Teaching Jobs Abroad Without A Degree: 9 Programs Hiring Now

TEFL jobs. No degree required. Score! Have you ever heard of the midlife crisis where one just wants to take a break from their daily life and do something exciting? It comes at different ages, but it comes to a lot of people. And because some people are having trouble to decide what that change could be, we’ve thought about giving you more insight on how easy it can be to do that change by simply taking another job abroad. More specifically, teaching jobs abroad without a degree. What? You didn’t think teaching English abroad without a bachelor’s degree was possible?

Moving and living abroad with a job is the perfect formula for a successful change of scenery and lifestyle. A stable source of income always helps ease the adjusting to a new culture process that we all go through when our life takes such a turn. Think of it as your comfort blanket. 

The beauty of the English language is that it is the world’s most recognizable language, with millions of international people that are fluent, and with great teaching abroad without a degree opportunities. That’s right! With the right qualifications (you know we’re looking at you, TEFL Certification!) and fluency in English, you can find teaching English jobs without a degree in countless countries from Europe, Asia, or Latin America. 

Things to know before teaching ESL abroad without a degree

Don’t let stress get the best of you! Read our tips to prepare yourself for all the changes.

It is very important to realize that being able to speak English or understand it, is different than being fluent in the language. Assess yourself carefully, and research the opportunities that your level of English will give you access to. Furthermore, teaching English abroad without a college degree can be challenging as it is, top it off with moving to a new culture and a new job, it can take its toll on you, so going into this prepared will make the process much more enjoyable. Let’s brush up on some of the things one should know before teaching ESL abroad without a degree. 

• Patience is key. If you are someone that is easily irritated, and is not able to take their time and repeat themselves a few times if necessary, then you might want to rethink this. As a teacher, you need to learn to be patient on how to deal with your students from different cultures, ages, rules of conduct, you will have to learn how to go with the new flow. 
• All kids are the same. No matter what part of the world you’ll be teaching in, the kids will all be the same. Teenagers are teenagers no matter where they come from. They might express themselves a bit differently, but they all face the same changes and struggles, and they all tend to become a handful. 
• Prepare to experience culture shock. There is no need to worry about things like not knowing how to prepare a lesson plan. First of all, it’s a pretty easy task, but second of all, you will learn how to do it after you meet your class. People learn differently, so find what would be a fun and easy way to teach your class, and start tailoring your teaching plan from there. 
• You can stay for as long a you want. Of course your contract might be limited, but you can always renew it for a longer period. There is no right amount of time someone should spend abroad. Whatever floats your boat, friend. 
• Get your TEFL certification today! Although teaching English abroad without a degree is possible, earning your TEFL certification will help your develop your teaching skills, certify your competency in teaching the English language to non-speakers and increases your job opportunities. 

Being a teacher is a rewarding job no matter where in the world you do it!

9 TEFL jobs abroad without a degree

If you’re here, you’ve probably asked yourself “Where can I teach English abroad without a degree?” or “Can you teach English abroad without a degree?”. Surprise, surprise! The GoAbroad team always has your back and has put together a list of ten TEFL jobs abroad without a degree that you can choose from. Let’s check ‘em out!

1. Teach English in Germany / International TEFL Academy

About the time the schools are starting is about the same time the festivals in Germany are starting as well, and it would be a shame to miss them. No degree? No problem! Teaching English in Germany without a degree is very much possible in a high standard country like Germany. With a TEFL Certification and the right experience, you can start getting paid for traveling across Germany and enjoying its greatness. 

• Where: Germany
• Average pay: $2,000/month
• More info: Read ITA reviews

2. Teach English in Costa Rica / Maximo Nivel

If you’re a TEFL graduate, Maximo Nivel will offer you the great opportunity to teach English in Costa Rica without a degree. A great schedule, with 2-3 hours in the morning and 2-3 hours in the afternoon, giving you a great break to run your errands, go sightseeing or hit the gym even. You will be teaching at private institutes, and it’s entirely up to you if you stay the year round or maybe just for a semester. 

• Where: Costa Rica
• Average pay: ~$700 to $800/month
• More info: Check out more reviews and information

3. Teach English in Myanmar with Greenheart Travel

If you don’t know by now that Myanmar is one of the most popular destinations for teaching abroad in the world, then you should find out all about it for yourself. Can you teach English in Myanmar without a degree? Of course you can and Greenheart Travel offers amazing job placements in Myanmar, with constant support through the entire process. All you need is a TEFL certification, which you can complete upon arrival in Yangon. Easy, right? The schedule is so great that you’ll have enough time to travel and earn enough money for it. 

• Where: Myanmar
• Average pay: ~$750 to $1150/month
• More info: Read Greenheart Travel program reviews

4. Trainee English Conversations Instructors in Japan / Ark Foreign Language Academy

Japan is known for its high education expectations and you might have wondered if you can teach English in Japan without a degree. You wanna know something? Being a native or near native level English speaker has its perks, because the skills you need for this great position in Japan, you already possess. So, with no degree required, although a TEFL Certification is always a plus, you could spend an entire year teaching English in Japan and eating all the sushi and ramen you can handle. And did we mention the free accommodation and Japanese lessons?

