English Teaching Degree

Demand for ESL teachers is high in all areas of the world and employers typically prefer those who have a TEFL qualification over non-qualified applicants. It is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification before applying for an ESL teaching position. Having some form of teaching experience will also increase your options for employment, though as with a degree, this is not always a requirement. With countries ranging from ancient to very modern, Europe offers a whole range of history, climate, and population density. There are many countries where a degree is not required and these include the ever popular, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you are looking for something quieter, areas of Greece, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria may be...  [Read more]

It is definitely possible to teach English without a degree. There are plenty of language schools that will gladly hire you regardless of your educational background. Even though having a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there is no reason for not pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad if you don't possess a degree. The question of whether a degree is required to find a teaching job is arbitrary, as it is for many other occupations. There is no reason why a university-educated English teacher would be more effective than one who does not possess a degree. One might argue that certain characteristics, such as passion, commitment, and the ability to establish rapport with your students, are far more important than a college diploma in this career. These qualities should,...  [Read more]

If you don’t possess a university degree, it is still possible to teach English in a foreign country. Regardless of your academic background, there are countless language schools out there that will happily hire you. Even though a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there really is no reason to give up on your dream of teaching English abroad if you do not have one. We at ITTT believe that having a degree is not the most important thing when considering a career in language teaching. Instead, certain qualities, like passion, dedication, and the ability to establish a connection with your students, may be argued to be far more important in this career than a university degree. However, you should still possess the right skills and know-how for leading a successful classroom. This...  [Read more]

With the help of the information we have provided below, you can start teaching English as a foreign language online even if you don’t have a degree. We have looked at why some employers might insist on a degree, how to increase your chances of getting hired, and where to hunt for jobs. Normally, employers require a degree in order to obtain a work visa when hiring someone to teach English abroad. Visas are not a problem, though, when it comes to teaching online - so why do they still want teachers with degrees? One reason can be found in recent reforms made in the largest TEFL market: China. China is the largest TEFL market in the world, and this is also true for the online TEFL sector, where many of the major online teaching platforms are based. Online teaching platforms operating in...  [Read more]

If you want to meet the criteria laid out for most online or overseas TEFL jobs, then you will need to complete a standard 120-hour TEFL certification course as a minimum. Anyone who dreams of earning a higher salary or applying for management level positions will typically need an advanced qualification such as diploma. However, teachers who want to get to the very top of the EFL tree will probably need to think about completing a Bachelor's Degree in TESOL. ITTT does not operate its own degree course, but we are able to recommend a good option. The Bachelor of Education in TESOL (B.Ed TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education offers a very convenient and affordable way to gain a high-end, internationally recognized teaching qualification. This is a 120-credit degree...  [Read more]

The good news is that you do not need a degree to teach English online in many situations. We will expand on this throughout this article. The general qualification required to teach ESL either in person or online is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certification. This is seen as the entry level qualification and is usually required by most employers. Other qualities they will be looking for include, in no particular order: (i) Experience: Any formal teaching experience is highly regarded by employers. This may be just a few hours from your TEFL training with real classes, or volunteering at a summer school for example. The more your experience matches the type of teacher they are looking for (such as children or adult teaching) the better. Make sure your C.V or resume indicates all teaching...  [Read more]

Teaching English without a degree is, fortunately, possible. Regardless of your educational history, there are plenty of language schools that will be happy to employ you. True, having a degree opens up more doors and opportunities, but if you don't have one, there is no reason to let that stop you from pursuing your dream of teaching English abroad. The question of whether you need a degree to find a teaching position is arbitrary, as it is with many other occupations. There is no reason why an English teacher with a university degree would be more effective than one without. Certain traits (passion, commitment, and the ability to create rapport with your students, for example) are more important than a college diploma in this career, as they are in many others. It is important to note,...  [Read more]

As a result of government restrictions and official requirements for visa applications, there are a variety of countries where it is hard for teachers to find a job without having a 4-year university degree on their CV/resume. However, if you are able to be flexible and are willing to look for employment in areas where the demand is high and restrictions are less rigorous, TEFL qualified teachers without a degree can still have several great destinations to choose from. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Cambodia is...  [Read more]

