Can you teach english abroad without a TEFL?

Question

I am interested in travelling, and the idea of teaching English was brought up to me. I don't want to really take the TEFL course, but if it is necessary will do so.

Answer 1

It depends on the country in which you are teaching. I think you could get on teaching in lots of countries without a TEFL, but I think you could get better jobs with one.

Answer 2

The truth of the answer is yes... in certain places. This happens if the school is desperate and you are there on the spot (knocking on doors and visiting all the schools in the neighbourhood) to get the job.

But I would mention a couple of things.

1) Most (though not all) countries you're likely to be teaching in require a degree and cert as minimum qualifications. If you don't have these there's a strong chance you'll be employed illegally and this means you have no rights if something goes wrong. Worse case scenario also means possibly having to leave the country if you get found out.

2) You will enjoy the lessons much more if you know what you are doing. Far more. And the students will learn more (and, after all, they've paid good money to learn from you).

Courses don't have to be expensive. Especially introductory ones which will give you a good overview of what's going on. I'd recommend it highly.