The Reality Of Teaching Abroad: Is A TEFL Necessary?

With some job listings stating that no TEFL qualification is required, it’s easy to fall into the trap of wondering: Is a TEFL necessary? Or is a TEFL qualification a waste of time and money?

When you’re cash-strapped, skipping TEFL training might seem like the fastest way to start teaching abroad and start earning money. 

However, without a TEFL qualification, you could find yourself in some challenging situations that could taint your overall experience abroad. 

Read more: Requirements To Teach English Abroad: 10 Questions Answered

Issues like large, rowdy classrooms, lack of resources and having to plan lessons on the fly are common realities that could stress you out and leave you questioning your life choices!

Before we dive into the realities of teaching without a TEFL qualification, what exactly is it?

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Basically, it’s all about teaching English to people who don’t speak it as their first language. It’s one of the most recognised qualifications if you’re looking to teach English abroad. 

The qualification gives you relevant skills and knowledge to teach English effectively. And the best thing? It’s recognised worldwide! 

TEFL is often used interchangeably with TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). While they both focus on teaching English to non-native speakers, TEFL is most commonly associated with teaching English abroad.

There are different types of TEFL courses: 

• Entry-level courses: Typically 120 hours (Level 3)—great for teaching online, volunteering, or short-term/casual roles.
• Advanced and professional courses: Usually about 168 to 180 hours for Level 5; more in depth than Level 3—great for higher-paying jobs abroad.
• Specialised/Advanced courses: Add-on modules like Business English, Young Learners, or online teaching—perfect if you already know what kind of students you want to teach.
• In-person, online and blended courses: From traditional classroom-based to 100% remote, or a mix of both—the choice is yours.
• CELTA/Trinity CertTESOL: Intensive in-person courses with teaching practice—great for teaching adults or working in schools that require practical training but very expensive.

There’s a TEFL course to suit every aspiring TEFL teacher. Choose wisely as it can affect your ability to land certain jobs and visas.

Read more: What is TEFL & TEFL Certification?

5 Realities of teaching without a TEFL qualification

Limited job opportunities 

TEFL is an internationally recognised qualification that quite literally opens doors to travel and teach in a number of countries.

Without it, you might have to scratch some countries off your bucket list like China, South Korea and Italy. Even in countries where TEFL is just a ‘preference,’ employers will almost always choose the TEFL-qualified candidate. 

Even licensed teachers and those who hold degrees in English or Linguistics will benefit from a TEFL qualification as it focuses on skills unique to teaching English abroad. 

Visa rules can hold you back

To be eligible for a visa, you need to meet certain requirements like having a TEFL qualification! 

It’s not always enough just to have the accreditation, but the number of hours matters too. For example, China’s Z visa insists on a minimum of 120 hours, although some countries don’t specify a minimum number of hours.  

Lower salary 

Unqualified TEFL teachers will inevitably face lower pay, which sucks. 

You’ll not only have less spending power, but your ability to travel and save will be compromised. 

Less money means sometimes having to say no to that much-needed weekend getaway or mid-week dinner meetup, while you rip open another packet of ramen noodles and become fast friends with the sofa.

Teaching abroad can be stressful and sometimes the paycheck (and the travelling) is the thing that keeps you going. But when it’s not that great, it can make the tough days feel even tougher. 

Why settle for lower pay when you don’t have to? 

Classroom issues 

Let’s face it, bagging that fancy private or international school job is going to be nearly impossible without a TEFL qualification. 

That means you’ll likely be facing large, noisy classrooms with learners of varying levels in public schools. Some learners may even have learning barriers like autism, dyslexia or ADHD, making it essential to know how to cater to different learning styles. This can be overwhelming, even for a qualified teacher, let alone someone without training! 

A good TEFL qualification covers classroom management and teaching strategies. Armed with these tools, you’ll hopefully be able to turn things around when your class gets out of hand, and maybe even impress a few of your colleagues. 

Read more: What Do You Learn On A TEFL Course?

Lesson planning 

Teaching English abroad isn’t just about playing a bunch of games and calling it a day. If that’s what you’re expecting, you’re in for a rude awakening. 

You might end up at a school where you’re expected to take the lead and where textbooks are in short supply, or non-existent. Even if you manage to get a few, reading a book (or watching a YouTube video) is one thing, but putting it into practice in a real classroom is a whole different ball game.

Planning effective lessons and tailoring them to different learning styles is a skill that takes time and the right training. 

TEFL qualifications provide professional feedback on assignments and your teaching style, helping you improve and gain confidence before entering the classroom. And who doesn’t need a little boost before facing a class full of energetic toddlers, curious tweens or stubborn teens?

Read more: How to Overcome Your Fear Of Public Speaking

The parents

Ah, the parents. 

Some parents keep a watchful eye on foreign English teachers, even more so if the school has had a history of TEFL teacher complaints.

If they catch wind that you’re unqualified, you’ll get their tongues wagging in no time, particularly in private language schools where parents expect to get their money’s worth. 

However, a TEFL qualification will quiet their doubts and your nerves! 

Read more: How To Handle Nerves In The TEFL Classroom

But what if you have teaching experience already?

Seasoned teachers may think they don’t need TEFL training (or another teaching qualification). After all, they already know how to teach.

While that may be true, TEFL training focuses on teaching strategies around acquiring a second (or foreign) language, and these aren’t generally covered in education degrees or even professional teaching qualifications like the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). 

But it’s not just about whether you know how to manage a classroom, put together lesson plans or differentiate your teaching. It’s also about what the employer wants—and immigration! And they want to see that TEFL-shaped piece of paper. 

Remember, TEFL qualifications are tied to visa requirements. 

Think of it this way: it’s another tool in your teacher toolkit to make you an even more awesome teacher!

Read more: Transferable Skills For TEFL Teachers

Now that the benefits of having a TEFL qualification are clear, it’s time to seriously consider signing up for one. 

It’s an investment in yourself and your future. It could save you when the job market’s in a slump, become a side hustle when you need extra cash, or keep you occupied in retirement. 

More opportunity, higher pay, more tools in your teacher toolkit and less overall scrutiny: a TEFL qualification is a no-brainer.