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  • This article will list the best places to teach English abroad without a degree. 
  • This article will compare and contrast the lifestyles and salaries of the best countries to teach English without a degree.
  • This article will review the benefits of teaching English online without a degree.

Teaching English abroad is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in a new culture while acquiring great intercultural experiences. While a college degree is required to teach English abroad, it is not always necessary. If you have a TEFL certificate, you can teach English without a degree in many locations.

Can I teach English abroad without a degree?

Teaching English without a degree is very possible. While many TEFL jobs and programs demand a bachelor’s degree, some language schools and private academies are a lot more flexible. A TEFL certificate and being a native or fluent English speaker are more than enough to land a job teaching English abroad or online.

Where can I teach English without a degree?

Many programs and countries offer English teaching jobs without a degree, from Southeast Asia to Latin America. Other opportunities include online tutoring platforms and freelance tutoring, where you can teach English abroad without a degree from anywhere in the world. Teaching English abroad without a degree does not have to be hard. Here are the best places to teach English abroad without a degree!

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the many countries where you can teach English without a degree. Costa Rica, one of the most appealing nations in Latin America, is a favorite among TEFL teachers due to its gorgeous coastlines and thick rainforests. Teachers who choose to teach English in Costa Rica will immerse themselves in the language and culture of the country. The majority of TEFL jobs in Costa Rica are in larger cities like San Jose and Heredia, however, some can be found in smaller towns and cities. English teacher jobs in Costa Rica are generally found at private, after-school language schools, however, there are more options for extra work hours or additional employment opportunities. Teaching English in Costa Rica without a degree is one of the best options for those who desire to live in a Latin American country.

Average salary teaching English in Costa Rica: $600 – $1,000/month

2. Cambodia

Teaching English in Cambodia is a popular alternative for English teachers who want to travel to Asia while quickly finding an ESL job with fewer criteria. Cambodia, an emerging TEFL hub, offers teachers a low cost of living and a distinct culture that many Southeast Asian travelers overlook. TEFL jobs that don’t require a degree in Cambodia can be found in prominent cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, and teachers can pick between teaching in a city or teaching in a rural region. Another advantage of teaching English in Cambodia is that teachers can expect to earn a good living while having enough money to travel on weekends. Teaching English in Cambodia is an excellent choice for people looking for adventure at a low cost.

Average salary teaching English in Cambodia: $700 – $1,000/month

3. Mexico

Teaching English in Latin America is an alternative for English teachers without degrees who are looking for sunny weather and beach life, and Mexico is no exception. Fortunately, a college degree is not required to teach English in Mexico. TEFL jobs in Mexico are plentiful, with opportunities located throughout the country. Teaching English in Mexico is also an excellent way to learn Spanish. English teachers adore Mexico’s delicious food, friendly locals, and inexpensive cost of living. The key to a successful career as an English teacher in Mexico is to live in less touristy cities and teach private classes on the side.

Average salary teaching English in Mexico: $500 – $1,000/month

4. Russia

Because it is such a huge country, there are many English teaching jobs in Russia available. The majority of TEFL jobs in Russia are located in large cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, but there are also many opportunities in Russia available in smaller cities and villages. Job criteria are less stringent in Russia, therefore it is possible to land a job without a degree or even as a non-native English teacher, as long as you are TEFL qualified. Every year, many opt to teach English in Russia for its intriguing history, widespread cultural impact, and magnificent architecture.

Average salary teaching English in Russia: $600 – $1,400/month

5. Spain

TEFL jobs in Spain are plentiful for both people with and without a college degree. For those wishing to teach English in Spain, larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid offer an unending supply of positions, with most interviewing and hiring before the start of the academic year in September. Unlike most language institutions, schools in Spain offer 4-day work weeks and fewer class hours. While teaching English in Spain, teachers will enjoy the vivid nightlife, deep history, and a promising work-life balance, making it one of the best countries to teach English without a degree in Europe. Teaching English in Spain allows you access to many international airports that offer cheap flights to various European countries, which will come in handy during your plentiful free time!

Average salary teaching English in Spain: $700 – $1,200/month

6. Peru

Peru, a popular backpacker destination on the Pacific coast, is an excellent location for those wishing to teach English in South America. Teaching English in Peru will provide you with a vibrant culture, great flora and fauna, delicious food, and the opportunity to travel throughout the region. Many schools hiring English teachers in Peru are located in the cities of Lima and Cusco. Teachers in Peru do not need a college degree to teach English, but they must have a TEFL certificate. Teachers should have TEFL experience and be native or near-native English speakers.

Average salary teaching English in Peru: $500 – $1,000/month

7. Poland

Teaching English in Poland is a fantastic option for those looking for TEFL jobs in Europe with a decent wage. While many TEFL jobs in Poland are only available to teachers with an EU passport, a college degree is not required. Poland serves as a bridge between Western and Eastern Europe and is rising in tourism, which means cities such as Wroclaw, Krakow, and Warsaw are becoming worldwide destinations. You will experience all four seasons and spend your weekends traveling to the various towns and cities of Poland. TEFL jobs in Poland are available all year, particularly in after-school academies, so you’ll be able to find work no matter when you start looking.

Average salary teaching English in Poland: $700 – $1,100/month

8. Myanmar

Myanmar is another ideal destination to teach English in Asia without a degree because its job criteria are relaxed, making it easier to acquire an English teaching job in the country. Myanmar, being a crossroads between Central and East Asia, offers a unique blend of cultures that distinguishes it from classic Asia TEFL destinations. Curious residents, gorgeous temples, and varied landscapes provide whatever scenery a traveler might desire at any time of year.

Average salary teaching English in Myanmar: $900 – $1,500/month

9. Argentina

Myanmar is another ideal destination to teach English in Asia without a degree because its job criteria are relaxed, making it easier to acquire an English teaching job in the country. Myanmar, being a crossroads between Central and East Asia, offers a unique blend of cultures that distinguishes it from classic Asia TEFL destinations. Curious residents, gorgeous temples, and varied landscapes provide whatever scenery a traveler might desire at any time of year.

Average salary teaching English in Myanmar: $900 – $1,500/month

10. Online

Whether you want to teach English from home in your pajamas, or somewhere far away and tropical on a rooftop overlooking a gorgeous beach, teaching English online is one of the best places to teach English without a degree. It is fairly easy to find online English teaching jobs without a degree, whether through a platform or on your own. Preply and Cambly are two of the best companies to teach English online without a degree. The benefits of teaching English online vs. teaching in person include the ability to choose your own schedule while working anywhere in the world, and avoiding those long hours of commuting to and from work!

Average salary teaching English online: $10 – $30 /hour

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