Job Discussion Forums

[teflmike]

What are my prospects to teach English as a foreign language with no uni/college degree?

I have taken a weekend i-to-i TEFL course and may take the Trinity Cert.TESOL in the summer but I'm not sure if it'll be worth it without a degree.
Some countries (esp. Asia) require a uni/college degree to get a work Visa. And even when its not required, often job ads specify degree required. So what are my prospects without a degree if I don't want to lie and don't want to work illegally?

It looks like volunteering may be my best option but it would seem that it may be frowned on by some (?).

Background information.
I'm 42 years old. I've worked primarily as an IT Consultant in vehicle importation/distribution and credit card processing. I'm also currently President of a Rotary Club in the UK.

PS. I am considering taking a degree 2008/09 but I want to teach English in the meantime.

PPS. I appreciate this must be similar to other newbie questions although I haven't found the answer to my question. Please point me to the answer politely if its been answered before. Cheers.

[spiral78]

Most European countries don't require a first degree, in a legal sense. However, because you'll be competing with other newbies who have them, you'll need all of your professionalism and certification and responsible, adult look to compete successfully in the job market.

That said, a candidate with professional experience and a decent certification would have an edge in many places over a candidate with a uni degree + certification, but no experience either in teaching or business.

[tedkarma]

As long as you don't have great expectations about income and savings - a quite good life is available in places like China and Indonesia (without a degree).

DON'T discount your previous experience - look for work teaching in tech and IT related schools, colleges, universities.

One thing many people don't do - and SHOULD do - is use their previous experience as a guide to where they should head in TEFL.

Don't even think about a regular language school (easy for me to say) and set your sights on junior and tech colleges - and even universities.

Some people will tell you that teaching English is teaching English - but if you have interests similar to your students - and know their trials and tribulations in that area - you have an instant bond that a generic EFL teacher doesn't and it will guide you to success.

I have a business past and have had great success with international businessmen and even accountants (I KNOW how to make their work relevant and interesting in a lesson - a generic teacher really doesn't - though some will argue that they do [of course!]).

You sound like a successful and dynamic person and that is about 90% of the battle (really!).

Go for it!

[denise]

[Glenski]

I'd say your first move would be to narrow down the country(ies) where you feel you want to work. Then, learn what the visa requirements are (and if the employment requirements are different with regards to degrees).

Here in Japan, people without degrees can work under certain conditions.
student visa, where you are enrolled as a FT student
cultural visa, where you study a craft under a master
You can even get a full work visa without a degree, but you must first prove you have 3 or more years of teaching experience.

[naturegirl321]

I would recommend taking a intensive TEFL course. I took one at the Boland school, 140 hours with teaching practice. It certainly helped me get my feet wet, brush up on my grammar, etc.

[countryhopper76]

Like the OP, I am considering a career shift. I have two associates degrees, but no Bachelors yet. I am enrolled in a program, but it will take 18 months via distance learning.

I'm a Nurse by current profession. I work in International relief and Development, so I have extensive overseas living and teaching experience.

I've seen Vietnam, Japan, China and Indonesia mentioned, as well as "most european" countries. Does that include the new EU members of Central and Eastern Europe?

Any other countries viable?

Thank you

[Justin Trullinger]

I started in a similar situation myself. And there are plenty of places you can work without a degree. But it will tend to be entry level- maybe with your other specializations, you'll find a way to move up without the degree-

If you want to spend a year or two TEFLing, entry level may be good enough- though I'd certainly recommend a good TESOL course, just so you feel ready, and your students get what they pay for.

Sooner or later, though, you'll find that, to move up, further, fuller education is necessary. As you're already enrolled in a distance program, countryhopper, this will work out great- you can get your feet wet while you finish the degree, and when you're ready to get serious, you'll have the diploma for the wall.

All the best,
Justin