• Where: Hiroshima
• Average pay: ~$2,000/month
• More info: Read reviews of Ark Foreign Language Academy

5. Teach English in Cambodia / Teaching Nomad

If Cambodia is not yet on your destination list, we think you should give it a second thought, because teaching English in Cambodia without a degree has its perks, and they don’t even require a TEFL Certification. Most positions offer accommodation, visa, pay for your flights and offer transportation to and from school. Now, we think that’s pretty cool and way more than anyone would expect. 

• Where: Cambodia
• Average pay: ~$1,200/month
• More info: Read Teaching Nomad reviews

6. Teach English in Myanmar and get paid for 3-5 Months / Premier TEFL

Teaching English in Myanmar without a degree can be a challenge, but you can always rely on a TEFL Certification. And if you don’t have it yet, the company offers you the course to get certified, then the job. Premier TEFL offers great placements in Myanmar, among the blend of Thai, Indian, and Chinese cultures. The program offers you accommodation, meals, internet, free transportation and a monthly allowance that you can spend however you wish. What better way to enjoy a great adventure in Myanmar stress free?

• Where: Myanmar
• Average pay: $700-$1200/month
• More info: Read Premier TEFL reviews

7. Teach English in Bulgaria / Teach Away

Ever since Bulgaria has entered the EU, the demand for English teachers has increased tremendously, and teaching English in Bulgaria without a degree is now a possibility. If you happen to hold a degree, yay for you, but if not, a TEFL Certification and fluency in English always does the trick. Choose your spot in a language or international school, local schools, or even home tutor your students. See what it’s like to live in one of the cheapest yet most beautiful countries in Europe!

• Where: Bulgaria
• Average pay: ~$1,000 to $2,000/month
• More info: Read Teach Away reviews

8. Teach English in Mexico / International TEFL and TESOL Training

If you’re considering to teach English in Mexico without a degree, let us tell you how the easiest way to achieve that is. If you have yet to get your TEFL Certification, ITTT offers you the chance to obtain it and upon successful completion, they will help you find a teaching job in Mexico and guide you through the entire process. Hey, look at you! You just got two birds with one stone!

• Where: Mexico
• Average pay: ~$2,000
• More info: ITTT Reviews

9. Teach English in Thailand / TravelBud

Spending an entire year in a tropical paradise is everything anyone can ever dream of, and you can make this dream come true! TravelBud has made teaching English in Thailand without a degree possible. Actually, a degree in any field qualifies you for a teaching position, along with a TEFL Certification. You can choose if you only want to do a certain semester, or an entire year. Although the job doesn’t provide accommodation, they will support you with finding your next home. 

• Where: Thailand
• Average pay: ~ $1,100/month
• More info: Read TravelBud reviews

[Browse More Ways to Get Teaching Jobs Overseas Without a Degree]

Bonus: Can you teach English online without a degree?

Whether you already have a career or are working towards one, getting a little extra income has never hurt anyone, and teaching jobs overseas without a degree is a very fast and easy way to do it. From home even! 

Looking for a bit of extra money between classes? Check out sites like Cambly or Qkids.

How, you’re wondering? Well, you can do this through hiring companies, or become a freelancer and put yourself out there! Some companies will make you an offer, while others will ask for your hourly rate, so assess yourself correctly and if you’re a beginner start with a moderate rate. 

Some companies are looking for native speakers, some are not. Do not let yourself discouraged if you’ve not a native speaker! If you enjoy working with people, are patient and enjoy learning about different cultures, why not give it a try?

It might be a bit uncommon to be working from your own sofa, but you’ll get used to it quick. All you need is a quiet place, goot internet connection and your PC with camera and microphone. If you want to be extra prepared, there’s tons of videos on Youtube that you can check out, or read up on some reviews from former teachers that took this life-changing chance.  

Remember that there’s a global hunger to learn English, and your client’s expectations are high, even if it is online teaching. So be creative and prepared for each class; the “no degree’ part won’t even matter when you’re a great teacher.

TEFL jobs: No degree required 

Get your TEFL certificate and start teaching English abroad ASAP!

Not everyone has the time or the necessary financial possibilities to do a 4 year teaching degree, and we get it. Luckily, nowadays you can still start your teaching career and find teaching jobs abroad without a degree, BUT with a simple TEFL Certification, which is way cheaper and faster to get. Once you’ve obtained your TEFL Certification, you have the opportunity to change your career at any time you want. You can find TEFL jobs abroad without a degree pretty much anywhere in the world your heart desires. TEFL jobs no degree required, here we come!

If you’re ever going to take a leap of faith, now’s the time to do it! You’ve already got the skills and the desire. Start small maybe with online teaching first, and then move up to face-to-face teaching but in another country. Thousands of people are doing it, yet the demand for English teachers is still growing. There’s a position out there, waiting for you so start your application process right now!