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Find out where in the world you can teach English without a degree and learn about 6 top destinations for TEFL jobs when you have no degree.
Written By: John Bentley|Updated: January 4, 2023
Written By: John Bentley
Updated: January 4, 2023
Considering the overwhelming number of possible places to teach English overseas, it’s inevitable that each country will require different qualifications for English instructors. Because of visa requirements or government restrictions, certain countries may require that English teachers hold a four-year degree. However, if you don't have a degree, do not let this deter you. According to our count, there are dozens of countries throughout the world where you can live and explore while teaching English, even without a university degree. ESL jobs that don't require a degree are plentiful if you know which countries to look for work in. Sounds great, right? Let's address a few questions: You do not need a Bachelor's degree to teach English abroad in many countries. Having an accredited TEFL certification is all you need to teach English in numerous destinations throughout South America, and in some parts of Europe and Asia -- no 4-year degree required. Yes. With an associate's degree and a TEFL certification, you can teach English abroad in more than 50 countries, from Costa Rica to Taiwan. Some countries like South Korea & Japan require a 4-year degree, but you still have many options. In many countries, having a TEFL certificate and being a native-English speaker are enough to get a job teaching English abroad, no degree required. You do not need professional teaching experience, a teaching license, a degree in education or even a college degree to teach English abroad. The key is to take a high-quality TEFL certification course that will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to get hired to teach English abroad or to teach English online. A quality TEFL course provider will also provide the job guidance and alumni support you need to find a great job. Now that we answered some of your questions, let's take a look at these top destinations: The best countries for where to teach English abroad without a college degree are Cambodia, Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Myanmar. These countries do not require a college degree to teach in, and are popular among TEFL teachers. Luckily they are also countries where English teachers are in high demand. To learn more about what qualifications you need to teach overseas, check out What are the Basic Requirements to Teach English Abroad?Can I teach English abroad without a degree?
Can I teach English abroad with an associate's degree?
Can I teach English abroad with just a TEFL certificate?
How to teach English abroad without a degree
Where Can You Teach English Without a Degree?
Countries that do not require a degree to teach English abroad:
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1. Cambodia
Characterized by an extremely tropical climate, Cambodia is home to a growing population eager to learn English. Known for having some of the friendliest and warmest people despite a very recent and tragic history, Cambodians welcome teachers looking for an adventure. While underdeveloped compared to its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, there is a demand for English teachers, especially in the capital city of Phnom Penh and even the touristy city of Siem Reap, the location of the famous Angkor Wat.
Native English speakers can work teaching English in Cambodiawithout a college degree very easily. Language schools throughout the country prefer a degree but with more students learning English in Cambodia each year, and most teachers overlooking Cambodia and going to Thailand or Vietnam instead, schools need native English teachers.
Teachers can even expect to save a bit of money due to the low cost of living and high salaries. History, beaches, beautiful and friendly people - Cambodia truly is a hidden gem of Southeast Asia for those looking for jobs teaching English abroad without a degree!
Read More: Cambodia TEFL Country Profile
Watch More: Teaching English in Phnom Penh, Cambodia with MaShayla Hern
2. Costa Rica
Known for its stunning natural beauty and alluring tropical climate, Costa Rica is one of the hottest job markets for English teachers in Latin America. Costa Rica offers a super authentic Latin American experience and a perfect opportunity to learn Spanish. With a low cost of living, Costa Rica is also a popular option for English teachers who want to live abroad and teach English online. Fantastic beaches, stunning volcanoes and lush rain forests are never far away. When asking yourself "where can I teach English without a degree?'", do consider Costa Rica as a serious option. Additionally, you may even consider earning your TEFL certificate at ITA Costa Rica in Heredia.
