- Menu
-
- Help & Support
- Contact Us
- Request a Quote (Legalisation)
- About Us
Leaving so soon?
Fill in the form below we'll send you our latest blog posts as soon as they're published, so you can keep up-to-date with the legalisation and travel situation across the globe.
Requirements for Teaching English Abroad
Teaching English as a Foreign Language, otherwise known as TEFL, is a great way to travel the world whilst also gaining teaching experience. Whether you would prefer to explore Europe, have an awesome Asian adventure, hit South America, or anywhere else, there are schools everywhere looking for teachers; providing you with the opportunity to live and work in a whole new place.

This week, we are presenting a guest blog post from Andrew Lynch, Director at Teachingabroaddirect.co.uk. They are a specialist teaching and TEFL jobs platform for overseas recruitment in the UK.
When you are first considering TEFL, the whole thing can seem a little daunting. However, there aren’t many essential requirements when it comes to teaching English abroad. Plus, requirements often vary by country and continent. So, if you do not meet the grade in one place, there is always a chance that you can find work in another. If you are thinking about starting your TEFL journey, read on for our in-depth review of all the basic essentials.
Qualifications
The qualifications required to teach English will depend on where you will be living and the individual school that you choose. Either a degree, or alternatively four years of college study is often a legal immigration requirement. Most countries will request that their teachers hold a BA degree, but this can be in any subject. However, some schools may prefer it if your degree is education or English related, particularly international schools. If you do not have a university degree, it is still possible to find work, especially if you have relevant experience and an accredited TEFL certification.
Providing you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture, getting a TEFL qualification is your first step on an international adventure that will transform the way you teach. An accredited course that includes observed teaching practice such as the CELTA or TESOL may be specified. However, these are expensive, and not a necessity. Some schools state that they require no qualifications or experience, but this can be a red flag and you should do some research into the company before you accept.
Passport and Visa
You will not get very far without your passport, and it should be valid for at least six months with a minimum of two blank pages. However, requesting a new passport from another country can be difficult, so it is advised to ensure that your passport will last for the duration of your trip. The visa process differs wildly amongst the countries, with some requiring lots of additional information and interviews and others being relatively simple. For example, finding work in Europe can be a challenge if you are not a European citizen. Schools often prefer to hire those with the right to stay, such as UK nationals, rather than sponsor someone from the United States.
When you are applying for your visa, you may have to visit that country’s embassy in your home country. Some countries may also require a criminal background check or a medical examination for the visa process. This will depend on your country of origin as well as your destination. It is important to ensure that you have the right visa so that you are able to live and work in the country of your choosing. A tourist visa will only grant you a short stay, and so it is always advised that you do some research into which visa is the right one for your needs to avoid trouble later down the line.
The English Language
It was once assumed that you need to be a native speaker to teach English abroad but this is certainly not the case, and many countries welcome non-native English teachers with open arms. In fact, if you are looking for work in Europe, it is actually illegal for schools to specify that they are looking for a native speaker only; in line with EU legislation regarding discrimination. However, you must have a near-native level of English proficiency and pronunciation, and you should also have a basic knowledge of English grammar and how to teach it. Unfortunately, native speakers are at a significant disadvantage because we do not necessarily learn our own grammar, and the first couple of years can be a steep learning curve. Do some research, buy a grammar book aimed at TEFL teachers, and keep practicing.
Plans, Games, and Fillers
Although planning will vary from school to school and there may not be much prep you can do, having a few ice breaker classes aimed at the age groups you will be teaching can be a great start. It is also advised that you do some research regarding basic teaching techniques and methods, as well as an idea of some of the challenges that you may face. When you are first starting out to teach, one of the hardest concepts can be timing. Working out exactly how much time each activity will take can be a challenge, and it can significantly vary from class to class and student to student. Have a selection of go-to games prepped and ready to go so that you can always fill the gaps.
The Right Attitude
The most essential requirement for teaching English abroad successfully is undoubtedly the right attitude. Choosing to take up a position in TEFL offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain exciting new experiences and opportunities. Friends become family as you navigate around a new city, country, and culture. You must have an open mind, especially when it comes to accepting and embracing cultural differences.
It is also important that you possess a desire to teach. In the past, TEFL has been seen as a cheap and convenient way to travel, but now, there is a significantly increased focus on the importance of education. As a teacher, you have the potential to transform lives, and although one of the most rewarding jobs in the world, it is also one of the most difficult. Whilst it may seem obvious, having the right mind-set for your new adventure has to be the most essential component.
If you are planning on taking a TEFL position abroad and require a legalisation service for your documents, get in touch with the dedicated account manager for Teaching Abroad Direct for advice. You can give Emma Thompson a call on +44 (0) 1924 917343 or via email directly on emma.thompson@vitalconsular.com.
