TEFL jobs. No degree required. Score! Have you ever heard of the midlife crisis, where one just wants to take a break from their daily life and do something exciting? It comes at different ages, but it comes to a lot of people. And because some people are having trouble deciding what that change could be, we’ve thought about giving you more insight into how easy it can be to make that change by simply taking another job abroad. More specifically, teaching jobs abroad without a degree. What? You didn’t think teaching English abroad without a bachelor’s degree was possible?
Moving and living abroad with a job is the perfect formula for a successful change of scenery and lifestyle. A stable source of income always helps ease the adjustment to a new cultural process that we all go through when our lives take such a turn. Think of it as your comfort blanket.
The beauty of the English language is that it is the world’s most recognizable language, with millions of people worldwide who are fluent, and that great teaching abroad is available without a degree. That’s right! With the right qualifications (you know we’re looking at you, TEFL Certification!) and fluency in English, you can find teaching English jobs without a degree in countless countries, from Europe, Asia, or Latin America.
Things to know before teaching ESL abroad without a degree
Don’t let stress get the best of you! Read our tips to prepare yourself for all the changes.
It is very important to realize that being able to speak English or understand it is different than being fluent in the language. Assess yourself carefully, and research the opportunities that your level of English will give you access to. Furthermore, teaching English abroad without a college degree can be challenging as it is, top it off with moving to a new culture and a new job, it can take its toll on you, so going into this prepared will make the process much more enjoyable. Let’s brush up on some of the things one should know before teaching ESL abroad without a degree.
- Patience is key. If you are someone who is easily irritated and cannot take the time to repeat yourself a few times if necessary, you might want to rethink this. As a teacher, you need to learn to be patient when dealing with students from different cultures, ages, and rules of conduct; you will have to learn to go with the flow.
- All kids are the same. No matter what part of the world you’ll be teaching in, the kids will all be the same. Teenagers are teenagers no matter where they come from. They might express themselves a bit differently, but they all face the same changes and struggles and tend to become a handful.
- Prepare to experience culture shock. There is no need to worry about things like not knowing how to prepare a lesson plan. First of all, it’s a pretty easy task, but second of all, you will learn how to do it after you meet your class. People learn differently, so find a fun, easy way to teach your class and start tailoring your teaching plan from there.
- You can stay for as long as you want. Of course, your contract might be limited, but you can always renew it for a longer period. There is no right amount of time someone should spend abroad. Whatever floats your boat, friend.
- Get your TEFL certification today! Although teaching English abroad without a degree is possible, earning your TEFL certification will help you develop your teaching skills, certify your competency in teaching the English language to non-speakers, and increase your job opportunities.
Being a teacher is a rewarding job no matter where in the world you do it!
6 TEFL jobs abroad without a degree
If you’re here, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Where can I teach English abroad without a degree?” or “Can you teach English abroad without a degree?” Surprise, surprise! The GoAbroad team always has your back and has put together a list of 6 TEFL jobs abroad without a degree that you can choose from. Let’s check ‘em out!
1. Teach English in Germany with International TEFL Academy
The time the schools start is about the same as when the festivals in Germany start, and it would be a shame to miss them. No degree? No problem! Teaching English in Germany without a degree is very much possible in a high-standard country like Germany. With a TEFL Certification and the right experience, you can start getting paid to travel across Germany and enjoy its greatness.
- Where: Germany
- Average pay: $2,000/month
- More info: Read ITA reviews
2. Teach English in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel
If you’re a TEFL graduate, Maximo Nivel will offer you the great opportunity to teach English in Costa Rica without a degree. A great schedule, with 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon, giving you a great break to run your errands, go sightseeing, or even hit the gym. You will be teaching at private institutes, and it’s entirely up to you whether you stay for the year-round or just for a semester.
- Where: Costa Rica
- Average pay: ~$700 to $800/month
- More info: Read Maximo Nivel reviews
3. Train & Teach in Cambodia with myTEFL
If you don’t know by now that Cambodia is one of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad in the world, then you should find out all about it for yourself. Can you teach English in Cambodia without a degree? Of course, you can, and myTEFL offers amazing job placements here, with constant support through the entire process. All you need is a TEFL certification, which you can complete online. Easy, right? The schedule is so great that you’ll have enough time to travel and earn enough money for it.