Vietnam is one of several booming destinations for teaching English in Southeast Asia. In recent years the demand for teachers has grown enormously and the salaries on offer have also improved due to increased competition among schools looking to employ the best teachers. Teachers who have spent time in Vietnam overwhelming say it is a great place to live and work, so if you want to find out for yourself, how do you go about it? In order to get a work permit to teach English legally in Vietnam you will need to be a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree. Many employers will also insist on a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120-hours duration. Some jobs at the top end of the pay scale will also require some level of classroom experience, although these are relatively small in...  [Read more]

Due to government restrictions or work visa requirements, there are several countries where English language teachers without a 4-year university degree might find it difficult to secure employment. However, the good news is there are still plenty of great opportunities for those without a degree if you are flexible and willing to go where the demand for your services is high. To increase your chances of landing a position in the country of your choice, it is highly recommended that you first complete an internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certification course. Those who are TEFL qualified will find they have a big advantage over non-qualified teachers in most countries worldwide. Although China has the largest market for TEFL qualified teachers in the world, the regulations for...  [Read more]

When considering this question it is important to first outline the different types of class levels found in English language classrooms worldwide. A fairly common classification of EFL teaching levels is indicated by the book resources available. If you consider book series such as, Reward, New Headway, and many others, you will find five levels. These levels are, Starter (or Beginner), Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate. Now we have established the general language levels of students, we can now consider the four skills of English. It is very important to remember that there are four skills that are required by any language user. These four skills are, reading and listening (known as the receptive skills) and writing and speaking (known as the productive...  [Read more]

China is without doubt the largest market for English language teaching in the world. With a population in the region of 1.4 billion people spread across a vast area, there are a huge range of opportunities to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer big city life, the peace of rural living, tropical or seasonal climates, China has it all. However, one big question is often asked by teachers who want to live and work in the country: Until quite recently the answer would have been yes, as schools in China generally don’t care whether their teachers have a degree or not, and this still hasn’t changed. What has changed is the government has tightened the rules on who is eligible for a Z (work) visa which is what every teacher needs to work legally in the country. The simple truth is that you...  [Read more]

We should start by acknowledging that there are some countries where a degree is required for certain teaching jobs. However, even within these countries there are often opportunities for teachers without a degree. In such situations you would need to be more flexible in terms of the type of job and conditions. As we will see later, undertaking volunteering or internship programs are examples of such flexibility. The main point here is that you can teach in many countries without a degree, provided you do have some other attributes or qualifications that employers are looking for. One of the most important qualifications worldwide for EFL teachers is the TEFL certificate. If you have a certificate of at least 120 hours then you should be able to find a number of jobs available to you. You...  [Read more]

As it is a modern, vibrant city where English is a common language and most luxuries and comforts are available, Hong Kong is naturally a popular destination among TEFL qualified teachers. The city is a cultural melting pot where almost every language on Earth can be heard and there is an impressive number of major skyscrapers dominating the skyline, two reasons why it is sometimes referred to as the New York of the East. Due to its popularity, Hong Kong has strong competition for the best teaching jobs, so to have a good chance of landing one there are a few things you need to know. There have been government guidelines for employing foreign teachers in Hong Kong for some time; however, these have not been rigorously enforced until recently. These days it is very difficult, and...  [Read more]

Did you know that there are multiple levels of TEFL certification, including TEFL level 4, TEFL level 5, and TEFL level 6? Just when you thought picking an appropriate TEFL course would be easy, you discover that there are several levels available! It is crucial to know what each of these TEFL levels means before choosing your TEFL course. This will help you in determining what level is ideal to reach your desired goal and what courses you need to take in order to get the teaching job you are looking for. To begin, keep in mind that TEFL levels are based on the UK qualifications framework. This includes levels 0 through to 8. Check out the graphic below to get a better understanding of what kind of qualification each level corresponds to: A level 3 TEFL certificate corresponds to the AS...  [Read more]