Popular Topics
Other Topics
Stay up to date...
Sign up to our monthly round-up newsletter, where we will let you know about any news, exciting new services we can offer and other information we think you'll enjoy.
Don’t lose access to the sites you love overseas – VPN for expats
VPNs are an essential piece of kit for expats. Here’s why!
Teaching English In China 2023 – Time To Stop Yearning And Make The Move
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most global relocation was on hold for almost 2 years. New restrictions on movement were put in place, more paperwork was required, things were tough. ...
China PU Letters 2022 : Latest Update On Requirements for Z-Visas
Big changes in China have made it easier for those looking to relocate there, as well as those wishing to be reunited with family on an Dependency Visa. Will this ...
Private tutoring sector in China fighting the cuts – by trying to avoid the rules
New legislation was introduced in China in June 2021, restricting the amount of hours and times during which private tutoring of children could take place. The restrictions have been met ...
Chinese Application Form For Legalisation- Complete Step By Step Guide
If you need to get your documents legalised for a job in China, you will need to complete the official application form. This can be confusing and is full of ...
Leaving a TEFL Job in China – Complete Guide on Doing it Right
Whether you’ve decided you’re leaving a TEFL job in China and returning home, or simply transferring to a different school, you’ll need to make sure your paperwork is in order. ...
Going to work in China – The latest on the situation
Although life in China is returning to something close to normal, the government continues to keep a close eye on who’s allowed to come into the country. And while most ...
Getting a PU Letter for China – Guide to Invitation Letters
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing so many travel restrictions globally, most countries are keen to keep movement across their borders to a minimum. Although China made quick progress in returning ...
All you need to know about legalising your TEFL for use overseas
Teaching English abroad with a TEFL qualification is becoming a popular option for many people who are looking to relocate. The chance to immerse yourself in the local culture through ...
Does your name differ on your documents? Avoid them being rejected for legalisation
If you are having your documents legalised for use overseas, you may run into issues if your name differs between your document and your official ID. This could vary for ...
Teacher Retention Crisis
Retention is a challenge facing schools all over the world. From the UK to China, teachers are leaving their jobs in higher numbers than ever before. Why is the world ...
Getting A Job In China – Complete Guide To Paperwork
As a legalisation and visa company, we have extensive experience in helping clients with the paperwork required to obtain their dream jobs in China. We’ve been dealing with documentation for ...
Planning A Cruise? Don’t Get Caught Out By Visa Requirements
Despite the UK having one of the strongest passports in the world, there are still countries which require a UK passport holder to obtain a pre-travel visa or travel authorisation ...
The UK Legalisation Process for China Is Changing – New Costs Issued
As of the 8th of November 2019, the process for legalising UK documents for China has changed. There have also been increases in the costs levied by the Chinese authorities ...
Chinese Transit Visa – More Cities Ready To Be Explored
China’s G-Visa, the 144 hour transit visa, is about to see some great new destinations added to its list. As of December 1st 2019, the total number of cities and ...
English Teachers in China Being Exploited by Rogue Agencies and Schools
What began as a dream transformed slowly into a nightmare. Vanessa Wachtmeister had moved to China to work as an English teacher on the back of promises made by her ...
The Chinese Visa Centre – Avoid Any Surprises With Our Guide
Getting a visa to travel to China can be a long and extremely complicated process. China requires UK citizens to attend Visa Centres in person before they can be issued, ...
What Can Go Wrong With Chinese Legalisation?
In this final part in our Legalisation Fixers series, we are focusing on the complex process of Chinese document legalisation. As a destination with one of the most exacting list ...
Police Clearance Certificates – What Are The Different Types?
Some form of police clearance check is now mandatory for employment in most sectors, and for the majority of countries when working overseas. This is especially true for all applications ...
Chinese Travel Visa – Do you really need one?
China is a popular transit hub with excellent transport links across the globe. This can be a great opportunity to take in some of China’s sights, if you’re able to ...
Jordanian Attestation: A Useful Guide
Want to know the easiest way to legalise your documents for use in Jordan? Read this blog.
Distance Learning Part 2 – Do Overseas Employers Accept Onlin...
Last time we turned the spotlight on online and distance learning qualifications, we identified which foreign embassies wouldn’t accept these for legalisation. This could deter candidates from even applying for ...
Online Qualifications – Which Embassies Won’t Accept Them?
Have you received any online qualifications from the Open University, or any other distance learning program? It’s possible that the document will not be accepted by certain foreign embassies.
Education document attestation for Saudi Arabia – the SACB
Degrees and college awards for use in Saudi Arabia must be verified by the SACB before the attestation, also known as legalisation, process can begin. Read how to get this ...
How to Legalise an Education Document for China
Are you trying to legalise your education documents for use in China? We understand this process can seem complicated, that’s why we’re here to help with our step by step ...