Q &A: Where Can I Teach English Abroad Without a University Degree? (It Depends Where You Want to Go)
You can teach English abroad in certain countries without a four-year university degree.
Even without a four-year university degree, a native, or even a fluent non-native English speaker with a TEFL / TESOL Certification from International TEFL Academy can realistically find great opportunities in dozens of countries around the world, in Asia this includes Cambodia and Indonesia as well as some other countries where a BA degree is not mandatory but highly preferred. A BA is mandatory for those seeking employment in Hong Kong and Japan, along with citizenship from the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or South Africa.
Some nations Latin America and Europe (primarily the eastern region) do not require a BA, and regardless having an undergraduate degree is certainly a plus. Thousands of TEFL certified English teachers without a four-year degree gain employment as English teachers around the world each year.
How much can I make, well that varies according to region as well. Asia and the Middle East with Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and UAE some of among the highest salaries offered. In some high paying locations such as Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong, although the pay rates are higher so is the cost of living, making it more difficult to save over the long term. The priority for each prospective teacher is different depending on the objectives of their time living overseas. Ease of travel, climate, health services and ability to save are just some of the common factors for consideration. Typically, the highest pay scales are reserved for so called “Native English Speakers” (known in the industry as NES).
In Taiwan for example, a native English speaker with an associate’s degree (typically a two-year degree) with a TEFL certification from International TEFL Academy can work as an English teacher and may be able to make enough to save up to $500 a month or more after expenses. English teaching jobs in mainland China are among the most plentiful, but living conditions may be much more rudimentary depending upon where you are compelled to accept an offer.
That said, bear in mind that in most cases schools will prefer candidates who do have four-year degrees, so you may need to be more persistent and patient in your job search. In many countries like China and Russia you should expect to be more flexible in considering matters like location when looking at job opportunities, especially when beginning your career teaching English abroad.
Many TEFL students who want to work in a country where a post graduate degree is necessary are enrolling for "life experience" degrees on line. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for and that even though some countries will allow this kind of degree in order to be employed and obtain a visa for work purposes, these degrees will carry much less clout than a traditional four year undergraduate degree.
Whatever plan of action an unemployed educator decides to take, in general, the more advanced certifications a TEFL or TESOL Teacher holds, the more opportunity they possess in terms of their marketability and increased number of employment options.
For a limited time, Paradise TEFL Certification Program offers these advanced certifications such as TOEFL, IELTS, and TEYL at the SAME PRICE as the basic TEFL/TESOL certification!
The advanced course provides additional English Language teaching certifications and is offered in tandem with our site courses in Hua Hin and Chiang Mai Thailand, as well as Mexico or as a complete series of online modules some with a virtual practice teaching option. In order to become a TEFL Trainer, you should have already completed a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA course first in order to be eligible and teaching experience is necessary. (Our Basic TEFL on-site program provides 2 to 3 weeks of hands on observed teaching practice to help our teachers to effectively develop their skills).
All courses are certified and you will receive a certificate of completion, which is internationally recognized and accepted when you graduate from the course. Many of those who already have experience as TEFL instructors are finding that becoming a certified TEFL trainer is another opportunity and feather in their cap in terms of meeting the demand of TEFL instructors (who are leaving their home countries and working abroad) by teaching others how to teach TEFL effectively.
Graduates with these additional certifications have the advantage of substantially increasing their marketability and employment status. Improve your chances of getting a good job with a higher level of pay by enrolling today!
