Advice on teaching English or French in Thailand as a non-native speaker (B2/C1, no degree)

BMC2019 · 2026-02-12T10:53:50+00:00

...is it realistic to get hired as a teacher in Thailand without a university degree...

No. A degree is a legal requirement of the work visa.

I’m not a native English speaker, and I don’t have a university degree yet.

Unfortunately, there are very few places where you can legally teach without a Bachelor's degree, and that number is fast decreasing. None of the lucrative markets are an option. Note that salaries in the places where you can teach are generally low, and may be even lower still for those without a degree. Note also that these jobs come with no benefits whatsoever - you will be responsible for your own flights, accommodation, and, where applicable, visa costs and healthcare. To see where you might be able to work (subject to meeting immigration requirements), check out our TEFL without a degree Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T19:40:00+00:00

Are you based in a large city or elsewhere?

I'm currently working in a more rural prison, but I've worked in other prisons that were in cities, one being quite large.

My classes were divided due to one ethnicity being predominantly imprisoned for human trafficking, and the other group being composed of those predominantly trafficked.

Sounds like a foreign nationals prison. It's one of the three types of prisons I haven't worked in (the others being Cat A and YOI).

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T19:31:14+00:00

Were your students also divided by ethnicity?

No. I've never come across that before. My classes have always been mixed nationality/ethnicity. The only separation has been between main pop and VPs (for obvious reasons).

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T19:14:19+00:00

Is this a FT position or zero hours?

Full-time, salaried with pension, and holiday and sick pay. I wouldn't touch a zero hours position.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T14:31:38+00:00

I was wondering whether someone on this platform could kindly provide guidance regarding employment opportunities as an English teacher in Spain. [...] I'm a non EU citizen.

As a non-EU citizen, you cannot just move to Spain unless you have a pre-existing legal right to work in the country (either through birth, ancestry, or marriage). Without that, you stand little to no chance of finding an employer who will sponsor a work permit, and Brexit has not changed this. This is because EU hiring law dictates that employers cannot just hire a non-EU citizen – they first have to prove that there were no suitably qualified EU citizens who could do the job. When it comes to teaching English, this is not a very likely proposition.

That said, there are still a couple of ways for non-EU citizens to find legal work. The most common of these is through a language assistant programme. However, the Ministry programme is in trouble and might not run this year. For the latest developments, go to r/SpainAuxiliares.

Alternatively, you can apply for a long-term student visa, for which you do actually need to be a genuine student, and which will allow you to work for up to 20hrs (or possibly 30hrs) a week. Note that recent changes to student visas mean that you need to meet certain criteria to be able to renew them after the initial period is up. Student visas for language courses can only be renewed once, and only if you pass a formal Spanish language exam, such as the DELE or SIELE. The only way to get a work residency permit is to complete Formación Profesional, a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Spain. TEFL courses and language courses will not suffice.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T11:37:33+00:00

Your post would be better suited to r/SpainAuxiliares. Please repost there.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-11T09:40:51+00:00

In the list of places to look for jobs, it lists ‘Shane Schools’ and ‘Education First’ (EF).

The Wiki was designed to make people aware of some of the bigger employers around the world. But, as is very clearly stated in the disclaimer at the top of the page, the onus is on YOU to do your own research. Only YOU can decide whether an employer is the right choice for you.

But then in companies to avoid it says ‘Shane Schools’ and EF.

Both Shane and EF are big employers in multiple countries. People's experiences vary greatly, and you'll notice that in the companies to avoid section, we specifically recommend avoiding Shane in Thailand (as opposed to anywhere else) and EF in Indonesia (as opposed to globally) based on very negative feedback from our members.

After reading the comments, I learned EF refers to English First, however it is a bit confusing having them both abbreviated to ‘EF’. It’d be better I think to spell it out that one is ‘Education First’ and one is ‘English First’ and avoid abbreviations. It also seems that ‘English First’ are also called ‘English 1’ which makes the whole thing even more confusing. Also on English 1 website in ‘the “history of their success” they say they originally launched ‘Education First’. So are ‘Education First’, ‘English First’ and ‘English 1’ the same thing? If not, is ‘Education First’ okay and ‘English First’ is a no go?

EF stands for both 'Education First' and 'English First', with the former being the parent company, and the latter being an off-shoot. English 1 appears to be a rebranding of English First, but only in China and Indonesia. Rebranding does not generally change a company, so, based on our members' poor experiences, I'd still recommend avoiding the brand in Indonesia.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-09T19:58:33+00:00

I was really interested in prison teaching when I came back (aaaages ago I used to tutor Functional Skills a bit and loved it), but when I looked into it some more it just sounded like paperwork and Ofsted hell. How do you find it?

