Can a non-native English speaker teach abroad?

Is it true that language schools only hire native speakers?

Unfortunately, a large number of companies do give preference to teachers for whom English is their native language. Moreover, some organizations select candidates based on the place of birth, which should be included in the unspoken list of English-speaking countries. As a rule, this list includes such countries as: Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. But what is even more interesting is the fact that such lists exclude India and the Philippines, countries in which English is considered the official language of the state.

Problems with obtaining a visa

Fortunately, there are other countries where non-native teachers can teach: South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Indonesia. However, here there is a difficulty in obtaining a work visa, due to a number of requirements for English teachers from the state.

Why does such discrimination occur? The answer is pretty simple. These countries are constantly in need of experienced teachers, and a native teacher is an excellent guarantee that the teacher is really fluent in the language.

Can I teach abroad if I am not a native English speaker?

Being a native speaker does not mean being a professional teacher. It takes talent to be a good teacher. And it is highly qualified "fans of their business" that will always be in demand.

And in addition to countries that prefer English-speaking teachers, there are about 180 other places where you can work teaching English without being a native speaker.

In this case, you even have advantages:

• You understand the language from the point of view of the learner, because you yourself were once in his place.
• You yourself have encountered the problem of understanding grammar, and now you can clearly explain the use of articles and prepositions.
• You can explain the pronunciation of words even better than English-speaking teachers, because you act from knowledge, not on a hunch.

Use your strengths and don't forget to mention them in the interview.

Countries where you can teach English without being a native speaker

We have selected 8 countries with decent conditions and opportunities for English teachers for whom English is not native.

Cambodia

This is not only an exotic and mysterious country, but also an excellent option for self-realization for teachers. The visa requirements of Cambodia do not include the possession of international certificates, nor a diploma of higher education, nor a passport of an EU citizen. But do not forget that having qualifications such as TEFL / TESOL will be your big advantage

The salary here is lower than in Thailand or Vietnam, about $1000-1200, however, the costs are corresponding, $600-1100 per month.

Turkey

Turkey is an ideal place for teachers from Europe and for teachers from other countries with a higher education diploma. This wonderful and hospitable country will gladly accept applicants from Central and South America. It is worth noting that the prices here are quite reasonable. For example, the average salary of an English teacher in Turkey ranges from $1000-1800, while the monthly expenses are $500-600.

Read more about working as an English teacher in Turkey here.

Thailand

Incredible Thailand is considered the best teaching place for non-native speakers. Compared to Vietnam and South Korea, wages are somewhat lower, around $850-2500, and monthly expenses include $1000-2000. Prices vary greatly depending on the location relative to the capital, so in the north of the country you can save a lot on housing.

What you need to start working in Thailand:

• Diploma of Higher Education;
• Over 600 scores for the TOEIC or over 5 for IELTS.
• TEFL/TESOL international qualifications are not visa requirements, but will have a significant impact on salary.

Read more about teaching English in Thailand here.

China

A good option with great history and amazing sights for non-English speaking teachers. Most of all, teachers are attracted by financial opportunities, because China has rather high salaries and a low cost of living. A teacher can earn from $1200 to $3500 per month, while spending about $380-1000 on the necessary things.

The demand for English teachers in China is growing every year. Almost every family is interested in their child speaking English. Many Chinese employers offer lessons for children in the garden, through games and songs, and are willing to pay handsomely for it.

To work in China officially, it is desirable to meet the following requirements:

• have a diploma of higher education in any specialty.
• pass one of the exams: TOEFL, SAT or ACT.

Read more about working as an English teacher in China here.

Japan

Japan is one of the most beautiful and unforgettable countries for teaching English. Non-native speakers must be prepared to undergo a rigorous selection process. Preference is given to candidates who have completed their secondary or higher education in an English-speaking country. And for those who fit these criteria, good financial conditions have been prepared. Teachers in Japan earn between $1,700 and $5,000 a month, and the cost of living is about $1,300-2,200.

Read about working as an English teacher in Japan here.

South and Central America

Here teachers, for whom English is a non-native language, are waiting for a huge choice of jobs. The best places are collected in Latin America: Chile, Costa Rica, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Panama and Peru.

Fortunately, for official employment, only a certificate confirming the qualification of a teacher, CELTA or TEFL/TESOL is required. Online certificates are also indisputable proof of the teacher's competence.

It should be borne in mind that the level of wages and necessary expenses vary greatly and depend on the specific country.

Europe

Financial conditions and living standards in European countries vary by location, but on average, teachers can expect $900-1800 per month.

Conditions for teachers from non-English speaking countries are not strict:

• higher education;
• a certificate confirming the qualification, usually TEFL or CELTA.

Which companies hire non-native speakers to teach online?

Distance learning is a great opportunity for those who are not ready to move abroad. On average, an hour of English is paid $10-20 per hour.

Unfortunately, here you can also find companies that prefer the British and Americans: VIPKid Magic Ears and Gogokid.

We have selected 7 online companies where they will be happy to meet an experienced teacher, regardless of nationality and citizenship:

• Italki;
• engoo;
• All right;
• Topica Native;
• fluentbe;
• learnlight;
• Preply.

As a rule, such schools operate on online platforms, using additional programs such as Zoom or Skype as a video call.

