Requirements for Teaching Without a Degree: Exploring Specific Country Requirements and Visa Regulations
When searching for jobs related to teaching TEFL without a degree, it is common to see a Bachelor’s degree as an essential requirement. However, it is possible to teach English abroad without a Bachelor’s degree.
If you know the right countries, it wouldn’t be difficult for you to embark on a new teaching career overseas. While you teach abroad, you can always earn your Bachelor’s degree online. The requirements of each country and region can be different.
Therefore, you should be aware of the regulations and requirements of each country where you intend to teach. Following is the list of the best countries where you can start your career as an ESL teacher.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries in Latin America to teach English. In this country, you don’t need a Bachelor’s degree to teach English. But having a TEFL certification is a bare minimum. The inhabitants of this country are serious about improving their English language skills.
Therefore, the demand for professional and skilled ESL teachers is increasing rapidly. You can discover good teaching positions for all age groups at public and private schools. If you have prior experience in teaching, you can even apply to universities.
One of the key highlights of being an English teacher in Costa Rica is its schedule. The working day is from Monday to Friday with stipulated lunch hours. You can explore the country during the free weekends and public holidays.
Greece
Greece is the dream destination for ESL teachers because of numerous reasons. The country will never stop fascinating you with its ancient mythology, warm climate, and picturesque beaches. Recently, Greece was in the headlines because of its struggling economy.
However, the demand for English teachers has not declined in this country. The jobs for English teachers are available all year round. Another key benefit of working in Greece is the abundance of educational institutes. You can apply for job positions in numerous schools and colleges. Though some jobs require a Bachelor’s degree, most posts require you to have a TEFL certification.
In Greece, some schools offer a significant number of amenities. For instance, you will get accommodation, healthcare facilities, travel expenses, etc.
Romania
Romania has a fast-growing young population where English as a second language is becoming compulsory. If you are serious about teaching abroad without a degree, don’t look beyond Romania. A majority of educational institutes in Romania require ESL applicants only to have TEFL certifications.
In other words, it is a fantastic destination to teach English abroad without a Bachelor’s degree. Note that the Romanians start learning English at a very young age. So, there are possibilities that your students may belong to various age groups.
You shouldn’t be surprised if the students ask for additional help through private tutoring. As every other person in this country is fluent in English, you won’t struggle to get around. Moreover, if you can’t find a suitable job, you can always volunteer to teach English.
Poland
In recent years, Poland has emerged as one of the most critical regions of the European Union. Therefore, the country is witnessing a steady demand for English teachers. In Poland, kids start learning English at an early age.
Therefore, public and private educational institutes are always searching for qualified ESL teachers. Even big organizations in Poland can hire English teachers to help their employees improve their language skills. Poland can be your ideal destination to teach English abroad, as there are excellent employment opportunities.
Brazil
Brazil is one of those countries where you can teach English without a Bachelor’s degree. Usually, the Brazilian people have a perception that a native English speaker is a better teacher than a local teacher. A TEFL certification is a must for teaching English in this country.
Moreover, it is always a good idea to possess good teaching experience before traveling to Brazil as an ESL teacher. A significant advantage of teaching English in Brazil is the flexible schedule. With a flexible schedule, you can travel around the country. For teaching English in other countries without a degree, you should pursue TEFL certification from an accredited institution.
Argentina
Argentina is one of the most beautiful countries in South America and has a massive demand for English teachers. Schools across the country hire teachers in late summer or early spring. Moreover, you will have the flexibility of teaching a wide variety of students.
For instance, you can work with students, children, and even business professionals. If you are a native English speaker, you’ll only need a valid TEFL certification. The teaching jobs in Argentina are high-paying, which will help you to advance your career.
Slovakia
Slovakia is another country where you can teach English without a degree. In big cities like Bratislava, you may need a Bachelor’s degree to apply for the job of a teacher. But in the smaller towns, there is no need for a degree.
You can easily apply to educational institutes in Slovakia for the post of ESL teacher with a TEFL certificate. Moreover, it is easier to find tutoring jobs in this country. As the country’s economy is developing, there has been a great demand for ESL teachers.
Visa Requirements that Every Aspiring ESL Teacher Should Know
For teaching English in foreign countries without degree, you should know about the minimum visa requirements. The type of visa you may need to teach English abroad varies from one country to another. Here are a few types of visas relevant to ESL teachers.
- Work visas or permits
- Dependent visas
- Working holiday visas
The requirements for a work visa differ on where you plan to teach. You must receive an offer of employment from your employer. In most cases, the employer is the one who will sponsor the visa. Each country has its own processes and quotas for providing work visas.
You can apply for a dependent visa if one of your family members has legal employment in a foreign country. The rights and regulations of this visa vary from one country to the other. It is crucial that you understand what your citizenship options are to teach English abroad.
Some nations have bilateral agreements that allow citizens in the age group of 18-30 to travel and work for a year. New Zealand, Canada, and some other countries may grant you working holiday visas. To be eligible for this visa, you have to meet specific requirements.