Read More: Costa Rica TEFL Country Profile
Watch More: Teaching English in Brasilito, Costa Rica with Courtney Hall
3. Spain
As popular a destination as ever, the English teaching market in Spain remains relentlessly strong and just as appealing despite fluctuations in the global economy. If you're interested in Europe, teaching English in Spain is one of the best choices if you don’t have a college degree. The Spanish population is eager to learn English, considering its reigning title as the language of business, tourism, and education. There is an astonishing variety of English schools throughout Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Valencia.
Spain is one of the most diverse and stunning countries in all of Europe. By living like a local amongst the Spaniards, you’ll have the opportunity to explore restaurants, bars, and museums off the beaten tourist trail as well.
Read More: Spain TEFL Country Profile
Watch More: Teaching English in Barcelona, Spain with Daniella Mazzeo
4. Argentina
A beautiful country in South America, Argentina holds a huge demand for English teachers. Thousands of positions are scattered throughout the country, with openings in schools everywhere from urban Buenos Aires to the bucolic and mountainous countryside. Argentina’s climate is warm and moderate, making it ideal for anyone. Schools across the country - whether you want to work with children, students, or business professionals, in Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Cordoba - do their hiring in the early spring or at the end of the summer. The best part? Native speakers need only a TEFL certification to find a high-paying teaching job in Argentina. With a stable, prosperous economy, and an increasingly important role in international politics, the stage is set for you to discover this exciting and growing South American nation while teaching English without a degree.
Read More: Argentina TEFL Country Profile
Watch More: Teaching English in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Adrienne Glenn
5. Mexico
English comprehension and fluency are in high demand throughout Mexico. The potential for employment is high wherever you may wish to teach. Mexico City is one of the easiest places to find work teaching English without a college degree, simply because there are so many people interested in learning the language- from school children to university students and businessmen. Due to the incredible need for English teachers in Mexico, the government recently passed a law to give work permits to teachers as long as they hold a professional-level TEFL certification and can speak English fluently regardless of degree status. Explore Mexico as most gringos rarely see it - take the time to travel everywhere from quaint coastal villages to the urban centers of Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla.
Read More: Mexico TEFL Country Profile
Watch More: Teaching English in Colima, Mexico with Fallon Mawhinney
6. Myanmar
If you seek the adventure of teaching English in a country off the beaten path, Myanmar provides the opportunity of a lifetime. Bordered primarily by India, Thailand, and China, this ancient southeast Asia nation had been closed off from the outside world culturally and economically for decades but has recently reopened to international travel and commerce This has created a growing demand for English language instruction. Like Cambodia, Myanmar has looser hiring requirements than some other Asian nations, making it easier for those without a college degree to get hired.
Myanmar is less economically developed than some more famous TEFL job markets in Asia. First-time English teachers typically earn the equivalent of $700-$1000 a month, which may not seem like much, but due to the low cost of living, most teachers can save up to 20% of their income each month after expenses, which is excellent for extra travel.
Those who venture to teach English in Myanmar will encounter a beautiful nation steeped in history and culture. From bustling city markets and subtropical beaches to some of the world's largest and most ancient Buddhist temples, Myanmar offers an opportunity to explore a beautiful country that is one of few left untouched by mass tourism, chain restaurants, and rampant commercialism.
Read More: Myanmar TEFL Country Profile
In all of these countries, as well as many others throughout the world, it’s possible to find a job teaching English overseas without a bachelor’s degree. By enrolling in a TEFL certification course and receiving lifetime job search guidance from ITA, you’ll gain valuable, practical knowledge that can immediately be used to further your goal to teach and travel.
Your next step:
Contact the International TEFL Academy to request a FREE brochure and learn about TEFL training courses with a comparison of the most popular countries to teach English throughout the world.
Want to Learn More About Teaching English Abroad & Online?
Request a free brochure or call 773-634-9900 to speak with an expert advisor about all aspects of TEFL certification and teaching English abroad or online, including the hiring process, salaries, visas, TEFL class options, job placement assistance and more.