Hungary is a teaching destination that is rapidly growing in popularity due to a strong demand for English language proficiency, a low cost of living, and the friendly local population who are both welcoming and laid-back in their approach to life. The country’s location right in the heart of Central Europe is also a draw is it allows easy access to dozens of other countries across this fascinating region. As the demand for teachers is very high, it is possible to get a job without any qualifications or experience. However, the more you can offer employers, the better chance you have of getting the most sought after jobs that pay the best salaries. A TEFL/TESOL certificate is generally expected by most decent employers, particularly one that included practical teaching experience. If you...  [Read more]

If you are interested in applying for overseas teaching jobs, you will almost certainly come across something called Teaching English as a Foreign Language, or TEFL, certification. As a result, you are probably wondering if getting a TEFL certification is a good idea. Regardless of your other qualifications and experience, a TEFL certification is always a valuable addition to your resume. Furthermore, it will set you apart from the competition in the eyes of principals and hiring managers all over the world. Even if a TEFL certificate is not required for a specific position, it is always a huge plus and preference. A TEFL certificate opens doors to exciting opportunities in teaching English as a foreign language in countries all around the world. The most common requirement is 120 hours of...  [Read more]

This form of TEFL has quickly become one of the most popular ways to earn a living teaching English as it is highly flexible and exceptionally convenient for many people. It is usually possible to fit your working hours around any other commitments you have such as work, study or family, and it can be either a full-time job or a part-time way to earn some extra cash. Probably the most attractive quality of teaching online is that it can be done from almost any location worldwide, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a suitable device. Although the requirements stated for online teaching jobs will vary greatly from one employer to the next, it should not be hard for those with a TEFL qualification to find a suitable position. The main qualification necessary for most online...  [Read more]

Almost anyone who has the desire to teach English abroad can make their dream come true. Although you will find some restrictions regarding teaching experience and academic qualifications in some countries, there are plenty of great destinations around the world where a TEFL certificate is all that is required. Whatever your background, work history, or age, there is the perfect teaching job waiting for you somewhere in the world. Yes, you can start a new career teaching English abroad without any form of teaching experience. Due to a huge demand for English language teachers in countries all over the world, tens of thousands of English speakers head overseas every year to work in a variety of different classrooms. Of this number, approximately 90% will have never worked in any kind of...  [Read more]

Around the world there are always a huge number of EFL teaching jobs waiting to be filled which means there are potential opportunities for almost everyone. So what qualifications, background or characteristics do you require to take a TEFL course? First and foremost, anyone thinking about earning their TEFL certification with ITTT needs to be enthusiastic, motivated and determined as every course requires a considerable amount of commitment in terms of both time and effort. If you are fully committed to becoming an English language teacher, either at home or abroad, then you should have little trouble successfully completing the course and becoming a qualified EFL teacher. In order to be an effective English language teacher you do need to have a thorough understanding of the...  [Read more]

If you are looking for the widest choice of English language teaching jobs, look no further than Asia. Across the continent you will find countless opportunities in a wide range of fascinating countries, although the requirements do vary from one to the next. Some countries are only open to native English speakers and others will require a university degree, however, there are still plenty of jobs out there for anyone with a TEFL certification. Teaching English in South Korea has become increasingly popular over the last decade and it is no secret that the country offers some of the best salaries for foreign teachers to be found anywhere in the world. English teachers in Korea can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month and it is certainly possible to save up to half of this...  [Read more]

Acronyms are widely used within the English language teaching world and EFL is one of the most common. English as a Foreign Language is typically used to describe any scenario where English is being taught or learned in a country where English is not the main language. In this situation most students are learning English as part of their school studies, in order to travel overseas, or as a hobby, and they rarely get to use it outside of their lessons. An example of EFL would be an American teaching English to Italians in Rome. While EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In practice these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably when talking about English teaching, however, there is a genuine difference between the two that you...  [Read more]

ban phe is a sleepy and quaint fishing village 180 km south of Bangkok, perfectly situated along the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of thailand. This coastal village is a friendly one, and offers a direct view into the daily life of the local Thai people. Several excellent Thai and seafood restaurants and many great shopping venues can be found throughout Ban Phe. The pier in Ban Phe is a gateway to the incredible island of Samet. This beautiful island is only a 30 minute ferry ride from town, and has something for everyone - from fun-filled beaches with jet skiing and live music, to tranquil, secluded spots where one can enjoy the sea, sand and sun in complete privacy. Ko Samet is also a great place to do some trekking and discover the wide variety of plant and animal life in thailand....  [Read more]

