It is feasible to teach English in a foreign country without a degree, contrary to a popular opinion that you can’t. However, keep in mind that finding a job may take a little longer, and certain countries may be out of reach. You’ll be packing your luggage sooner than you think with a little bit of persistence, luck, and, above all, information about how to improve your chances of finding an English teaching employment overseas and which countries are more liberal about degrees and qualifications.

What about teaching English abroad without degree?

So you’re an English native speaker who lacks a bachelor’s degree. The good news is that you don’t need one to teach English in another country. This does not, however, imply that you do not require any qualifications or certifications. The trouble is, you’ll need to know how to communicate your knowledge to others in addition to having an excellent command on the English language. As a result, many of the most popular sites for teaching English overseas without a degree will need verification of teaching qualifications, such as a TEFL certificate.

There are ways to teach English in a foreign country without taking a TEFL course, such as volunteer positions (there are a few TEFL jobs that don’t require a degree and don’t pay, but many volunteer positions come with a place to stay), but having a TEFL certification increases your options and chances of landing an English teaching job abroad. However, keep in mind that some TEFL courses will take you further than others. So make sure you’re well-informed about your alternatives and consider how to choose a TEFL jobs carefully.

Without a degree, where can I teach English abroad?

Currently, some of the most popular countries to teach English without a degree are:

Spain: Are you surprised? Yes, it is correct. In order to teach English in Spain, you do not need a degree. Furthermore, there are many TEFL jobs available that do not require a degree or require no qualifications, and English teaching employments are often paid.

Mexico:

Mexico is a wonderful alternative if you want to travel to a more exotic location. Some schools require a bachelor’s degree, while others merely want native English speakers with TEFL certification.

Nicaragua:

Another wonderful location where you can teach English without a degree is this one. It is easier to obtain work in Nicaragua than other popular places because it is still relatively new. However, keep in mind that this could alter very soon as the country becomes more famous.

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica is an excellent alternative if you want to enjoy the sea, sun, and beach when you are not teaching. Most importantly, there is no requirement for a degree to teach English there.

Cambodia:

Many Asian countries have tightened their criteria in recent years, although Cambodia, for example, still hires English teachers without a bachelor’s degree. Having one is obviously advantageous, but due to the great demand for teachers, obtaining a job without one should not be too difficult.

Russia:

Teaching English in Moscow, for example, is definitely worth considering if you are seeking for ways to teach English overseas without a degree and are not terrified of the Russian winter. Again, the more educated and competent you are, the better, but with such a great demand for English teachers, a lack of a degree is not an issue.

You are erroneous if you believe that not having a degree will leave you with a limited range of options. Yes, you may be unable to find work in some countries since many regions of the world have very rigorous standards for English teaching certificates.

Unfortunately, they are also the most sought-after destinations and well-paid jobs. However, even if you don’t have a degree, there are lots of countries that will gladly pay you to teach English. As previously stated, you will almost certainly require a TEFL certification or similar certificate, but your alternatives are far greater than you might imagine, provided you are flexible about your expectations.

View our current teaching jobs in other countries or check out our new TEFL jobs area.