Looking for Teaching English in Asia Without a Degree? You're In Luck!

Deciding where to teach English abroad can be difficult. There are over 80 countries worldwide looking to hire professional teachers. It’s inevitable that each country will require different qualifications for English instructors.

Teach English in Asia without a Degree

In many countries in Asia, a Bachelor's degree is often a requirement to obtain a work visa to teach English. However, there are some exceptions, and some countries may have more relaxed rules for English teaching jobs.

Can I Teach English Abroad Without a Degree?

Schools all around the world will hire you to teach English abroad without a college degree if you have a TEFL certification from an accredited program. With a TEFL certificate and native-English speaking abilities, you have all you need to provide your students with high-quality language instruction.

Read more: The 6 Best Countries to Teach English Without a College Degree

Can I Teach in Asia Without a Degree?

Asia is known as a region where many countries - like South Korea & Japan - require 4-year college degrees for English teachers. However, if you want to teach English in Asia but don't have a university degree, don't fret, you still have options:

1. You can teach English in Cambodia

2. You can teach English in Myanmar

3. You can teach English in Taiwan

4. You can seek short-term teaching opportunities

1. Teach English in Cambodia

Cambodia is a great job market for those looking to teach English in this alluring part of the world. In recent years, hundreds of language schools throughout the country have begun to employ thousands of foreign English teachers.

Pay is modest compared to what may be earned in highly developed Asian countries like Korea and Japan. That being said, teaching English in Cambodia is still a perfect fit for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path in the heart of Southeast Asia. From tropical beaches and lush rain forests to charming old cities and fantastic monuments like Angkor Wat, Cambodia offers the international adventure of a lifetime.

Teachers are not required to hold a four-year degree and do not need to be native English speakers. Cambodia is also a market where age restrictions are minimal and flexible. Along with a very high demand for English teachers, this makes Cambodia an excellent option for teachers without a college degree. 

Read more:

• Teach English in Cambodia
• Requirements to teach English in Cambodia

2. Teach English in Myanmar

Myanmar is a great job market for those looking to teach English in this alluring part of the world. In recent years, Myanmar is beginning to come back on the international travel map and hundreds of language schools throughout the country have begun to employ thousands of foreign English teachers. ITA even offers a guaranteed job placement program in Myanmar.

Like Cambodia, pay is modest, but due to the low cost of living, English teachers can save a lot of money to use for travel or for a rainy day. Teaching English in Myanmar is a great fit for those seeking to explore unfrequented parts of the world, and is a great launching pad for exploring Southeast Asia. From ancient temples, bustling cities like Yangon, and tropical rain forests to historic monuments like the Schwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore an amazing part of the world.

A college degree is not required to teach English in Myanmar and you do not need to be a native English speaker to teach in the country, making Myanmar an excellent option for many English teachers who do not hold a degree. Age restrictions are also minimal and flexible, giving many teachers an opportunity to take part in this growing market. 

Read more:

• Teach English in Myanmar
• Requirements to teach English in Myanmar
• Learn about Myanmarese Culture in Yangon 

3. Teach English in Taiwan

Taiwan is also a top job market for teaching English abroad in Asia. Although many schools require a 4-year degree to teach there, a 2-year AA degree will allow teachers to gain employment in Taiwan with some language schools. As in other Asian nations, education is a top priority for Taiwanese both on the macro/national level and on the family and individual level.

A prosperous, high-tech economy based on international trade and commerce translates into high demand for native-speaking English teachers in Taiwan. This makes teaching English in Taiwan an ideal avenue for those who wish to explore Asia and especially for those interested in learning Mandarin Chinese.

A generous salary and a very affordable cost of living allow English teachers to live very comfortably, with the possibility to save up to $600 USD per month after expenses (this will vary depending on the job and your own spending habits). 

Read more:

• Teach English in Taiwan
• Requirements to teach English in Taiwan

4. Seek Short-Term Teaching Opportunities

There are also some summer language camps and internship programs available in countries like China, Thailand, and Vietnam that provide some options for those looking to work in Asia for short stints. Many of these programs will place teachers directly in a school for a period of 2-6 months. You will most likely incur a program fee for any internships abroad.

Volunteering offers opportunities to work in some regions of the world where paid opportunities are extremely limited, including India and Nepal, and poorer nations in Southeast Asia.

Go further: What are the requirements to teach English abroad?