What countries do you NOT need a B.A. (Bachelors) to teach ESL, english as a second language?

Question

I want to travel to Japan and Thailand, and have received a TESOL certificate / training, but I think you legally need a bachelors degree to work in these countries. Is this right? I would like to work somewhere other than China, but am not sure which countries I can apply for.

Do you know how to work in Japan or Thailand without a university degree? If not, can you tell me what the best country to work in (TESOL) would be, that I can work in?

I am new to this industry and would appreciate any help from experienced/knowledgeable people.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

In Japan and Thailand I think you can teach on a working holiday visa, even if you don't have a BA. However, you'd be hard-pressed to find any decent school that would hire you (after all, they've got loads of applicants with degrees and TESOL certs). Even China is moving towards BAs for English teachers. You might find work in really developing nations like Cambodia. Read the forums at the link below for info (as this question has been asked there a million times, you should just read the old answers instead of bugging everyone by asking the same question again).

Answer 2

It depends what setting you want to teach in. Do you want to teach in a university or in a community center or some other setting? I know many people who have taught English in China, Indonesia, and The Middle East with just a certificate.

Answer 3

Most places want you to have a BA. But if you are there already looking for a job, you have a better chance. They'll not hire you from abroad without a BA, but are more flexible when you are already in the country.