Top 5 Countries for Teaching Abroad Without a Degree

Having a degree can open the door to teaching opportunities across the world, but it’s not always a requirement. 

Although it’s a legal requirement in some countries and a preference for many employers, there are still plenty of opportunities to teach English abroad if you have English proficiency, a TEFL certificate , and enough energy to lift the classroom. 

Find out where and how you can teach English abroad without a degree!

Key Takeaways 🔑

Top Countries	Salary	Top cities	Best for
Cambodia	$800–$1,500 (£590–£1,150)	Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap	First-time teachers, history buffs
Costa Rica	₡280,000–₡660,000 (£450–£1,050 / $600–$1,400)	San José, Heredia, Cartago	Nature lovers, hikers, surfers
Mexico	MXN 8,765–26,290 ($500–$1,500 / £375–£1,120)	Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida	Culture seekers and foodies
Spain	€800–€2,000 ($925–$2,325 / £690–£1,730)	Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla	Laid-back teachers and EU citizens
Argentina	$AR 750,000–1.8 million ($500–$1,200 / £370–£890)	Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mar del Plata	Foodies and extroverts

Is it possible to teach abroad without a degree and earn a salary?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to teach abroad without a degree and earn a salary. But it’s also important to understand that your options are more limited compared to TEFL teachers with university degrees. 

Here’s what you need to consider and look out for as a non-degree holder: 

• Fewer job options : In many countries and jobs (like public or international schools), having a degree is essential, so you’ll have fewer options to choose from (and more competition from other teachers).
• Lower earning potential : While non-degree holders can find TEFL jobs abroad, they’re likely to earn lower teacher salaries (unless they have previous teaching experience). And higher paying locations like China, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and so on, require a degree from teachers.
• “Degree not required” doesn’t always mean legal : Some job descriptions say you don’t need a degree, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal. Some employers use loop holes by having teachers work “under the table” on a tourist visa. 
• Non-native speakers : If you’re a non-native speaker and a non-degree holder, it makes it even more difficult to find work. 

So you might face some extra hurdles or need to search a little harder to find the right job for you, but as they say (and like with any TEFL job) – nothing good ever comes easy!

What kind of jobs can I get?

Generally, public school and especially international school jobs require a degree (or even a master’s degree) from teachers. So, non-degree holders need to look at jobs with more flexibility in their hiring requirements.

These are the most popular jobs for non-degree holders teaching English abroad: 

• Private language schools : Working at an after-school centre, with students ranging from young learners to adults. 
• Summer camps : Teaching students English in fun and less formal environments over the summer.
• Private tutoring : You can get a self-employed or freelance visa in some countries, but  many teachers do private tutoring outside their regular work hours. 
• Teaching English online : Some countries like Spain, Georgia, and Costa Rica offer digital nomad visas so you can teach English online. 

How can I teach abroad without a degree?

You already know that you can teach abroad without a degree, but here’s how you can put your plan into action: 

1. Check the country’s requirements 🕵️

First thing’s first, check the country’s requirements for teaching English . You’ll need to research not just the legal requirements but also the industry requirements. For example, you might be able to legally teach somewhere without a degree, but employers might not often hire non-degree holders. 

2. Get TEFL certified 📚

You won’t get far without some form of teacher training, regardless of whether you have a degree or not. Teaching jobs in most countries require at least 120 hours of TEFL training (completed online or in-person) which teaches you essential skills like planning lessons, managing large groups, and more.

If you want to go the extra mile and train at a deeper level, you can also take the Level 5 TEFL course , or top up your current training with an advanced course . 

3. Gain some experience 🧑‍🏫

It’s not always essential, but experience in teaching, volunteering, or working with children can boost your application massively. Whether you teach English online , at a summer camp, or work as an au pair, gaining experience shows employers that you’re good at working with children and learners. 

4. Look beyond traditional classroom jobs 🧒

You don’t have to start off in a traditional public school. Look at other teaching jobs, whether than means working at a summer camp, an after-school language centre, on an online teaching, or by private tutoring.

5. Be open minded 📖

Entry-level teachers and non-degree holders need to be flexible with where they end up teaching. Be open to working in smaller cities and towns – they might even offer a greater cultural experience. 

While it’s possible to teach in desirable cities like Madrid or Buenos Aires, many of these locations are competitive. If you’re looking to teach English abroad for at least a few years, it might be worth accepting a position elsewhere, gaining experience, and trying your luck again next semester when you’ve improved your CV/resume. 

Top countries for teaching English without a degree

Now you know how, let’s talk about where you can teach English abroad without a degree. From the tropics of Asia and Latin America to Europe, here are the best countries for teaching English abroad as a non-degree holder. 