FAQs
What countries can I teach in with only TEFL? ›
Even without a four-year degree, a native English speaker with an accredited TEFL / TESOL Certification can realistically find great opportunities in dozens of countries around the world including Spain, Russia, China, Argentina and many nations in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Can I teach English without a degree? ›Yes, you can teach English online without a degree! While some of the major online teaching companies require a degree, there are many that don't. A TEFL certification can provide you with the training and qualifications that you need to get a job teaching English online.
Which country needs English teachers the most? ›China. China is by far one of the biggest employers of ESL teachers in the world. With the large job demand, plus the generous benefits packages and low cost of living, many ESL teachers are able to save up a good amount of cash while teaching in China.
What countries can I teach English without degree? ›Countries that do not require a degree to teach English abroad: The best countries for where to teach English abroad without a college degree are Cambodia, Costa Rica, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Myanmar. These countries do not require a college degree to teach in, and are popular among TEFL teachers.
What countries can I teach English without a bachelor's degree? ›- Cambodia. Cambodia is a popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia thanks to its ancient temples, such as Angkor Wat, and its incredible beaches in the South. ...
- Mexico. ...
- Costa Rica. ...
- Nicaragua. ...
- Argentina. ...
- Russia. ...
- Spain. ...
- Romania.
Most states and public school districts require a state teaching license or education-related certification. However, a TEFL certification with experience overseas will open the doors to many private language schools, community centers, colleges, and even local libraries.
Is TEFL Recognised in USA? ›All of our top i-to-i TEFL qualifications (Level 3, Level 5 and our Advanced Level 5 Diploma) are Ofqual regulated and DEAC-approved which means they have received official recognition from both the UK and US government regulated awarding bodies.
Can I teach English in Mexico without a degree? ›To teach English in Mexico, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Mexico is about $500 - $800 USD per month.
Can I teach English in Portugal without a degree? ›Requirements to teach English in Portugal
You will need to have a university degree and/or an internationally recognised Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification. Most employers also require applicants to have at least 100 hours of classroom experience or a minimum of one year's work experience.
Can I teach English in Spain without a degree? You don't need a four-year college degree to teach English in Spain. It is common for language schools or families not to prioritize a four-year degree and hire English tutors because they are native speakers with a TEFL certification.
Where in Europe can I teach English without a degree? ›
That being said, you can still find a position in Europe if you know where to look. Eastern Europe has many opportunities for English teachers without a degree, and the demand is high. Good options include Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Romania and Georgia.
What states pay English teachers the most? ›| Rank | State | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland | $71,900 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $67,309 |
| 3 | New York | $70,520 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $67,100 |
Which teaching subject is most in demand? While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand.
Which country needs teachers the most? ›...
What Countries Need More Teachers and How Much Can You Make?
| Rank | Country | Teacher:Pupil Ratio (1:) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanzania | 218.78 |
| 2 | Solomon Islands | 101.03 |
| 3 | Sierra Leone | 66.65 |
| 4 | Cabo Verde | 61.27 |
Although your options might be more limited, it is still possible to teach English in Japan without a degree, especially if you are a highly experienced EFL teacher and have native-like fluency in English. If this is the case, make sure you have a strong resume and are well-prepared for your interview.
Can I teach English in Poland without a degree? ›In order to teach English in Poland, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree is preferred but not required. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Poland is about $750 - $1,050 USD per month.
Can I teach English in China without a degree? ›When searching for TEFL jobs abroad, it's common to see a bachelor's degree as a requirement – especially in Asia. However, it is possible to teach abroad in Asia without a degree.
What qualifications do you need to teach English to foreigners? ›- Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA)
- Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Trinity CertTESOL)
- Level 5 TEFL Diploma.
Teaching English in South Korea Without a Degree
The simple answer is, no, not legally. You need a special kind of visa, known as the E-2 Teaching Visa, to work as an English teacher in South Korea. Unfortunately, the only way to get one of these is with a bachelor's degree.
