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What Is TEFL and How Does it Work?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It refers to both the training process and the qualification that enables individuals to teach English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. A TEFL course provides essential teaching skills, lesson planning techniques, and classroom management strategies. Once certified, teachers can apply for jobs in schools, language institutes, or online platforms worldwide, helping learners improve their English communication skills.

What Is TESOL?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. While similar to TEFL, TESOL is a more flexible and inclusive qualification. It covers both English as a Second Language (ESL) and English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This means that TESOL certifications prepare you to teach in English-speaking countries (like the US or UK) and abroad in countries where English is not commonly spoken.

Almost anyone with a strong command of the English language can take a TEFL course. Most providers require candidates to be at least 18 years old, but there are generally no strict academic prerequisites. You do not need previous teaching experience or a university degree for many entry-level TEFL courses, though some employers or countries may have additional requirements for job placements. Both native and fluent non-native English speakers are eligible to enrol.

Teaching English online has become one of the most popular ways to earn money from home, especially as more people worldwide seek to improve their English skills. But what if you don’t have a degree? Can you still teach English online without one?

The short answer is yes – it’s entirely possible!

In this guide, we’ll explore the opportunities to teach English online without a degree (USA), the skills you need to succeed, and the best platforms that hire teachers without formal qualifications.

Why Teach English Online Without a Degree?

The demand for English teachers is booming, with thousands of students worldwide looking for online lessons. Many online teaching platforms are more focused on teaching skills, experience, and personality than on academic degrees. This allows those without a degree to still land jobs teaching English.

Here are some reasons why teaching English online without a degree (USA) might be a great choice:

• Flexibility: With a stable internet connection, you can set your hours and work from anywhere.
• Low Barriers to Entry: You don’t need a degree to get started on many online teaching platforms.
• High Demand: There’s a growing market for English teachers, especially in countries where English is not the first language.
• Income Potential: Depending on the platform, you can earn a competitive hourly wage teaching English online.

Like any job, income is mostly based on your experience working for online companies. Usually, you start at a lower rate of about $10 -$12 per hour, which is increased by bonuses based on your teacher rating or the number of classes you take. If you have experience and are working in a specific niche, such as business English, as a freelancer, you can charge anything up to $35 per hour to teach English online.

Yes, absolutely. While some countries may not require a TEFL certification, having one significantly improves your chances of securing a teaching job and boosts your earning potential. In addition, TEFL certification can be a rewarding personal journey that opens up diverse cultural experiences and travel opportunities. Teaching English as a Foreign Language is your gateway to these exciting opportunities. Whether you’re aiming to teach English in countries like Spain, South Korea, or Vietnam, or you want to teach online from the comfort of your home, getting TEFL certified is essential.
Government agencies or external bodies, such as Ofqual, ensure reputable programs are academically rigorous, employ highly qualified instructors, and help students secure teaching jobs. A Level 5 TEFL course is equivalent to a CELTA course at a fraction of the cost, giving you the peace of mind that your qualification will be recognized online or abroad.

Our world-class TEFL courses receive official recognition from government-regulated awarding bodies in the USA and UK. This means that when you graduate, you’ll hold a globally recognized certification. Level 5 (180hr) Diploma/TEFL courses are DEAC-approved as meeting the criteria for Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) status. The DEAC is a U.S. Department of Education National Accreditor. Level 5 Training is also accredited by Highfield Qualifications and regulated by Ofqual in the UK.

The Level 5 TEFL Courses offered by The TEFL Institute have received DEAC AQC Curriculum Approval. These include our comprehensive Level 5 TEFL Diploma course, as well as the 180-hour, 4x 60-hour, and 300-hour Advanced Diploma courses.

DEAC AQC Curriculum Approval signifies that The TEFL Institute’s Level 5 TEFL Courses meet the stringent criteria set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) for Approved Quality Curriculum (AQC) status. This approval demonstrates the high quality and credibility of our TEFL courses, ensuring that students receive top-tier education and training in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It also reflects our commitment to providing excellence in teacher training and preparing our students for successful careers in TEFL worldwide.

One thing to look out for in a TEFL course is that the company offers an Ofqual-regulated Level 5 certification. This means the content, teaching, and materials have been scrutinised and are of high quality.
A qualification regulated by the UK Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) can be awarded to learners. Another alternative is an externally accredited certification; however, you should ensure you get at least 120 hours of training, which is the industry benchmark for employers worldwide.

The TEFL Institute have no other qualification criteria to complete one of our courses. As long as you have a decent level of English and are aged from 18 upwards, you will be eligible to gain your lifetime certification.

The short answer is, No. Most employers are happy with the internationally recognized 120-hour accredited TEFL training. This is the International standard in most countries worldwide.

First and foremost, aspiring teachers must be outgoing and confident, and not afraid to make themselves look a little silly, especially when teaching children. Expression is a huge part of the methodologies to be able to get your point across. You’ll warm up to this in time, and it all takes practice.
We suggest that people be at least 16 with a C1 level of English or higher. If you’re not sure, we have a free English test. We also would recommend people who work on their initiative, as it is an online course, and you will need to be your own motivation.

With all the different TEFL qualifications and hours, choosing the right course might seem confusing, but it needn’t be! We would recommend the industry standard 120-hour over a Level 5 if you fit most of the following criteria:

• You have a minimum of a BA degree in any discipline.
• You’re a native English speaker with a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
• You’re seeking work in a country with a high demand for English teachers.
• We would suggest a Level 5 over a 120-hour TEFL course if you fall into the following:
• You do not have a degree.
• You have no previous teaching experience.
• English isn’t your first language, or you don’t have a passport from one of the countries listed.
• You aim to work in a country with a competitive job market or online.
• You don’t feel confident about teaching and want the most comprehensive training.

TEFL certification lasts a lifetime and allows you to advance your qualifications in your teaching career.

Speaking another language isn’t necessary for TEFL. Not having foreign language skills won’t prevent you from finding a TEFL job abroad or online. All you need to teach English is a certificate and, in some cases, a degree. You’ll find that few jobs will list a requirement for other languages – those that do are typically bilingual institutions.

If you’re looking for a new career in teaching English online or want to have a year abroad, the first step is to get your  TEFL certification online. Why spend hours hunting for the right provider who offers in-class TEFL courses and finding a job, when you can do both at the same time. Take your certification online and start looking for your new TEFL job through our jobs board.

The most important thing for non-native English speakers is researching the visa requirements for the country you are considering applying for a TEFL job. Certain countries will only grant visas to teachers from specific English-speaking countries, typically the USA, UK, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It could take longer to find TEFL work than a native English teacher, but as long as you have the right qualifications, there’s an excellent chance to find a great teaching job with perseverance.