Learn to TEACH English with TECHNOLOGY. Free course for American TESOL students.


TESOL certification course online recognized by TESL Canada & ACTDEC UK.

Visit Driven Coffee Fundraising for unique school fundraising ideas.





Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Articles for Teachers

Do You Have to Have a Bachelor's to Teach English in Another Country?
By:Ted Nelson

Teaching English is a handy way to combine travel with a career. The more feathers in your cap the better job you can find, but the main prerequisite is to be able to speak fluent English. If you have a bachelor's degree or a specified language teaching degree, like Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), it will open up doors. Even without a bachelor's it is still possible to find jobs.

Teaching English Overseas
A large variety of English teaching opportunities exists overseas. English is the language the world does business in, so many countries include English in their school curriculum. Opportunities to teach are not limited to schools, as business people need training and some just want to learn as a hobby. With so many jobs in so many countries, not all are going to pay the same and include the same benefits. The International TEFL Academy states the top five countries to work in are South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Gulf Arab States and Vietnam, in that order. Without a bachelor's degree it may be difficult to get a top-paying job in one of the top-paying countries, but options do exist to improve your standing.

Obtain a Certificate
One way to bolster your credentials without a bachelor's degree is to obtain a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate. Obtaining a TESOL certificate takes about 60-100 hours of work, according to the American TESOL Institute. Three requirements are needed in order to pursue a TESOL certificate: You need a high school diploma, fluency in the English language and ability to obtain a passport. Getting a TESOL certificate will help your chances without a bachelor's degree.

Look at a Second-Tiered Country
It may not be possible to find good teaching jobs in countries like Japan, Taiwan and South Korea without a bachelor's degree, but this does not mean a good job cannot be found in other countries. Even though the pay may not be as high, the cost of living in these countries will be lower, so it is still possible to save money. Dr. Robert W.F. Taylor informs readers of the ESL Teachers Board that Asia has the highest need for English teachers, and therefore is often less demanding on the qualifications they require for their English teachers. He also states thousands of teachers are needed in China and South Korea alone. Other options for finding work without a degree include Brazil, Indonesia, Russia and Mexico.

Apply Online or Just Go
Dr. Taylor recommends you post your resume to as many ESL recruiting sites as possible. For the brave at heart, another option is to research which country you want to work in and go. You can apply in person at schools or companies. While looking for a job, you can freelance and tutor individual students by placing an ad online or posting signs near where you are staying.


Go to another board -