people speak English as a second language now than as a first language? This means that there’s a huge demand for teachers! With a TEFL qualification from a quality provider you could be in a great position to find work. 

When would I need a degree to TEFL?

If you’ve carried out a bit of research before now, you might have discovered that a visa for some of the most popular TEFL destinations requires a degree. This is the case for all countries in Asia (with the exception of Cambodia). Visa requirements are non-negotiable, so it’s incredibly important that you check out the requirements of any country you’re hoping to work in.

How can I make my CV stand out?

It’s likely that you could be competing with degree holders for more sought-after positions, even for jobs where a degree isn’t a requirement. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t make your CV stand out! If you have any relevant teaching experience don’t be afraid to emphasise this in applications and interviews. 

Even if you don’t have teaching experience, marketing the skills and experience that you do have is really important here. Many of the skills you’ve already developed can be transferable. Are you an effective communicator? Have you taken on leadership roles before? Are you reliable and adaptable? And if so, how?

You might also want to consider taking an advanced TEFL course. These are non-compulsory additional courses that could really set you apart from your competitors. Focussing on specific areas of teaching and specialised skills sets, they look impressive on any application you ever send off.

So, where can I teach without a degree?

If you’ve got your sights set on somewhere in Asia, Cambodia is the only country you can TEFL without a degree (as mentioned). However, if you’re open to Central and South America where there’s a growing demand for EFL teachers, some of your options include Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Chile and Costa Rica.

Europe also has its fair share of available teaching positions. EU citizens don’t need a visa to move within the EU, which means a degree isn’t a requirement unless specified by an employer. However, non-EU citizenship can complicate things, especially without a degree. So be aware that finding work in Europe in this scenario can be more challenging.

Volunteering, internships and short-term contracts

As we’ve said, visa requirements are the most restricting factors in terms of where you can teach. However, if you don’t qualify for a work visa, there may be alternative options available to you e.g. volunteering (if this is a financially viable option for you) or short-term contracts and placements.

Volunteering where English language resources are limited will be an incredibly worthwhile way to spend your time. You’ll have the chance to use the knowledge you learned throughout your TEFL course and gain invaluable experience at the same time. Volunteer and travel the world for nearly free.

Short programmes or internships could also be on an option. You may be eligible for a working holiday visa in your desired country, but these often have very specific terms and conditions so it’s worth emphasising again the importance of careful and extensive research.

What about teaching English online?

Another option you have is teaching English online. One of the best things about it is the flexibility it gives you. You’re in charge of when and where you work. Some of the most notable online teaching companies list a degree as a requirement however there are many that don’t. 

Most teachers will begin their online TEFL career by working for an online teaching company. This is recommended because it’s the easiest way to get started and build up your experience. Online teaching companies take care of the admin side of things so you don’t have to and sometimes even provide lesson plans. 

Be patient and adaptable

To speak honestly, finding work teaching English is more challenging when you don’t have a degree. But it’s definitely not unrealistic. So, take your time, and persevere. If you keep an open mind about where you’re willing to teach, do the necessary research, and dedicate effort into your applications, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find work in good time.