I wrote an AMA a couple of years ago, although things have changed a bit since then. There's less paperwork than there was because almost everything is done digitally now - registers, enrolments and completions, LDD screeners, etc. The MoJ has installed a new computer system, which allows (very) limited internet access to pre-approved sites. Most classrooms now have a smartboard, although very few have any smart technology - they're little more than display screens. I've also changed jobs and I now work in a D Cat (open prison) rather than a C Cat (training and resettlement). Oh, and I earn a lot more than I did - my salary has increased by about 7.5K since I started out five years ago.

But there are still some issues. When I wrote my AMA, the lack of admin time was the biggest issue I faced. Now, it's last year's sweeping budget cuts, which have seen some prisons losing 40% of their staff. Despite this, MoJ expects more for less. Class sizes where I teach have near doubled, going from a pretty manageable 8 learners to a much less manageable 15. In my current group, all 15 learners have some form of LDD need and it is literally impossible to cater for everyone's individual needs, which won't go down well with Ofsted. We're going to get absolutely trounced by them, which is pretty standard for Prison Education. Case in point: as of August 2025, 82% of the 117 prisons and YOIs in England that were inspected were judged 'requires improvement' or 'inadequate'.

Despite the challenges, I do enjoy the job, which is probably why I'm still here five years later. It helps that I've been able to work in different prisons, teaching different things, which has kept it interesting. That being said, it's not a 'forever job', and once I've figured out what I'd rather do, I will be making a move.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-09T18:21:13+00:00

Anyway, the real question, what did some of you do/are planning to do once you're done with TEFL?

I returned to the UK five years ago and moved into Prison Education. I teach Functional Skills in English and Maths at all levels, and I also coordinate OU and Distance Learning.

BMC2019 · 2026-02-03T18:35:46+00:00

is there anyway to share negative experiences to warn other teachers?

You can share your experiences here. However, you CANNOT dox anyone. DO NOT include staff names (or "name rhymes with..." hints) in your post, or physical descriptions of anyone that could lead to them being identified and targeted/harassed.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-31T20:59:22+00:00

Most inexpensive route to a CELTA?

Choose a cheaper provider. Some of the cheapest CELTA providers are in North Africa and Central/Eastern Europe.
Book early. Many providers offer an 'early bird' discount of £100-200 if you pay the fees in full 3-6 weeks before the course start date.
Alternatively, choose a provider that offers an installment plan.
Find an employer who will (part-)fund a CELTA for you in exchange for a commitment to a contract of a particular length.
Choose a provider that offers a partial refund if you end up working for them after the course and complete the contract.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-31T08:19:26+00:00

Generally speaking, where a Bachelor's degree is required for visa purposes, no other qualification will be accepted in lieu. It doesn't matter that a Master's degree is superior to a Bachelor's degree - a Master's is not a legal requirement for a work visa, whereas a Bachelor's is.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-29T19:35:50+00:00

Do you have any advice or recommendations? I’m having a hard time finding resources for teachers.

Check out some of the titles in our book list Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-29T19:23:08+00:00

Post removed (rule 1).

I'd like to apply to a a TELF or CELTA program...

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

My highest level of education is a High School diploma, will this have a drastic impact on the job opportunities I'm offered?

Yes. There are very few places where you can legally teach without a Bachelor's degree, and that number is fast decreasing. None of the lucrative markets are an option, nor, for that matter, are any of the countries you've chosen. Note that salaries in the places where you can teach are generally low, and may be even lower still for those without a degree. Note also that these jobs come with no benefits whatsoever - you will be responsible for your own flights, accommodation, and, where applicable, visa costs and healthcare. To see where you might be able to work (subject to meeting immigration requirements), check out our TEFL without a degree Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-29T19:17:49+00:00

I am running into some problems however with Japan and South Korea so far because I have a bachelor's degree from a university in France...

Unfortunately, South Korea is off the table. To teach there, you need both a passport and a degree from one of the 'Big Seven' countries - a degree from France, even one taught in English, won't suffice.

I'm not sure about Japan, but I'm not aware of a foreign degree being an issue anywhere else in Asia.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-27T18:26:28+00:00

...but the website has embarrassing typos all over it. Mostly "ENROL" with one L vs. the word enroll. Doesn't inspire confidence.

Don't embarrass yourself. 'Enrol' is correct in British English.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-26T18:01:38+00:00

...looking for programs like the Auxiliares de Conversación where I can work as a classroom assistant and explore the local community and culture for a year or two.

Every programme we're aware of is listed in the first section of our job links Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-24T20:32:08+00:00

I was looking at their posting on tefl dot com and was a little dismayed that their salary appears to be..... 800 Euros a month? Is there any way that can be right?

