How to become an ESL teacher with no degree?

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Can you be an ESL teacher without a degree?

As we mentioned, a college diploma doesn't provide you with the necessary information on how to teach English. Despite that fact, having a degree is required by most employers around the world. So, we don't promise that getting a job without an education will be easy. However, it's quite possible. There are a few reasons why some institutions have such strict requirements. Firstly, some countries need a reason for giving you a work visa. Otherwise, you are a traveler and can't teach legally. In this case, your major is proof to stay in a country for a long time. On the other hand, some high schools or colleges stick to the same idea because of status and public opinion. How is it possible to have uneducated staff at a state institute? It sounds old-fashioned and unfair a bit. Thankfully, there are other ways how to get a job for non-degree holders. Some countries consider education is preferred but not required. Also, online teaching is in high demand, which leads to a constant lack of good teachers. You should have a try to focus on things that you can improve for a short time. Positive traits, qualifications, and excellent knowledge of the language can make you an attractive candidate.

Don't underestimate your personal qualities. They can make a lasting impression on potential employers. Of course, professional achievements play the important role in getting a job, however, it's not everything. When it comes to teaching children, schools pay attention to such things as a sense of humor, patience, and cheerfulness. So, it's highly unlikely they choose a sensible high-qualified professional instead of a sensitive and thoughtful newcomer. Also, if you can't boast any accomplishments, let an interviewer know, that you are a hard worker and ready to be trained. Keep in mind that all your previous experience might be useful and relate to teaching. Whether you've taken care of neighbors' children or helped your little relatives with homework, you can adjust it to prior practice. Think of what you've learned from it and make some conclusions.

Previous experience is really important. Of course, it won't replace knowledge about learning approaches and teaching techniques. But it will help to identify room for improvement and possible students' difficulties. That's why it's significant to become qualified.

What certification do you need to teach ESL?

Teaching English as a foreign language implies qualification to teach people with different purposes and motivation. It unfolds secrets and methods on how to teach receptive and productive skills. There isn't the only opinion about the most appropriate and valuable course. All of them are useful and different. They will help not only teachers from non-English-speaking countries but also native speakers. Because as we said, excellent knowledge of the language isn't enough to become a good tutor. So, even Americans and the British will know more about explaining grammar and vocabulary.

Where can you teach ESL without a degree?

As we discussed, there are some strict requirements to teach English abroad. Fortunately, it doesn't relate to all countries. When some schools want to hire teachers only from English-speaking countries, the rest institutions and language centers welcome even non-native speakers. You should consider the places, where a work visa has nothing to do with your education. There are the best countries, which provide decent work conditions and benefits to ESL tutors.

Cambodia

The majority of Asian countries have strict degree requirements for ESL teachers. That's why Cambodia seems to be perfect. It provided only volunteer jobs for a long time. But now the amount of paid positions is growing. You can get something between $500-2000 a month depending on the workplace and your skills. But not salary makes this place a perfect destination. Tropical climate, historical temples, and friendly population will persuade you to stay. Also, there is a good chance to put money by because of the low cost of living. That's a wonderful opportunity to get familiar with another culture and visit nearby countries for intrepid travelers.

Russia

Don't hurry up to rule out this place from your list just because of cold weather. There is a huge demand for native and non-native English teachers. Almost every person there is interested in learning the language. That's why there is a variety of options where to work. You can teach professionals in international companies such as Danone, Nivea, and Bayer. There is a chance to give a speech as a foreign guest at conferences and events. Also, you can teach individuals on your own. What is more important is an average salary and other benefits. It's possible to earn $900-1500 a month. It's not a lot in comparison with Europe, however, the cost of living in Russia is way cheaper too. Usually, employers provide a rent-free apartment or other benefits to ESL teachers from foreign countries. If you consider Russia, we highly recommend you to choose one of the huge cities, either Moscow or Saint Petersburg.

Here you can find more beautiful places, where you don't need a degree to teach English.

Best companies to teach ESL online with no degree

As long as the popularity of online ESL teaching is growing, we have a chance to work remotely. Everything that you need is a stable Internet connection, a powerful laptop, and headphones. Requirements to teach English online change from school to school. That's why it's so important to stand out, especially for non-degree holders. Fluent English speaking can make a lasting impression on employers. You should choose depending on your preferences, whether you want to teach kids or adults. Nobody cares about what major you have. International certificates play a more important role.

Cambly

This platform provides high-quality services to learn spoken English to all people around the world. Most students are adults, who want to improve their speaking or listening. That's why you can start and finish work at any time. A wage per minute is $0.17, and $10.20 per hour. You don't need to check home tasks or make lesson plans. There is a chance to have either a full-time or a part-time job staying at home.

NiceTalk Tutors

There is a Chinese platform, which allows teachers to get international practice working with teenagers or adults from China. There are not so many requirements. However, either a TEFL certificate or 1 year of working experience is required. Here you can earn $10 per hour and have your own schedule.

Also, there are some teaching platforms, where you can work either on prepared materials or yours. Usually, a system counts your salary automatically and delivers money on time. In this case, you can set a lesson price, change working hours, and have a constant queue of students.

Check the article to find more online ways to teach.

Conclusions and a special offer!

As we found out, there are a lot of opportunities to get a job even without a degree. Truth be told, lack of education isn't an advantage. However, if you keep the focus on your merits, you will be able to offset some drawbacks. Teaching experience, the ability to identify students' problems and find the right solution is way more important than a major. It's also significant to know learning approaches and methods on how to teach receptive and productive skills in English. That's why TEFL/TESOL courses are opted for by many tutors around the world. There are some modules, which explain the importance of having games and other activities in English lessons. If you struggle to choose an activity for your students and can't understand the reason of having lesson plans, we highly recommend you to enroll in an online TEFL/TESOL course.

Go to our homepage to choose a duration and purchase it at a 50% discount. We hope, this article will open new opportunities in teaching English. Feel free to write down your comments in the section below. We will be glad to answer.