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Have TEFL but no degree - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I be an English teacher without an English degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I teach English abroad without a degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
How can I teach online without a degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I get a B.A. in TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Do you need a degree to teach online? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Do I need a degree to teach English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Is grammar knowledge important when teaching English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Where can I teach English abroad without a university degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Do you need a degree for TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
How do I get a job teaching English in Vietnam? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What is a TEFL qualification equivalent to? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I teach English in China without a degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I teach English with just a TEFL certificate? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Is it hard to get TEFL certified? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Online vs. Onsite TEFL Courses Natalie Donahue - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
There are many different companies that offer courses (to varying degrees of credibility) to those wishing to be a teacher of English as a second/foreign language. Generally, these companies offer two types of courses: online and onsite. Online courses are those that are taken over the Internet ' in which the company emails the students their coursework, and offers an online tutor for assistance; onsite courses are TEFL Courses that are taken on the premises of the company generally in a teaching location in a foreign country. These courses are conducted in the same manner as a high school or college course. There are advantages and disadvantages to both course types, and these will be explored in this paper.Taking a TEFL course online has a few distinct ... [Read more]
Can I get a M.A. in TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Even entry-level teaching jobs usually require applicants to have completed a standard TEFL certification course of around 120 hours. Teachers who want to take another step up the employment ladder often choose to take a higher level qualification such as a Diploma in TESOL. However, if you are seriously interested in reaching the very top of the TEFL job market, completing a master’s degree will certainly be a big help.
ITTT does not oversee its own master’s degree course, but we do have a popular option that we can recommend. The Master of Education in TESOL (MEd in TESOL) from the Paris College of International Education provides a practical and affordable route towards gaining a highly regarded, internationally recognized qualification. With this qualification in your pocket you... [Read more]
What TEFL qualification do I need? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
TEFL and TESOL courses can be taken online, in-class or as a combined course (mixed online and in-class training). An internationally recognised TEFL qualification should contain at least 120 hours of externally validated study.
Depending on the visa rules of the country that you would like to work in, a degree may also be necessary. More information about BA and MA TESOL programs can be seen on our Upgrade your Qualifications page.
There are some clear advantages to taking an in-class TEFL course. The main benefit comes from the observed teaching practice sessions and the confidence that is instilled in new teachers. Face-to-face instruction also gives the TEFL trainer more opportunity to impart their knowledge and guide the trainee on areas that they feel are particularly important. The... [Read more]
What is TEFL level 7? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
TEFL Courses FAQs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Frequently Asked Questions
What does TEFL mean?
The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is commonly used to refer to training courses that almost anyone can take to learn the skills and knowledge required to teach English to non-native speakers in countries all over the world.
What is the difference between TESOL and TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the USA and TEFL is more common in the UK.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?
Although it is possible to teach abroad without a TEFL certificate, we recommended that you complete a TEFL... [Read more]
What can I do with a 120-hour TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Can I teach English abroad in my gap year? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
There are many reasons why people take a gap year and there is no particular best time to do it. You might have just finished high school or university and are unsure what you want to do next. You might already be in work, but are bored of the daily routine and looking for a break. Whatever your reason for taking a few months, a year, or even longer away from your existing life, it could be the best decision you ever made. After being away for a while you should find you have time to reflect on the past, enjoy your present, and most importantly, make well thought out plans for your future.
Initially many people assume that teaching English during a gap year is simply a good way to earn some cash while traveling from place to place. However, there are many reasons why teaching abroad is a... [Read more]
Can you teach online with a TEFL certificate? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
You are ready to jump into teaching ESL online, but do you require a TEFL certificate to land a good online teaching job? Generally, the answer is yes, a TEFL certificate is required or considered an asset for the majority of the highest-paying online teaching jobs.
Even though it might not be a requirement for all teaching platforms out there, your pay when teaching online as a certified TEFL teacher will be higher with certification than without certification. Completing a TEFL course also gives you the confidence and abilities necessary to teach someone a foreign language, which is no simple undertaking!
Aside from a TEFL certificate, there are a few other requirements for teaching English online, which we will explore here.
In most cases, you will need to meet the following... [Read more]
Who can take a TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Demand for TEFL qualified teachers is very strong in many parts of the world, which is why our TEFL courses are open to anyone who has a solid grasp of the English language. However, in order to successfully complete the course and go on to find a good quality teaching job you will need to put in some hard work and be willing to embrace new ideas and techniques.
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... [Read more]
Is it hard to get a job teaching English online? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
Is a level 4 TEFL certificate equivalent to a degree? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
When researching TEFL courses you will probably come across courses at various different levels, ranging from level 1 to level 8. These levels can cover everything from a 10-hour introductory course, right through to a master’s degree in TEFL. However, as this course framework covers such a wide range of qualifications it is important to have a broad understanding of the levels to ensure you take the right courses to suit your personal situation.
Take a look at our course levels page for more details.
At ITTT we have developed our own course level framework to ensure it is easy for everyone to compare all our different courses options. Our framework is based on the same criteria as most other recognized systems and it runs from level 3 to level 7. The basic criteria used to build our... [Read more]
What does Level 5 TEFL mean? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Navigating your way through the different TEFL certification options can be daunting. Luckily, we are here to shed some light on the different levels available for TEFL courses. The frameworks' general characteristics are often related to various factors, including the total number of hours spent studying, the certification type, if the program includes a practical component, and the method of study (full-time or part-time). A level 5 TEFL course is in the upper range of the framework, meaning it is among the more advanced TEFL certifications out there.
A level 5 TEFL qualification is equivalent to a CELTA or Foundation Degree. This level is ideal for obtaining the top TEFL positions available. Whether online or abroad, better-paying TEFL jobs will be easier to find. A level 5... [Read more]
What is the highest TEFL qualification? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK.
Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C Level 3: A level Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE) Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE) Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc) Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
Depending on which National Qualification Framework (NQF) you are referencing, you may... [Read more]
What does Level 6 TEFL mean? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
We know it can be difficult to sort through the various TEFL certification courses available on the market. That is why we are here to explain the various levels of TEFL courses. The general characteristics of the frameworks are frequently tied to a variety of elements, including the total amount of study hours, the certification type, if the program contains a practical component, and the study technique applied (full-time or part-time study). A level 6 TEFL course is near the top of the framework, making it one of the most advanced TEFL credentials available.
A level 6 TEFL qualification is equivalent to an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree. With this level of TEFL certification, better-paying TEFL jobs are easier to come by, whether online or abroad. A level 6 qualification will also... [Read more]
What is TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice.
These acronyms are used when referring to training courses that English language teachers undertake, as well as the certification they receive upon completion. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. As these terms are essentially the same, they are often used... [Read more]