Do you need a degree for TESOL?
No, a degree is not required to enroll in a TESOL course or to secure many teaching positions abroad. While possessing a degree may expand the selection of teaching opportunities available to you, there are numerous countries and schools that welcome teachers without a degree. A wide array of options exists for individuals without a degree, allowing them to teach English in various settings internationally, as well as domestically or online. The TESOL certification itself, which is essential for teaching English as a second language, can be obtained without a prior degree.
Table of Contents
Why do some TESOL jobs require a degree?
Finding a TESOL job without a degree
Get an additional specialized TESOL certificate
Where can I teach English without a degree?
North Africa and the Middle East
Why do some TESOL jobs require a degree?
Some countries have set educational standards for ESL teachers, often requiring a degree to qualify for an official work permit. This is because a degree can be an indicator of a candidate's ability to understand and convey complex information, a skill that is essential in teaching. Moreover, a degree requirement is also a way for local authorities to regulate the influx of foreign teachers and ensure a certain level of quality in education. While a degree does not necessarily measure teaching effectiveness, it is often part of the visa requirements and thus, non-negotiable for legal employment. Furthermore, schools and language centers must comply with these regulations to hire legally. Ultimately, even though attributes like passion, commitment, and rapport are crucial for teaching, the credentials obtained through a TESOL certification - and often a degree - are essential for job eligibility and align with the legal frameworks within which schools operate.
Finding a TESOL job without a degree
If you do not possess a degree but are still set on teaching English, there are a few things you can do to boost the opportunities open to you.
Get TESOL certified
Irrespective of whether any particular job requires a degree, most will require you to have a quality TESOL certification. Even if you find jobs advertised that don't specify a TESOL is required, there are plenty of reasons why you should still have one. Not least, by completing a TESOL course you will actually have the skills and knowledge you will need to complete the job you are hired to do. As long as you have a teaching qualification in your toolbox you will have a great chance of getting the jobs you really want, even without a degree.
Get an additional specialized TESOL certificate
By adding additional ESL qualifications to your portfolio you will stand out from the crowd and be a much more attractive candidate when applying for teaching jobs. The most common and popular specialized qualifications are in teaching young learners, teaching business English, and teaching English online.
Apply for jobs in person
If you are able to actually be in the country of your choice and apply for jobs in person you will be ahead of the game. In person you have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and your suitability for the job, rather than being just another name who has sent in their application from the other side of the world. Many employers are particularly keen to meet their job applicants in the flesh before offering them a job. In-person job hunting is particularly common in Europe and Latin America.
Teach English online
If you are planning to stay in your home country and teach or you like the idea of teaching remotely while traveling from place to place, online English teaching could be perfect for you. Due to the huge and growing demand for online lessons there are hundreds of potential platforms to choose from and many of these do not require a degree.
Where can I teach English without a degree?
Europe
If you have an EU passport you can teach anywhere within the EU zone without a degree unless the individual employer states otherwise. However, many countries in this region have very strong competition for every available job which leads some employers to hold out for applicants with a degree. Despite this, there are still some great options to consider. If you want to teach in Europe without a degree it is typically better to look towards Central and Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
Asia
The job market for English language teachers is enormous across much of the Asian continent and many of the most popular destinations including China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, all require job applicants to have a degree.
Outside of these countries, Cambodia and Laos are popular options for those without a degree. Demand for TESOL qualified teachers is particularly high in Cambodia and most schools are happy to take on teachers without a degree, provided they have completed a recognized TESOL certification course. India is also an option, although there is typically a lot of competition for each position as English is an official language in India. This means that there are usually plenty of local teachers hoping to beat you to each vacant job. Overall, your options are much better here if you are looking for a stint as a volunteer teacher.
Latin America
This region is often regarded as the best option for TESOL course graduates who do not have a degree. The demand is significant in many countries but most schools lack the resources to advertise extensively outside of their own immediate area. This situation leads many employers to go with teachers who they think will fit into their ethos, rather than looking for those who have additional qualifications on paper. The largest markets can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.
North Africa and the Middle East
Many countries in the Middle East have very strict requirements when it comes to foreign English teachers. It is common for employers to require a Master's degree, a Diploma in TESOL, and/or several years of teaching experience. However, there are often options for non-degree holders in some of the smaller job markets such as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, and Turkey.