We can highlight the general requirements for working in these online schools:

• fluency in the language;
• work experience;
• necessary equipment: laptop, headphones and stable Internet.

italki

This is a platform where students can independently choose the teacher they like. That is why, the main and important criterion is a spectacular video business card in the teacher's profile. Such a presentation will help students imagine how the lessons will be with you and what they can learn from you.

Teachers from non-English speaking countries should be prepared to prove their high level of language (C2 ) with the appropriate documents.

Various programs such as FaceTime or Google Hangouts. Here, teachers independently determine their work schedule and wages. But you need to be prepared for the fact that Italki charges a commission of 15% from each student payment. The advantage is that this does not apply to trial lessons.

Engoo

Engoo, or formerly Bibo Global Opportunity, is a service where teachers teach students from Japan and Taiwan via video conferencing.

The company does not require a certificate of high knowledge of the language, because it will have to be demonstrated at the interview, however, the fact of passing international exams will be a significant plus for the candidate. Work experience is also not a prerequisite, but would be an advantage.

The schedule can be managed independently and work at any time of the day. An indisputable plus is that there is no minimum number of lessons per week that the teacher must work out. The lesson lasts 25 minutes, and the next 5 go for a break.

Pay $10 per hour.

Topica Native

Since most of the students are adults interested in spoken English, the school provides freedom of choice in learning through the Google class.

The teacher chooses hours convenient for work in the interval from 3 pm to 6 am Moscow time. It is necessary to conduct a minimum of 16 lessons per week for 45 minutes.

The candidate must have knowledge at the Proficiency. The school has a ranking system, each teacher is assigned a rating, which depends on experience and qualifications, and affects the rate.

All right

Online school teaching children from 4 to 12 years old from different countries, especially from Italy, Poland, Russia and Spain.

Employment requirements are very affordable:

• higher education;
• experience working with children;
• TEFL/TESOL certificate.

Interestingly, here teachers are divided into 3 categories and are paid according to the group to which they belong:

• standard;
• native;
• near-native.

The duration of the lessons is 25-55 minutes, and the cost of an hour is from $8-12.

Fluentbe

Online school for adult students from Poland. Fortunately, the only condition for employment is teaching experience of at least 1 year. Well, if you have achievements in the online field, be sure to mention them.

Financial conditions are average for the market, $ 10 per hour, where employees set their own working hours.

Learnlight

Students at Learlight are entrepreneurs and managers from more than 100 countries who are interested in business English focused on a narrow topic, so the requirements here are appropriate.

The candidate must have:

• one of the documents confirming competence (TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, EPE, FLE, DAEFLE, DELE, ELE, DaF, DITALS);
• 2 years teaching experience;
• learning business English will be a significant advantage.

Rates are discussed individually with each candidate, but on average from $12 to $14 per hour. Conducting a minimum of 10 lessons per week is a prerequisite for the school.

Preply

Another convenient service for the work of English teachers from all over the world. You will have the opportunity to independently schedule lessons and set the price.

Here the principle works, the more lessons you teach, the more you earn. The platform takes a 100% commission for the first paid lesson, but do not rush to get upset. With each subsequent lesson with the same student, the commission will decrease, in the range of 33-18%.

Such a system motivates teachers to build a friendly atmosphere with old students and stick to certain working hours with new ones. According to the platform, becoming one of the most popular teachers can earn about $550 per week.

*To view detailed information about the vacancy and apply, go to the website of the online school you are interested in using the links.

How to get a job anywhere?

If you notice, then the invariable and basic requirement of many institutions is the presence of a TEFL / TESOL certificate.

In order to become a highly qualified specialist and a sought-after teacher, you need to take only 4 steps:

1. Join an online course and access materials. The procedure will take no more than 2 minutes.
2. Complete the course by studying the materials. All you need is a computer and a stable internet connection.
3. The minimum course lasts 120 hours. This means that every 2-3 weeks you will go through the module passing tests.
4. Once you have passed all the modules and completed the assignments, you will receive a personalized certificate with the end date of the course and a unique identification number.

What are the benefits TEFL/TESOL certificate:

• you will become a true member of the international community of teachers;
• improve language skills and teaching;
• will be a priority in the list of job applicants;
• you can increase your income.

We offer you to take advantage of a special offer to get a TEFL/TESOL certificate with a 50% discount. Go to the main page of this portal for details.

Conclusion

If you're still asking yourself, "Can I teach if I'm not a native?" The answer is: “Yes, of course!”. As you can see, there are quite a few places in the world that will gladly hire an experienced teacher, without attaching great importance to the place of birth or native language.

Be sure that you are a worthy teacher if:

• You have a high level of English and can demonstrate it at the interview;
• Do you have experience in teaching?
• You have international TEFL/TESOL certificates confirming your right to teach English as a foreign language. This item is key if you want to significantly increase your income and work with foreign employers. Moreover, it will greatly facilitate the process of employment.
• You are aware of current trends. Stay up to date with language changes, join teaching communities, improve your skills, and find interesting materials for students.

We hope that our recommendations will be useful for you and will bring visible results. Start small and take the first step towards a brilliant career in education. If you are going to work abroad, be sure to check the entry rules in connection with COVID-19.