Teaching English Abroad. TEFL Course?

Question

I'm tempted to complete a TEFL course and teach abroad but I don't have a degree. Will all teaching vacancies abroad need a degree? If anyone has done this course can you tell me it it was good?

Answer 1

I completed a month long Trinity College TESOL course and although I have a degree, lots of the other students didn't. The course is quite intense but is one of the few around where you get practical teaching practise. If you have one of these qualifications you shouldn't need a degree as this is one of the few universally recognised qualifications. There are lots of places around the UK that you can do this course. Good luck

Answer 2

I don't have a degree either, only TEFL. You will be able to find work but you will be limited in your choice of countries and the kinds of schools you can work at. This means low paying jobs at language schools and probably without a work permit. This complicates things because you will probably need to leave the country every 3 months. I really recommend that you finish your degree and then get the TEFL. Many schools are not picky about the kind of degree. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you look on the internet at the TEFL courses, they say that in most cases you do not need any other paperwork.

However if you are looking for a position in a state school, you may well be asked for some.
If you are going to open your own school up or teach in a persons home, I don't think you need anything but your TEFL paperwork.

I looked into this myself and courses start at about £200.

Good luck :o)

Answer 4

Yes you do need a degree. The principal of the school is gonna ask you for your original college diploma and. They will need that too as pre requisite for applying your working visa. I don't know if this works the same in other country. If you're a native English speaker maybe you can try. I am a TEFL teacher - it is a good paying job. Good luck!

Answer 5

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=107979

The above link should hopefully kill the lie spread by the TEFL hustlers that you must have a TEFL certificate to teach in China. Absolute BS but since China job agents and recruiters are also TEFL sales reps they to will pressure you to buy some expensive TEFL course that you do not need. I also suggest you visit these other links so you can sort fact from fiction. Agents and recruiters only tell you want they want you to know. Also please note that although this question above is old, my reply is current for 2014.

Answer 6

I teach EFL and I can tell you that having a degree is always a plus, but not a must, in this field. Just being an English native speaker and a good teacher is enough over here (I live in Egypt). A degree ensures you a larger paycheck, though.

Answer 7

If you have a bachelors degree then you don't need it. I taught English in China for two years through JourneyEast.org, made 7000 RMB a month, worked 18 hours a week and lived for free in a fully westernized apartment. When i arrived i was greeted by JourneyEast Representatives who showed me around and helped me get situated. They even supplied me with a free tutor for the first three months to help me adapt to the culture.

When i got back to the states my resume was much improved and it helped me land a great teaching job in Connecticut.

If you have a bachelors don't waste your money on a TEFL, you don't need it.

Answer 8

I'm doing a Masters in TESL... Well, I think a degree would be valued more. But sure, you should find out more.

Answer 9

Its always better in long terms if you have a degree

Answer 10

Poland.