- Where: Cambodia
- Average pay: ~$1000 to $1400/month
- More info: Read myTEFL reviews
4. TEFL Certification & Teaching English in Thailand with SEE TEFL
Thailand has always been a top pick for teachers abroad, and the best part? You can teach English in Thailand without a degree! SEE TEFL in Chiang Mai is one of the best ways to do it. Their accredited 120-hour on-site program is open to all nationalities with no bachelor's degree required, so all you need is the drive to teach. You'll get hands-on classroom training, six real observed teaching practices at local schools, and a job guarantee with access to 80+ positions across Thailand. The support doesn't stop after training either, with the whole SEE TEFL team behind you every step of the way!
- Where: Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Average pay: ~$900 to $1,400/month
- More info: Read SEE TEFL reviews
5. Make English Teaching Fun in China with MEF World
China is one of those destinations that will genuinely change your life, and you don't need a degree to get started! MEF World has been bridging cultural gaps for teachers in Asia for over 20 years, so you're in great hands. You'll be teaching at kindergarten schools with great working hours. China can be a big cultural shift, but with MEF World, you won't be doing it alone!
- Where: Dalian, China
- Average pay: ~$2,750/month
- More info: Read MEF World reviews
6. Teaching English in China with LoPair
If you want to teach English in China without a degree and actually live like a local, LoPair is your answer! Forget the typical expat bubble. You'll be right in the heart of Beijing, forming real bonds with a host family and picking up Mandarin along the way. With placements ranging from 3 to 12 months, it's the perfect way to dip your toes in or go all in on one of the world's most fascinating cultures. It's an au pair program, so the compensation is lower since accommodation and all meals are fully covered. You'll be teaching English to children for up to 30 hours a week, with a private room, all meals, and full in-country support taken care of!
- Where: Beijing, China
- Average pay: ~$210/month
- More info: Read LoPair reviews
Learn about the ways to teach English abroad without a degree
Bonus: Can you teach English online without a degree?
Whether you already have a career or are working towards one, getting a little extra income has never hurt anyone, and teaching jobs overseas without a degree is a very fast and easy way to do it. From home even!
Looking for a bit of extra money between classes? Check out sites like Cambly or Qkids.
How, you’re wondering? Well, you can do this by hiring companies or by becoming a freelancer and putting yourself out there! Some companies will make you an offer, while others will ask for your hourly rate. Assess yourself correctly, and if you’re a beginner, start with a moderate rate.
Some companies are looking for native speakers, some are not. Do not let yourself be discouraged if you’re not a native speaker! If you enjoy working with people, are patient, and enjoy learning about different cultures, why not give it a try?
It might be a bit uncommon to be working from your own sofa, but you’ll get used to it quickly. All you need is a quiet place, a good internet connection, and your PC with a camera and a microphone. If you want to be extra prepared, there are tons of videos on YouTube you can check out, or read reviews from former teachers who took this life-changing chance.
Remember that there’s a global hunger to learn English, and your client’s expectations are high, even for online teaching. So be creative and prepared for each class; the “no degree’ part won’t even matter when you’re a great teacher.
TEFL jobs: No degree required
Get your TEFL certificate and start teaching English abroad ASAP!
Not everyone has the time or the financial means to pursue a 4-year teaching degree, and we get it. Luckily, nowadays you can still start your teaching career and find teaching jobs abroad without a degree, BUT with a simple TEFL Certification, which is way cheaper and faster to get. Once you’ve obtained your TEFL Certification, you have the opportunity to change your career at any time you want. You can find TEFL jobs abroad without a degree pretty much anywhere in the world your heart desires. TEFL jobs no degree required, here we come!
If you’re ever going to take a leap of faith, now’s the time to do it! You’ve already got the skills and the desire. Start small, maybe with online teaching first, and then move up to face-to-face teaching, but in another country. Thousands of people are doing it, yet the demand for English teachers is still growing. There’s a position out there waiting for you, so start your application process right now!
Look for the Perfect Teaching Program Abroad Now
Explore hundreds of meaningful teaching programs with verified providers worldwide. Join thousands of travelers becoming teachers abroad!
Luciana Dinu
GoAbroad Contributor
Lucy is an avid reader and a travel junkie! She hopes to write her own book one day and inspire people with her travel stories.
View Full Profile
