Hi Amal

I work for the Job Placement Team here at i-to-i. Without a degree you will not be able to teach in Japan as it is necessary for visa purposes. Unless you have significant teaching experience (which the embassy confirmed to me as typically 5 - 10 years) you would not be eligable for a visa. We've had a bit of a discussion going on over on the Japan boards

http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/groups/8-Japan/discussion/103-teaching-without-degree?page=1#posts-2861

As Spiwak said, it is more than possible to teach around the world, but it may just limit your options. Before setting your heart on a destination, I would do some thorough research. Dave's ESL Cafe is a really good place to get information from TEFL teachers already out there.

http://www.eslcafe.com/

Hope that helps!

You're welcome.

Japan is for GRADUATES ONLY! However, from what I read somewhere (a while ago), it is possible to teach in Japan after 3 years of ESL/EFL teaching. Contacting the embassy of the country you want to go to should clarify things officially.

All the best,

Lee.

Thank you Madlee and Spiwak, it all helps feeling a little lost trying to work this out on my own... i will for sure be email your friend Lee thank you again Im really wanting to teach in Japan and China to start..  what is it like it China ?

I understand your frustration. I've been through it myself.

You may find that much of the time, the Bachelor's degree in jobs listings is standard practice, so you shoulf apply anyway.

It is LOCAL/PROVINCIAL rules that prevent non-graduate teachers working. This is especially so in the South and areas where there is an abundance of foreign teachers. I was asked to produce a fake degree to work in Shanghai. I refused to do that. I ended up working in the North East (Harbin) where degrees aren't essential.

The whole graduates are better than non-graduates is a fallacy that needs to be quelled. Maybe then, the ELT industry will be an equal opportunity employer.

If you want help, an ex colleague and good friend of mine runs a recruitment company in Qingdao. She may be able to advise you. www.qmccr.com. Ask for Sally. She's South African, and works with a Chinese partner, Mandy. Say, Lee sent you. I won't get any comission, but it's nice to let them know how people get in contact with them.

You will not have to pay any placement or other fees when using their services, ever! Getting a jos should be free and without charge.

All the best,

Lee.

There are other countries aside from China if you're willing.  I do not have a degree and I understand your frustration COMPLETELY!!  
However, it is possible. I just landed my first job in Ukraine and I don't have a degree.  Without a degree you just don't have as many options unfortunately.  I can point you to some countries if you want help. 

Hey Amal,

Sorry for any confusion caused. You don't need a degree to teach in China (please see the criteria for a 'z' work visa here: http://www.visaforchina.org.uk/visaen/visaView.html?method=readNotify&notifyId=1110).

However, the partners that we work with in China DO request that you have a degree. This is their choice as a recruiter, however there are plenty of recruiters that don't require degrees. You might want to have a chat with Rin, who doesn't have a degree and is teaching in China at the minute: http://www.tefl-chalkboard.com/rin

There's also the option of doing the China internship in February, which you don't need a degree for: http://www.onlinetefl.com/teaching-internships/china/

If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call on +44(0)113 205 4896.