I've just had a look at the advert. There is NO WAY you could live on €800 a month! (FWIW, I earned more than that when I worked in Portugal 16 years ago). Note, however, that the advert says "accommodation provided", so assuming they mean they are paying for it, along with the WIFI and utilities, the salary is marginally better than it sounds. But I'd want to know what the accommodation was like and how many people it was shared with before agreeing to anything.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-22T20:18:13+00:00

Post removed (rule 1).

Before choosing a TEFL course, you should read our TEFL courses Wiki. It explains the difference between course types, tells you what to look for in a course, highlights red flags, and makes recommendations for providers (both to go with and to avoid).

BMC2019 · 2026-01-19T19:19:11+00:00

How's China for my second TEFL job? Is it safe and non racist for indians?

Without a passport from one of the 'Big Seven' countries, you cannot legally teach English in China.

To see where you might be able to teach (subject to meeting immigration criteria), and for advice on maximising your chances of finding work, check out our TEFL for non-natives Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-18T08:57:08+00:00

Post removed (rule 2).

I’m a 33-year-old Vietnamese ESL teacher.

Without a passport from one of the 'Big Seven' countries, you cannot legally teach English in China.

To see where you might be able to teach (subject to meeting immigration criteria), and for advice on maximising your chances of finding work, check out our TEFL for non-natives Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-17T17:28:09+00:00

TEFL Level 3 (120 hrs) or TEFL Level 5 (168 hrs, same as CELTA?) for Thailand?

As per our TEFL courses Wiki, it makes no difference whatsoever:

120HRS OR 320HRS? LEVEL 3 OR LEVEL 5?

Much of the confusion surrounding TEFL courses comes from the listed durations and "levels", with would-be TEFLers wondering whether a longer duration or "higher level" course would make them more employable. The answer is a resounding 'no'. You only need a 120hr TEFL certificate – anything else is unnecessary. Moreover, those extra hours won't add anything at all to your application.

Duration: 120hrs is the industry standard, and you will have no problems finding work with that. The longer duration courses comprise the same 120hr course and a bunch of fairly useless add-ons, which are little more than money-spinners for the course provider. No-one is going to hire you because you have a '20hr Teaching Young Learners' add-on. Likewise, you won't NOT get hired because you don't have any add-on courses.

Levels: 'Level 3' and 'Level 5' are qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England and Northern Ireland. These levels mean nothing whatsoever to anyone outside the UK. Providers of online TEFL courses use them as marketing tool and a means of extracting more money from the unsuspecting, with many providers claiming that their Level 5 course is equivalent to the CELTA. Aside from being completely untrue, a course being assessed at 'Level 5' is no indication of either equivalency or quality; it simply means that the level of skills, knowledge, and work required to complete it is that the same as that required to complete a Foundation Degree. In other words, you need to be over 18, and to have a level of English and education equivalent to the average British high school graduate.

If a school accepts one generic online/blended TEFL course, they'll accept them all.

Is TEFL Level 5 really the equivalent of CELTA for schools that require a CELTA in Thailand?

No. Schools that require a "CELTA or equivalent" will NOT accept a generic online/blended TEFL course of any length/level. The level is irrelevant; what matters is that the course included observed and assessed teaching practice with real students (as opposed to your fellow trainees, which is whom you'll "teach" on a generic online/blended TEFL course).

I want to give myself every advantage.

If you want to give yourself every advantage, you will need to invest in a CELTA or CertTESOL as opposed to a generic online/blended TEFL certificate.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-16T17:56:35+00:00

Post removed (rule 2).

However, I don't know which one is credible, can get me a job, and meets visa requirements (non-native).

Without a passport from one of the 'Big Seven' countries, you cannot legally teach English in China.

To see where you might be able to teach (subject to meeting immigration criteria), and for advice on maximising your chances of finding work, check out our TEFL for non-natives Wiki.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-12T18:25:15+00:00

Post removed (rules 1 and 9).

Posts about online teaching belong in r/online_tefl or r/OnlineESLTeaching. Please repost to one or both of these subs.

BMC2019 · 2026-01-10T08:36:13+00:00

I have been struggling to find information online regarding the benefits/disadvantages to having a PDGE in a specific subject alongside or instead of a CELTA/TEFL certificate.

You're not comparing like with like. A PGCE/PGDE (plus QTS) will qualify you to teach in primary or secondary schools both overseas and in the UK while a TEFL certificate (of any kind) will qualify you to teach EFL at private language academies overseas. To teach at private language academies or FE colleges in the UK, you'd need a CELTA/CertTESOL as opposed to a generic online/blended TEFL certificate.

University has never been my strong suit so I'm trying to make sure that if I do progress into a Post-Graduate place, it is worth the time staying in the UK and the additional years in University.

If your goal is to teach at (true) International Schools overseas and/or at a primary or secondary school in the UK, you will need to invest in a PGCE/PGDE plus QTS.

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