Most teaching jobs abroad require TEFL/TESOL certification, with 120 hours being the industry standard. A TEFL certificate proves your ability to effectively teach English to non-native speakers.

Why get a TEFL certification?  

• Covers teaching methods, lesson planning, and classroom management.
• Qualifies you for higher-paying jobs and visa sponsorship.
• Required by most reputable employers worldwide.

For specialized teaching roles, consider additional certifications:  

• Teaching Business English (for corporate training & executive students).
• Teaching Young Learners & Teenagers (for K-12 jobs).
• Teaching English Online (for digital nomads & remote work).

If you plan to teach in competitive regions like the Middle East, consider an advanced TEFL certification, such as IDELTOnline™ or a graduate-level TEFL diploma.

Yes and no — it depends on where you want to teach! 

Regions that typically require a degree: 

• Asia (South Korea, Japan, China)
• Europe (Germany, France, UK)
• Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia – often requires advanced degrees)

Countries where you can teach without a degree:

• Spain (some programs and private schools)
• Romania (less visa restriction for non-EU teachers)
• Argentina (high demand for English teachers)
• Mexico (large job market with flexible hiring requirements)
• Laos & Cambodia (great for new teachers)

Alternative options for teachers without a degree:

• Apply to summer camps, after-school programs, or tutoring centers.
• Teach English online as a freelancer or teacherpreneur.
• Consider Latin America and Eastern Europe, which have more flexible requirements.

Get more information. Read: The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English Without a Degree or Experience (Online and Abroad)

Not always! Many regions hire teachers without experience.

Countries that often hire new teachers:

• Vietnam, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Costa Rica
• Higher-paying jobs (Middle East, universities) often require experience.

Gain experience through:

• TEFL practicums
• Tutoring online or volunteering
• Assistant teaching roles in public schools

Additional ways to gain TEFL experience before applying for jobs:

• Join language assistant programs (e.g., Spain’s Auxiliares de Conversación program).
• Volunteer through programs like English Opens Doors in Chile.
• Apply for summer camps and after-school tutoring programs.

Tip: If you’re aiming for a job in a competitive market, start in a flexible region to gain experience and move up to higher-paying positions later.

Yes! Many non-native English speakers successfully teach English abroad.

Tips for non-native english speakers to get hired:

• Emphasize multilingual skills – Show how speaking multiple languages makes you a better teacher.
• Highlight English immersion experiences – Studying, working, or living in an English-speaking country helps.
• Earn a TEFL certification from a globally recognized provider – Schools want proof of strong language skills and teaching ability.

Some schools still prefer native English speakers, but this outdated requirement is disappearing as more institutions recognize multilingual teachers bring valuable skills to the classroom.

Visa requirements vary by country and teaching position. Many governments sponsor visas for English teachers, but it’s important to check each country’s specific work visa policies.

Typical work visa requirements:

• Valid passport (some countries have age restrictions).
• TEFL certification.
• Bachelor’s degree (if required).
• Clean criminal record check.
• Medical clearance.
• Employment contract from a school or language center.

If you want to teach English online while living abroad, some countries now offer digital nomad visas for remote workers.

Countries offering digital nomad visas:

• Spain
• Portugal
• Costa Rica
• Mexico
• Dubai

Basic digital nomad visa requirements:

• Proof of remote income (varies by country, e.g., Portugal requires 4x the national minimum wage).
• Valid passport and clean criminal record check.
• Proof of health insurance.

If you plan to work remotely while traveling , these visas allow you to legally live abroad while teaching online.

Most employers require at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate, but advanced certification can help you stand out.

Recommended TEFL certifications based on your career goals:

• Entry-Level: 120-Hour TEFL Certificate (qualifies you for most jobs).
• Advanced: 150-Hour IDELTOnline™ (for competitive markets & university jobs).
• Specialized: Business English, Young Learners, or TOEFL Prep (for niche teaching).

Tip: If you’re already a licensed teacher in your home country, you may not need TEFL certification — but getting one will still boost your job prospects!