Teaching English online is a great way to make an income from anywhere in the world with just your laptop, but it can be tricky understanding all the different options and requirements. So weβve done a bit of the hard work for you and answered that all important question β βdo I need a degree to teach English online?β
Do I need a degree to teach online?
When you first start looking forΒ teaching English onlineΒ jobs it can seem like everyone wants you to have a degree, but this isnβt always the case. Having a degree does mean youβll have more options, but there are loads of companies out there that understand you donβt need a degree to be an amazing TEFL teacher!Β Teach online companies such as;Β Cambly,Β Pal FishΒ andΒ Open EnglishΒ are great options for aspiring TEFL teachers who donβt have a degree.
Want to be your own boss? You can freelance without a degree too β youβll be able to choose your own hours and set your own rates! Just bear in mind, freelancing can be a bit more stressful at first as youβll have to arrange everything yourself, including finding students and payment methods. But, once youβre set up, youβll have complete freedom!
What qualifications do you need?
You might not need a degree to teach English online, but youβll need anΒ accredited TEFL certificateΒ with at least 120 hours of training β no ifs, no buts! The higher theΒ TEFL qualificationΒ the more likely you are to land a better job, for someone who doesnβt have a degree itβs probably best to opt for theΒ Level 5 TEFL certificateΒ as itβs the level below a bachelorβs degree and anyone can do it, as long as youβre fluent in English!
How can you boost your CV?
If you want to set yourself apart from other candidates and really stand out from the crowd, weβd definitely recommend taking an additionalΒ course in teaching English online. Most reputable TEFL course providers will offer this, ourselves included, and itβll give you valuable tools to help you adapt lesson plans for online classes, learn how to teach one-on-one and even give you guidance on the technical side of setting yourself up as an online tutor. If youβre really serious aboutΒ teaching English online, it really is worth your time. Having teaching experience will also boost your CV.Β InternshipsΒ are a great way to get your TEFL qualification and gain experience as they include your course and a teaching position. Donβt want to do an Internship? You can look for volunteer teaching positions instead!
What online teaching companies don’t require a degree?
1. Cambly
Cambly have the lowest requirements for online TEFL teachers. If you want to teach online for them you donβt need any experience or a degree!
2. PalFish
PalFish has one of the fastest interview processes in the world of online TEFL, so if you’re super keen to start teaching online straight away get your application in with them now!
3. iTalki
iTalki don’t require a degree and they offer more than just English lessons, so if youβre bilingual youβll have more options as youβll be able to teach all languages you know β winner!
4. Freelance
Absolutely anyone can freelance and by freelancing youβre giving yourself the most freedom and flexibility possible. Youβll be able to choose your own students, decide your own hours, set your own rates of pay and truly be your own boss!
Want to learn more about teaching English online? Download our in-depth guideΒ here.