The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English Without a Degree or Experience (Online and Abroad)

Teaching English as a foreign language is one of the most popular ways to see the world, live abroad, or work remotely. Many people assume that a bachelor’s degree or years of teaching experience are required to get started, but that isn’t always the case. While some schools and companies do have strict requirements, many others welcome qualified applicants who hold a TEFL/TESOL certification, even if they don’t have a degree or a teaching background.

This guide explains how to teach English abroad without a degree, how to start teaching online with no experience, and which companies hire teachers under these conditions. It also highlights destinations where degree requirements are flexible, shows how to gain experience quickly, and explores freelance options for those who want full independence.

Do I really need a degree or experience to teach English?

The requirements for teaching English jobs abroad and online vary by school, company, and country, but many of the basics are the same. Here’s a brief breakdown:

TEFL/TESOL Certification

Nearly all employers require a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours. This is the minimum qualification for most positions, whether online or abroad.

Courses like the Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate or the 150-hour IDELTOnline™ meet these standards, are accredited by ACCET (a U.S. Department of Education-recognized agency), and recommended for university credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). This guarantees they meet international hiring requirements.

These courses cover things such as second language acquisition theory, lesson planning, the most common teaching methods, and how to incorporate different types of activities into your classroom.

Explore Bridge’s library of online TEFL certification courses.

English proficiency

A high level of fluency is required. Some companies only hire native English speakers, while others welcome non-native speakers who can demonstrate advanced proficiency.

Degree requirements

Some countries and online platforms require a bachelor’s degree, but many others do not.

Teaching experience

Prior teaching experience is often listed, but it is not always mandatory. Employers may also consider transferable skills, such as tutoring, coaching, mentoring, babysitting, or employee training, as relevant experience.

The takeaway is clear: A recognized 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate is often the only non-negotiable qualification. With it, applicants without a degree or prior classroom teaching experience can qualify for jobs both online and abroad.

Perfect your TEFL resume

Make sure that your TEFL resume is not only up-to-date but also stands out. Here are some ways you can achieve this:

Be sure to include all of the necessary information, such as in-person or online TEFL courses you’ve taken, your bio, your previous experience, your contact information, and any additional languages that you speak.
Keep the layout and language simple. Prioritize conveying information concisely, and don’t use overly technical jargon.
Add digital badges for the TEFL courses you’ve taken. These clickable, stackable, 21st-century credentials provide employers with a closer look at the skills you acquired, the learning objectives you met, and more.
Consider taking advantage of free resources to enhance your resume. This could entail joining professional TEFL/TESOL organizations or attending TEFL/TESOL webinars and conferences.

How can I teach English abroad with no degree?

There are opportunities to teach English abroad for people young and old, for those with or without teaching experience, and for those who speak a first language other than English.

Many countries around the world also hire English teachers who do not hold a bachelor’s degree. As mentioned, most schools will expect teachers to have a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours.

To stand out from other applicants, consider earning Specialized Certification to stand out from other applicants. For example, you could earn Specialized Certification in Teaching Business English or Specialized Certification in Teaching Young Learners and Teens on top of your initial certification.

You can also prioritize ESL professional development by continually adding to your skillset with Micro-credential courses, which provide targeted training in specific areas, such as Teaching English Pronunciation or Teaching TOEFL Test Prep. This will set you apart from the rest of the competition and demonstrate that you are devoted to honing your teaching skills and progressing in your EFL career.

Where can I teach English abroad without a degree?

Costa Rica

Costa Rica does not typically require teachers to hold a degree. English teachers are in demand in the Central Valley, where most of the country’s schools are located. This destination is popular with nature lovers thanks to its active volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches.

Mexico

Mexico offers opportunities in large cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Puebla, as well as coastal towns like Playa del Carmen and Mérida. While some schools prefer teachers with degrees, many hire based on TEFL/TESOL certification. Mexico’s cultural diversity and affordable cost of living make it an attractive option.

Peru

Peru is a strong choice for teachers without a degree. Jobs are most often found in Lima, Cusco, and Arequipa, though smaller towns also hire. Teachers enjoy access to rich cultural history, from Incan ruins like Machu Picchu to colonial architecture and Lake Titicaca.