You know you need it, but how much does TEFL certification cost? Prices vary depending on some key factors, but expect to pay about $200 for very minimal online certification and closer to $400-$500 USD for online certification of enough hours (at least 120) to qualify for most TEFL/TESOL jobs.
How much does TEFL cost USA? ›
How Much Does TEFL Certification Online Cost? The cost of a TEFL certification online can vary from $99 to $3,000 USD. However, cheaper courses under $1,000 typically do not meet recognized international standards and often do not include live practice teaching, which is required by most employers in the field.
Which is better ESL or TEFL? ›The primary difference between these two certifications involves your career intentions. A TEFL certification is needed if you plan to teach English abroad. If you will be teaching English as a language to non-English speakers in their native country, this is the certification for you.
Which ESL certification is the 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.
How Hard is it to Get a TEFL Certificate? As long as you dedicate enough time to your coursework, complete your assignments on deadline, and respond positively to instructor feedback, you are very unlikely to fail your TEFL certification course.
What is better than TEFL? ›TEFL refers to any certification program that trains an English speaker to teach their language to others. CELTA, on the other hand, is an intensive ESL teaching certificate, designed by Cambridge University. It is considered one of the most prestigious qualifications for teaching English abroad.
How do I get TEFL certified in USA? ›You generally have three options when it comes to getting TEFL certified: taking an online course, attending home-based on-site course, or getting certified abroad. Each option offers different advantages and challenges, and each one carries with it its own price tag.
Can I teach English in Greece without a degree? ›Qualifications needed
Greece has very common requirements for teaching English. You must be a native English speaker, have a university degree, and be certified in TEFL. However, they do not require any particular degree and there are rarely any requirements on your level of fluency in Greek.
You don't have to have a degree to teach English in Brazil, you'll just need a minimum of our Professional TEFL certificate (120 hours) 120 Hour Online TEFL Course to get access to the better paying jobs; although the i-to-i 140 Hour Combined TEFL Course is recommended if you have no experience of teaching.
Can I teach English in Cambodia without a degree? ›Do I need a degree to teach English in Cambodia? No, a four-year college degree is not required to secure an English teaching job in Cambodia. However, it is still strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search.
Can you teach English in Hong Kong without a degree? ›Having a degree is a legal requirement to teach English in Hong Kong. Without a degree you will not be able to get a work visa. Your degree can be in any subject for most jobs and does not have to be in Education, English or Linguistics.
Can I teach in Spain without a degree? ›
Can I teach English in Spain without a degree? If you have an accredited TEFL certificate and a little experience, you might be set. Teaching English in Spain without a degree is possible, if you've met other requirements. You'll need a teaching certificate and any applicable teaching experience will go a long way!
What do I need to teach English in Portugal? ›In order to teach English abroad in Portugal, you will need to have a 4-year university degree and an accredited TEFL certification. Classroom experience is also often required: usually a minimum of 100 hours or 1 year of previous teaching experience. Native English language speakers are preferred.
Can I get a TEFL certificate without a degree? ›Even if you have no experience or degree in education or ESL, taking a TEFL course will ensure you have all the skills you need to teach English online effectively and confidence to enter your classroom.
Where in Asia can I teach English without a degree? ›- You can teach English in Cambodia.
- You can teach English in Taiwan.
- You can seek short-term teaching opportunities.
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.
Can I teach in Europe without a degree? ›With the right qualifications (you know we're looking at you, TEFL Certification!) and fluency in English, you can find teaching English jobs without a degree in countless countries from Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Which country is easy to get a teaching job? ›- Get your flip flops ready because Thailand is open for business. ...
- Cambodia has had a rough ride with Covid, but things are finally looking up. ...
- Southeast Asia a bit too far afield?
Take steps to ensure you are qualified to teach at an international school. Generally, schools require that applicants hold a valid teaching certificate and a bachelor's degree in their subject area. They also ask that you have at least two years of full-time teaching experience.