Teaching English: Requirements

Generally, most countries ask for the same things when approving work permits for teachers. Depending on the type of job you get, you will either need more or less of the following. However, these are qualifications that schools typically look for when hiring and governments typically require when approving work visas:

  • You are a native English speaker.
  • Have a university degree.
  • Have a TEFL/Celta certificate.
  • Have some teaching experience.

Additional Information
Experience and a TEFL/CELTA help get you jobs in many countries and fields though they are not always needed. In Thailand, you must have a TEFL even if you are a licensed teacher. In Korea, they want the university degree more than a TEFL. In the middle east or Europe, being a licensed teacher is more important. Rules about this vary though having a TEFL doesn’t hurt.

All countries require you be a native English speaker. This means you were born in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. While some countries might hire Filipinos (as they speak fluent English), they typically prefer Western employees as it is viewed as a sign of authenticity. This is especially true in Asia, where being young, white, or female is often the most important thing. They simply have a prejudice for these three attributes. (Note: There is always exceptions so if you aren’t one of those three don’t think you can’t find a job.)

You will also need a bachelor’s degree from a 4 year accredited university. It doesn’t matter what your degree is in. Whether you have a degree in biochemistry, English or yoga, the schools and countries just want to see that you have a degree. While some places might overlook this requirement and will hire you under the table, more reputable schools and countries like Korea, U.A.E, or Japan, you will need to have a university degree in order to get a job as well as a working visa.

While experience is not required, it certainly helps when applying for higher paying jobs at international schools and corporate training programs. They prefer people who know what they are doing and can be effective teachers. It is also why these jobs pay the most money – they don’t take just anyone. Moreover, since there is a lack of qualified teachers in many parts of the world having a teaching license or experience will pretty much guarantee you a job somewhere. My teaching license got me any job I wanted.

What is a TEFL certificate?
A TEFL is what can give you an edge in a job or be a total waste of money and time. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and is a certificate program that helps you learn how to teach English. The program lasts for 120 hrs or roughly 4 weeks and includes lectures and practical experience. You’ll learn classroom management, teach actual students, and learn how to explain all those grammar rules you learned in high school. The program is offered around the world and prices vary depending on where you get it.  Moreover, the quality of the program also depends on where you take it. The British equivalent is the CELTA and it offers the same type of program.  Schools will usually take TEFL or CELTA.

Is the TEFL certificate worth getting? If you are already licensed teacher, no. It is a waste of time and your teaching license has more weight with schools and government officials. If you have no license but some experience, it is probably also not worth getting unless the job pays a lot of money or requires. With no license and no teaching experience then you should get the degree because it will help you secure a job as it will give you an air of authority and knowledge on the subject. It can be a deal breaker sometimes.

Some Typical Benefits
While not all schools and places will offer you benefits, typically benefit packages for teachers include the following:

Free airfare- Upon completion of your contract, companies will reimburse you for the airfare in and out of the country.
Free Accommodation- Many companies will give you a free place to stay though it is often tiny and sparse.
Completion Bonus- At the end of your contract, you get a free months salary. This is to keep teachers since many teachers leave after a few months.
A lot of vacation time- You’ll get Western holidays, local holidays and usually 3 weeks holiday. Better than working in the west.

Please note that these perks aren’t world wide. Some countries have them all, some have some, some have none. Some countries offer different benefits. These are simply the most common you find.