Cambodia

Cambodia stands out in Asia as a country where a degree is not required for most teaching jobs. Phnom Penh is the main hub, but teachers can also explore opportunities in smaller cities. On weekends, teachers often visit Angkor Wat, rural rice paddies, or tropical islands.

Nepal

Nepal rarely requires a degree for teaching positions, and volunteer opportunities are also widely available. Teachers can enjoy views of the Himalayas, visit monasteries, and explore Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

Spain

Spain offers opportunities through private language schools and government programs such as Cultural Ambassadors. Many positions accept applicants with TEFL/TESOL certification even if they don’t have a degree. Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville are especially popular destinations for teachers drawn to Spain’s culture, history, and warm climate.

Italy

Italy provides opportunities in cities like Milan, Rome, Florence, and Venice. While some employers prefer degrees, many hire teachers with classroom-based or online TEFL/TESOL certification. Italy attracts teachers interested in art, food, and Mediterranean culture.

Russia

Some schools in Moscow and St. Petersburg hire teachers without degrees, provided they hold TEFL/TESOL certification. Russia appeals to teachers interested in literature, history, and architecture, including landmarks like the Winter Palace.

Other European Countries

In countries such as France, Germany, and the Czech Republic, most schools require a degree. However, teachers can find short-term opportunities at immersion summer camps. These positions don’t usually require degrees and are a good way to gain experience while living in Europe.

Can I teach English online without a degree?

It is possible to teach English online without a degree, though requirements vary by company. Most employers expect teachers to hold a TEFL/TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours, demonstrate English fluency, and show strong communication skills. Some companies also look for prior teaching or tutoring experience, but many are flexible when it comes to degree requirements.

Companies that hire English teachers without a degree

Learnlight

Learnlight is a U.K.-based company that offers personalized classes to professionals around the globe. Teachers provide one-on-one lessons, group classes, and specialized courses. A degree is not required, though applicants must be fluent in English, hold a TEFL/TESOL certificate, and have two years of teaching experience. A business background is a plus. The pay rate is between $12 and $14 per hour, and you’ll need to commit to teaching at least 10 hours each week.

Lingoda

Lingoda hires teachers to provide both private and group classes to adult learners. The company supplies curriculum materials, reducing prep time. A degree is not required, though applicants must hold a TEFL/TESOL certificate and have three years of teaching experience.

Read about the differences between teaching English to adults vs. kids.

Voxy

Voxy based in New York, specializes in task-based learning with authentic materials. Teachers provide both group and private classes to students around the world. A degree is not required, but prior teaching experience is preferred, especially online. Knowledge of another language is a plus.

Check out these 10 ways to use realia in the ESL classroom.

iBestTeacher

iBestTeacher connects teachers with students ages 4 to 15. While the company prefers candidates with a degree, it is not required. Applicants need TEFL/TESOL certification, a clear speaking voice, and reliable internet. Pay rates are determined based on training and demo class performance.

Find out what you can expect in a demo lesson for your teaching interview.

Open English

Open English focuses on students in Latin America. Teachers provide both group and personalized classes. A degree is not required, but teachers must commit to a minimum of 10 teaching hours per week.

Check out some tips for how to teach English to kids online.

MHC Business Language Training

MHC, based in Vienna, Austria, hires teachers to deliver business English lessons to professionals via Zoom or MS Teams. A degree is not required, though applicants with a business background are preferred. Teachers work with individuals or small groups on skills such as presentations, phone calls, and business writing.

Other ways to teach English online without a degree

Most of the companies above hire teachers as freelancers, meaning you are technically independent even while following the company’s policies, pay rates, and curriculum. But freelancing with a company is only one path to independence.

There are two other ways to teach English online without a degree:

Teaching on a marketplace. Platforms like Preply or italki allow teachers to create profiles, set their own rates, and connect directly with students. The platform provides visibility and manages payments in exchange for a commission.
Working as a teacherpreneur. Teacherpreneurs operate without a middleman. They choose their own niche, design courses, and attract students directly. This model requires more initiative but provides the most freedom

Together, these three options – freelancing for companies, teaching on marketplaces, and running your own business as a teacherpreneur – define what it means to be an independent English teacher.

