Teaching in a foreign country is an exciting way to explore the world while earning money, but do you need a teaching degree to teach in a foreign country? When it comes to international teaching, the requirements vary widely based on the position you’re aiming for as well as the country in which you’d like to work.
If You Have No Degree
So, what happens if you want to teach in a foreign country but don’t have a degree? Well, you may be able to find volunteer positions with a small stipend, or simply earn a certificate instead of a degree to get hired. Although people without degrees may opt for an under-the-table position, it isn’t recommended. This isn’t a stable way to find work and you won’t be protected from employers who withhold pay or request excessive working hours. At the end of the day, it’s likely that you’ll need a degree to stay competitive in the global marketplace and even to get hired in the first place.
Obtaining A Visa
One of the major reasons that each job applicant needs a degree is to obtain a work visa. These requirements are lengthy and vary from country to country. In fact, visas and paperwork are one of the most annoying aspects of working abroad in any country. Although you may not need a degree specifically in teaching to legally work abroad, it’s highly likely you’ll need at least a four-year bachelor’s degree before to obtain a visa.
If You Have A Non-Teaching Degree
If you have a degree, but it isn’t related to education, you’re in luck! Depending on what you’d like to teach, you can still find a job abroad. If you’re interested in teaching English as a foreign language, many employers don’t mind what your degree is in as long as you’re a native speaker. However, you will still need a degree in education or TEFL if you choose to pursue more prestigious positions with higher pay and benefits. Likewise, you may be able to land a teaching position if you have teaching experience at home and a degree in your chosen subject. Depending on where you’re from, you may have received your teaching credentials without majoring in teaching at all. Plenty of today’s college grads major in a subject like art or mathematics and then follow state guidelines to achieve teaching credentials and gain experience, without ever majoring in teaching.
Worldwide Differences
Every country varies in its requirements when it comes to teaching as a foreigner. Countries like Germany, Sweden and Ireland boast vigorous requirements for foreign teachers, as well as a complicated paperwork process. For a job with more lenient requirements, plenty of today’s teachers have an easier time finding employment in countries like Japan, China, Georgia, and Chile. In a world where teaching professionals can find more employment opportunities abroad than at home, your teaching degree will keep you competitive, according to The New York Times.
Related Resource: 5 Great Books for High School Teachers
When it comes to international jobs, teaching is one of the best ways to make a difference while earning a paycheck and seeing the world. All in all, it’s clear that while you may not need a teaching degree to teach in a foreign country, it will undoubtedly improve your job prospects and opportunities for career advancement.