*average salaries can range depending on the unique employer, school type, and your experience level. 

Cambodia 🇰🇭

• Average salary : $800–$1,500 (£590–£1,150)
• Top Cities : Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap
• Best for : First-time teachers, history enthusiasts

While Vietnam and Thailand are some of Southeast Asia’s top spots of teaching English abroad, so is their neighbouring country Cambodia . And it’s not just popular among non-degree holders – you’ll meet entry-level teachers (with and without degrees) and licensed teachers in this varied tropical country. 

From Phnom Penh’s busy streets to ancient Angkor Wat and tropical islands, Cambodia offers a lifestyle for any tempo. When you’ve clocked out for the day, go on riverside walks to the nearest pagoda, gorge in local Khmer cuisine at food markets, or venture to some of the largest religious complexes in the world. 

Most TEFL jobs can be found in the private sector, from language schools to international schools. 

💡 Tip : Most teachers find a job before getting to Cambodia, but you can also enter on the E-class visa and apply for an EG (job-seeker) visa if you want to find work in-country. 

Read more : Teach English in Cambodia Without a Degree

Costa Rica 🇨🇷

• Average salary : ₡280,000–₡660,000 (£450–£1,050 / $600–$1,400)
• Top Cities : San José, Heredia, Cartago
• Best for : Nature lovers, hikers, surfers 

Costa Rica is known for its thriving biodiversity, dense rainforests, volcanoes, amazing beaches and some of the happiest people in the world . And it doesn’t have to be a short trip! Employers are generally very welcoming of non-degree holders as long as they have a TEFL certificate and English proficiency. If you’re from the US, you might find more luck because schools and students want to develop an American accent. 

When you’re not teaching, you can go sloth watching or chill in natural volcanic hot springs head, or if you want to up the tempo, you can head to the coast to surf or hike Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle – which means “pure life” – is unbeatable if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe.

💡 Tip : Many TEFL jobs in Costa Rica don’t offer visa sponsorship. It’s technically illegal  (but very common) in Costa Rica. 

Mexico 🇲🇽

• Average salary : MXN 8,765–26,290 ($500–$1,500 / £375–£1,120)
• Top Cities : Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida
• Best for : Culture seekers & foodies

From Mexico City and Oaxaca to Mérida and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is full of gems. Whether you want to learn Spanish, develop professionally, or embrace a colourful mix of indigenous roots and Spanish culture, Mexico has it all. 

When you’re not teaching English, you can visit ancient cities, eat bold and spicy cuisines, or join in some of the local and colourful festivals, whether that’s the Day of the Dead or Cinco de Mayo. 

While salaries are low, so is the cost of living. It might not be the best country for saving up as an English teacher, but as far as cultural experiences go, Mexico is hard to beat. 

Spain 🇪🇸

• Average salary : €800–€2,000 ($925–$2,325 / £690–£1,730)
• Top cities : Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla
• Best for : Laid-back teachers and EU citizens 

From sangria in the sun and marvelous architecture to mountain ranges and stunning coastlines – and also a huge market for English teachers – Spain is one of the best TEFL locations in the world.

But your route into work depends heavily on your nationality and the programme or employer you choose. Teachers with EU passports will have better luck applying to jobs directly, but non-EU teachers might need the support of a TEFL programme. 

Teachers often join programmes where they can enter on a student visa and work part-time as an assistant language teacher. These programmes are also useful for current university students looking to study abroad. 

Read more : Top teaching programmes in Spain

Argentina 🇦🇷

• Average salary : $AR 750,000–1.8 million ($500–$1,200 / £370–£890)
• Top Cities : Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mar del Plata
• Best for : Foodies and extroverts 

From Patagonia’s moving glaciers to the nocturnal streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina is stunning and stylish. From its world class wine, street tango, and world-renowned barbecue ( asado ), the country has everything to offer travelers.

But it’s also one of the best spots for English teachers, especially if you don’t have a degree. There’s a high demand for English teachers in Argentina, and you can find a job in any of the big TEFL markets of Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mar del Plata, and beyond. 

But while it can offer you an amazing lifestyle, it’s worth bearing in mind that Argentina's cost of living has increased over the years, so you’ll need to be mindful of your budget if you’re an entry-level teacher. 

Launch Your Career Abroad with a TEFL Certificate

Teaching English abroad without a degree is possible, but you’ll need to be TEFL certified to find the right job for you. Whether you have your eyes set on Europe, Asia, or Latin America,  teaching English poses similar challenges. 

By completing a TEFL course, you’re not just opening the doors to new jobs abroad but you’re also developing essential teaching skills to lead the the English as a foreign language classroom. 

Get started today with our 120-hour TEFL course or the 250 hour Level 5 TEFL course !