 What do you need to be able to teach English around the world? What teaching qualifications will I need? A teaching qualification of at least 120 hours is becoming a minimum requirement for many teaching positions around the world. Even those places that do not require teachers to be certified at present will likely do so in the future. The best option is an in-class course with a practical teaching component. However, a quality online course will provide a solid grounding in language concepts and teaching theory. Do I need teaching experience? The vast majority of TEFL jobs do not require previous teaching experience, but as with any industry, the more experience you have, the more opportunities there will be. Some countries in the Middle East require teachers to have a minimum of two years teaching experience, and these jobs are some of the most well-paid. Is there an age limit on becoming an English teacher? Generally, you will need to be aged 18 or older, and there is not normally an upper age limit. Some countries may have an age restriction due to visa requirements, but older teachers rarely have trouble finding work. In fact, age and experience is often highly valued by many employers. Do I need a degree? No, some countries do require a degree for visa purposes, but the majority of countries around the world do not require English teachers to have a degree. Europe and South America and some countries in Asia offer plenty of opportunities for teachers without degrees. Do I need to be a native speaker of English? While there is certainly a preference for native English speakers in the majority of teaching jobs advertised online, the reality is that there are many positions available for fluent non-native English speakers around the world. Non-native speakers should be prepared to spend more time job hunting and applying for positions in person is helpful if you're able to. Do I need to speak the local language? As a teacher of English as a foreign language, you do not need to know the language of your students. Most schools will expect you to use only English in the classroom, even if you do know the local language.