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What degrees will I need to teach English in a foreign country?
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Mina,
Teaching English in a foreign country is a wonderful opportunity to explore other countries and cultures. There are many different options and the requirements vary.
In some countries you might be able to teach without any certification as a native speaker.
In some countries you need a TEFL/TESL/TESOL certificate to teach. You can earn those online or in person. Online courses cost anywhere between $19 and $2000 and above. Obviously, some are more recognized than others. The course should have at least 120 hours. Make sure they are accredited.
In some countries you need at least a bachelors degree to teach. You could e.g. get a bachelors in education and a masters in TESL. Or you could get a bachelors and a certificate or diploma in TESL.
You want to think about what countries you want to work in. Is it only one or several? Is this going to be your main career or a summer gig or a job for a few years or a seasonal job? Would you want to teach English as a second language when/if you return to the US?
If it's a short-term thing, I would go for a TESL certificate from a reputable school. If you want to work in several countries get a qualification that is recognized in all/most of those countries. If it's going to be your main career, I would get at least a bachelors, better a masters, so you can continue teaching in the US.
Other things to consider:
What type of school are you targeting, government schools, private schools, short course providers, private teaching? What kind of students do you want to teach, children or adults? What are the visa requirements and options? Also, language, culture, climate, safety, travel options etc?
I have linked a few more resources at the bottom. I hope this helps! Good luck on your adventures!
KP
https://youtu.be/iSUixc6hSes?si=QKb9NEvQrs7ByxRg
https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/best-online-tefl-courses
https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/
https://www.hotcoursesabroad.com/study/training-degrees/us-usa/tesl-teaching-english-second-language-courses/loc/211/cgory/gc.523-4/sin/ct/programs.html
Teaching English in a foreign country is a wonderful opportunity to explore other countries and cultures. There are many different options and the requirements vary.
In some countries you might be able to teach without any certification as a native speaker.
In some countries you need a TEFL/TESL/TESOL certificate to teach. You can earn those online or in person. Online courses cost anywhere between $19 and $2000 and above. Obviously, some are more recognized than others. The course should have at least 120 hours. Make sure they are accredited.
In some countries you need at least a bachelors degree to teach. You could e.g. get a bachelors in education and a masters in TESL. Or you could get a bachelors and a certificate or diploma in TESL.
You want to think about what countries you want to work in. Is it only one or several? Is this going to be your main career or a summer gig or a job for a few years or a seasonal job? Would you want to teach English as a second language when/if you return to the US?
If it's a short-term thing, I would go for a TESL certificate from a reputable school. If you want to work in several countries get a qualification that is recognized in all/most of those countries. If it's going to be your main career, I would get at least a bachelors, better a masters, so you can continue teaching in the US.
Other things to consider:
What type of school are you targeting, government schools, private schools, short course providers, private teaching? What kind of students do you want to teach, children or adults? What are the visa requirements and options? Also, language, culture, climate, safety, travel options etc?
I have linked a few more resources at the bottom. I hope this helps! Good luck on your adventures!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mina,
To embark on the journey of teaching English in another country, you'll typically need a Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a similar field. Some countries might also ask for additional credentials such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Bachelor’s Degree in English or Equivalent Field
Possessing a Bachelor’s degree in English or a similar field is usually a fundamental requirement for teaching English overseas. This degree arms you with the vital knowledge of English language, literature, and grammar that are key for teaching.
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Education can also be advantageous for teaching English abroad. This degree equips you with teaching skills, classroom management techniques, and knowledge of education theories that are crucial for effective teaching.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certification
A lot of countries mandate or prefer teachers to have a TEFL certification. This certification offers training on teaching English to non-native speakers, lesson planning, classroom management, and language evaluation.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification
Like TEFL, TESOL certification is highly respected in many countries. It concentrates on teaching English specifically to speakers of other languages and includes subjects such as linguistics, language learning, and cultural sensitivity in language teaching.
Extra Requirements
Besides the above qualifications, some countries might have specific requirements for foreign language teachers. These could involve proficiency tests in the local language, background checks, or particular teaching experience.
In summary, possessing a mix of a relevant Bachelor’s degree and certifications like TEFL or TESOL will significantly boost your chances of teaching English in a foreign country.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
TESOL International Association: This global association for English language teaching professionals provides resources on TESOL certification programs and information on teaching English abroad.
TEFL Org UK: An accredited provider of TEFL courses, offering details on TEFL certification programs, job opportunities abroad, and advice for aspiring English teachers.
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: This bureau offers information on teaching programs abroad, including requirements for teaching English in different countries and cultural exchange opportunities.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided on the qualifications needed to teach English in foreign countries is accurate and current.
God Bless!
James Constantine.
To embark on the journey of teaching English in another country, you'll typically need a Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a similar field. Some countries might also ask for additional credentials such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Bachelor’s Degree in English or Equivalent Field
Possessing a Bachelor’s degree in English or a similar field is usually a fundamental requirement for teaching English overseas. This degree arms you with the vital knowledge of English language, literature, and grammar that are key for teaching.
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Education can also be advantageous for teaching English abroad. This degree equips you with teaching skills, classroom management techniques, and knowledge of education theories that are crucial for effective teaching.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certification
A lot of countries mandate or prefer teachers to have a TEFL certification. This certification offers training on teaching English to non-native speakers, lesson planning, classroom management, and language evaluation.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification
Like TEFL, TESOL certification is highly respected in many countries. It concentrates on teaching English specifically to speakers of other languages and includes subjects such as linguistics, language learning, and cultural sensitivity in language teaching.
Extra Requirements
Besides the above qualifications, some countries might have specific requirements for foreign language teachers. These could involve proficiency tests in the local language, background checks, or particular teaching experience.
In summary, possessing a mix of a relevant Bachelor’s degree and certifications like TEFL or TESOL will significantly boost your chances of teaching English in a foreign country.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:
TESOL International Association: This global association for English language teaching professionals provides resources on TESOL certification programs and information on teaching English abroad.
TEFL Org UK: An accredited provider of TEFL courses, offering details on TEFL certification programs, job opportunities abroad, and advice for aspiring English teachers.
U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs: This bureau offers information on teaching programs abroad, including requirements for teaching English in different countries and cultural exchange opportunities.
These sources were used to ensure the information provided on the qualifications needed to teach English in foreign countries is accurate and current.
God Bless!
James Constantine.
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
I was able to enjoy teaching in Europe and in the USA with a Master's in linguistics from the Illinois Institute of Technology. I don't remember all the courses I took, but having good writing skills is a "must".
Updated
Alla’s Answer
Hi Mina! Teaching English abroad is an absolutely great experience. I'm sure there are various options out there, and many schools that teach English as a foreign language love working with native speakers. One program that I'm familiar with has a set of requirements, for example, you'd need to provide a complete academic record of your higher education, written recommendation forms from 3 individuals, and written forms like a personal statement and statement of purpose.