Teaching English online is now firmly embedded in the TEFL world and many thousands of teachers find it a convenient way to earn a living without having to leave home or when traveling the world. However, despite not actually working in a physical classroom, online teachers still have to meet the same kind of criteria as those working in a traditional classroom environment. So, what do you need in order to take advantage of this rapidly growing sector of EFL teaching? The requirements for teaching online vary from one employer to the next, but there are a few common factors that many look for. Most online employers will expect you to have completed a TEFL course of at least 120 hours as this is the minimum level needed to cover all the most important areas of EFL teaching. If you also...  [Read more]

Are you bored with your current occupation? How would you like to see the world, experience different cultures, and get paid for it? From Spain to Sunny San Diego the EFL market is an occupationally diverse and exciting place to begin or continue your EFL career. Opportunities are ever growing and demand for qualified EFL teachers is steadily rising. The bulk of the positions are usually within the classroom; with a small variety of positions in other sectors such as: recruiting, EFL materials writing, volunteer positions, online teaching positions to even owning and operating your very own EFL School. Employers can also vary from small private schools to large companies like Toyota. One of the highest paying regions is and continues to be North East Asia in...  [Read more]

In just a few decades Qatar has grown from a largely unknown stretch of desert on the Persian Gulf, to the vibrant, international destination that it is today. The country is now a major travel hub that is developing rapidly, which goes some way to explaining why it has a huge expat population that makes up around 90% of its inhabitants. Although Qatar is a little less flashy than some others in the region, it is still a safe and comfortable place to live and work. Whatever job you choose you are likely to be teaching in a multicultural classroom that will be a great addition to your CV/resume. Like many countries in the Middle East, teachers are paid a very high salary in Qatar. Depending on the employer and your level of experience, a tax-free salary of between $2,000 and $4,000 USD...  [Read more]

In order to be a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world a teaching degree is required. Such degrees are usually three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. The same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the timeframe however is greatly reduced. Typically a course may take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL is therefore fairly unique in that it offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process. There are a number of ways in which TEFL certification can be obtained and these fall into three different categories. Online courses: As the name implies these courses are done via a computer or similar device....  [Read more]

Our training centre in Phuket provides what might well be the most popular TEFL course in thailand. We average over 12 trainees per course and have proven ourselves to be one of the best course locations worldwide. In the classroom you will receive unsurpassed training, while after the course you will receive an internationally recognized certificate to teach English as a foreign language, as well as lifetime assistance finding employment worldwide. Outside of the classroom, Phuket never fails to provide trainees with breath-taking scenery and a variety of experiences not to be forgotten. Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island destination, however, despite rapid growth along its west coast, Phuket still has plenty of lush jungles, picturesque mountain vistas, peaceful...  [Read more]

If you are looking for an exotic, modern and exciting destination for teaching English abroad, Singapore could fit the bill. This island city-state in Southeast Asia certainly has plenty to offer, from a tropical climate and fantastic local cuisine to world-class shopping and a fascinating blend of world culture. Singapore is also famous for its rapid development that has taken it from a relative backwater to one of the world’s wealthiest nations in just a single generation. Teacher’s salaries in Singapore are relatively high in comparison to its regional neighbors. Depending on your qualifications and level of experience you can typically earn between $2,700 and $3,500 USD per month. Most jobs will involve around 20 to 25 teaching hours per week, plus additional preparation time. It...  [Read more]

When choosing the right TEFL course to suit your future plans, it is important to understand the different levels of study involved so you are able to pick the right option that provides the qualifications you really need. While a level 3 course can be completed quite quickly and at a very affordable price, it might not give you the level of qualification that employers are looking for in your chosen destination. Equally, if you plan to volunteer as a teacher or work as a teaching assistant, a level 8 Master’s degree in TEFL will involve a bit more time, effort, and money than you really need to be investing. Check out our course levels page for more details. At ITTT we have a course-level framework that has been designed to make it easy for our trainees to compare our different course...  [Read more]