List of Countries That Don't Require a Bachelor's Degree to Obtain a Work Visa?

Hi There,

First off, sorry for the long title ;).

I'll be completing the Global TESOL program in the next few days, and will be starting the job hunt soon afterward. It has recently come to my attention that it is the policy of many countries, not the individual schools themselves, that in order for one to obtain a work visa, they must hold a bachelor's degree. I should have done my homework earlier, because now this is worrying me a bit. I currently hold a 2-year diploma from a polytechnic school, and have 1 semester of university under my belt. I'm taking some time off from university as I'm unsure what I want to do with my life, and thought teaching English for awhile would be a great experience while I figure it out.

So, any suggestions for countries that are more relaxed when it comes to work visas? I'm very open and not picky at all. I know wherever I end up will give me a worthwhile experience. Thanks for the help!

Adam

Hello Adam,
Good Question.. I finished my course in May and have been looking pretty hard for a one year contract. Don't get too worried yet...... To help answer your question here is my list of some countries that I have found that need a B.A.
South Korea, Japan, Thailand(?). I haven't yet contacted the consulate for the all countries I am interested in. I am looking towards the southeast Asia area.. China should be accepting a 2 year Diploma with no problems..

it would be nice if our school would post it somewhere, but it should be in the employment handbook somewhere.

Alan D

Thanks Alan! Yeah I'm pretty sure Thailand requires a bachelor's. It seems the majority of Asian countries do (China being a major exception).

I just read that Indonesia doesn't require a degree. Definitely going to look into that!

Good luck on your search and let me know if you find anything!

Hey Adam,

I had the same problem myself when looking for a job. I'm not in N.E. China in a city called Changchun. Even most cities (the larger ones) in China require a degree. I wanted to work in Beijing/Shanghai, but wasn't able to land a position without a degree, but Changchun is close enough to travel there.

If you'd like some help in coming to China feel free to contact me. I've been helping my school hire enthusiastic and
qualified teachers.

shellyyy.vo@gmail.com

Thanks for the info Shelly! I will definitely consider it :).

Hubei Jingmen Foreign Language School doesn't need a degree. TESOL certificate and high school diploma is enough. If interested, write to Katherine at jmfls@sina.com

China "technically" does not require a degree if you are working in schools in smaller cities. If you have experience you can get work in big centers like Shanghai and Beijing these days, but you will likely be working on a tourist visa "ummm, not legally, but working..."

The laws in China are changing. Sooner than later degrees will be required, so get over now while you can. As the economy here booms and grows exponentially, so will the amount of international workers looking for immigration here. Like in the past when Chinese people would look to immigrate in huge numbers to western countries for the opportunities, already the same is happening in China from other Asian and African nations.

So for now, yes, China is definitely doable without a degree, but it wont stay that way.