The Bridge 60-Hour Teacherpreneur Academy prepares teachers for this path by covering how to identify a niche, attract and retain students, and build a sustainable teaching business.

I don’t have teaching experience. Can I still teach English online?

Yes. It is possible to teach English online with no experience, especially if you hold a TEFL/TESOL certificate and highlight the skills you already have. Many companies hire teachers without prior classroom teaching, and others count a wide range of experiences as relevant.

What counts as experience?

Teaching experience is not limited to leading a classroom. Employers often accept:

Tutoring or helping classmates
Coaching or mentoring
Babysitting or childcare
Leading workshops or training employees

These transferable skills show that you can communicate, manage groups, and explain concepts clearly – the same abilities needed in an online classroom.

How to stand out without experience

Even without a teaching background, there are ways to strengthen your application and show employers you’re ready for the classroom:

Earn a TEFL/TESOL certificate. Most companies require at least a 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course, and holding one demonstrates that you’ve studied teaching methods and classroom strategies.
Add focused training. Consider Specialized Certification in areas like Teaching English Online or Teaching Business English to increase your credibility and signal that you’re prepared for specific student needs.
Highlight soft skills on your resume. Communication, organization, and adaptability are just as important as teaching experience. Emphasize skills gained through work, volunteering, or studies.
Show your enthusiasm. Companies often require a demo lesson or introductory video. Use this chance to demonstrate creativity, energy, and a supportive attitude.

Learn which non-teaching skills apply to teaching English online.

Companies that hire teachers without experience

Some companies welcome new teachers with little to no prior experience:

EF English First

EF English First is a U.S.-based company that provides lessons to students in China and around the world. A bachelor’s degree is required, but no prior teaching experience is necessary. EF supplies its own curriculum and training, so new teachers can feel confident starting out.

Bridge Corporate Language Learning

Bridge Corporate Language Learning is focused on teaching Business English to adult professionals, Bridge Languages looks for TEFL-certified teachers but does not require prior experience. Teachers gain valuable exposure to corporate clients and international students.

Lyngo

Lyngo is a Japanese company that hires teachers without degrees or teaching backgrounds. Classes are conducted via Skype, and training is provided. Lyngo is a good starting point for teachers who want flexible part-time work while building experience.

Find more online English teaching opportunities on the Bridge Job Board.

What are some ways I can get experience, other than through a teaching job?

There are several other ways to build valuable ESL experience without teaching English with a company or as a freelancer.

Volunteer tutoring

First, you can volunteer to teach English online with an organization like OpenmindProjects. Another option is to offer free English classes in your own community. Posting in Facebook groups or on neighborhood apps such as Nextdoor can help you connect with learners who are eager to practice.

Virtual practicum

A practicum gives you hands-on experience teaching real learners online. For example, Bridge offers a 60-Hour Teaching English Online Practicum that you can combine with a TEFL/TESOL certification course if you haven’t taken one.

During the practicum, you teach live classes, receive guidance and feedback from a tutor, and create a portfolio with recordings of your sessions. This portfolio provides concrete evidence of your skills and can be shared with potential employers when you start applying for jobs.

These options not only help you gain real-world teaching experience but also demonstrate to employers that you are prepared to succeed in an online classroom.

Learn other ways to get TEFL/TESOL experience.

What’s the best way to start teaching English without a degree or experience?

The one requirement that consistently opens doors is a recognized TEFL/TESOL certification. With it, applicants can qualify for jobs, build credibility, and stand out to employers.

Bridge TEFL courses meet these international hiring standards. Accredited by ACCET, Bridge’s Professional Certificates – including the 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate and 150-hour IDELTOnline™ – are also recommended for university credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). In addition, Bridge offers Specialized Certificates and Micro-credential courses that help teachers continue developing their skills and advancing their careers.

Whether the goal is to teach English in Spain with no degree, start an online teaching career without experience, or launch a teacherpreneur business, the first step is the same: earning a TEFL/TESOL certification that employers and students can trust.

Qualify to teach English worldwide. Get started with Bridge TEFL/TESOL certification today.