Looking for a new career path or just a way to fund your travels? Teaching English abroad could be your ticket. I did it for two years and it was a life-changing experience. It’s a great way to learn about yourself and the world. But how do you get started?
Most people who want to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) get a TEFL certificate before they start job hunting. But is it really necessary? I get asked this a lot, especially since I taught in two countries without a TEFL. So, can you teach English abroad without a TEFL certificate? Let’s dive into that.
What is a TEFL Certificate?
TEFL stands for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language." It’s a program that equips you with the skills to teach English as a foreign language. It covers everything from teaching vocabulary and grammar to classroom management. TEFL courses can last from a few weeks to a few months and are available both in-person and online.
However, the quality and cost of TEFL courses can vary greatly. So, before you sign up, do your homework to ensure the program is globally recognized. Some schools may not accept certain programs. But generally, most schools accept all certificates.
Some schools and government programs may require a certain number of classroom-based TEFL hours. The more classroom hours a course has, the better (and more expensive) it is. It not only increases your chances of getting hired but also makes you a better teacher. TEFL courses can cost anywhere between $300 and $2,000 USD.
What are the Requirements for Teaching Abroad?
The requirements for teaching English abroad can vary from country to country. Generally, it helps if you:
- Are a native English speaker from an English-speaking country
- Have a bachelor’s degree
- Have a TEFL certificate (or a CELTA or TESOL, two other ESL certificates)
- Have some teaching experience (though this is optional)
However, some countries might hire you if you’re from another country where English is fluently spoken or if you can demonstrate expert knowledge of the language. But be prepared to really show off your skills if you’re not from one of the above countries.
Do You Need a TEFL Certificate to Teach Abroad?
The answer is: it depends. Every country and school is different. If you have a TESOL or CELTA certificate, you can find a job without any trouble. Without any of those certifications, your options will be more limited.
You can still find job opportunities in some countries, but they may not pay as well, and you might have fewer hours or subpar working conditions. For example, you can work from home teaching English online, but the pay isn’t great and there’s a lot of competition.
However, if you’re a certified teacher, you can basically get any job you want without a TEFL. But if that’s not the case, there are plenty of entry jobs for teachers as long as you have a university degree.
Places to Teach Without a TEFL
If you want to teach English overseas without a TEFL certificate, your options are limited but not impossible, especially if you have a university degree. Here are some places to consider:
- South Korea – High pay, plentiful jobs, and awesome benefits.
- Japan – Good jobs and programs that reward long-term teachers with completion bonuses and generous benefits.
- Thailand – Attracts lots of young teachers with its cheap cost of living and warm, beautiful weather.
- China – As China continues growing, its need for English teachers also increases.
- Spain – Offers some of the best opportunities for teachers looking to work in Europe.
- Central America – A great place to find entry-level positions.
Teaching English overseas is an excellent option for those looking to work abroad and incorporate more travel into their lives. Whether you’re looking for a new career or just a short-term job to help you travel more, teaching English abroad can help. It takes some preparation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Not only will you get to live out your dreams of seeing the world, but you’ll also be providing language learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future.
