Teaching English in Asia: questions and answers
What China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and other Asian markets ask for, and where an LCT TEFL fits. Below are 10 questions people ask Google and AI assistants, each answered directly in a few sentences.
Do I need a degree to teach English in China?
For the standard work visa, generally yes: a bachelor's degree, a clean background check and either a 120-hour TEFL or two years' experience, and foreign English teachers are usually expected to be native-speaker nationals.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 120-hour Certificate meets the TEFL part of the requirement; it cannot change the degree or nationality rules.
Can I teach in South Korea with an online TEFL?
Yes, many hagwons accept online TEFL certificates. The E-2 visa itself requires a degree and citizenship of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or South Africa.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 120-hour Certificate fits the TEFL expectation; adding the Young Learners course suits Korea's child-heavy market.
Is TEFL required to teach in Japan?
Not always. A bachelor's degree is needed for a work visa, and a TEFL strengthens applications to conversation schools, ALT companies and business English roles.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's Certificate or Diploma, plus Business English for corporate roles, strengthens a Japan application.
Can non-native speakers teach English in Vietnam?
Yes. Vietnam hires many fluent non-native teachers, usually with a degree and a TEFL certificate for the work permit.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 120-hour Certificate meets the TEFL requirement, and Young Learners helps because much demand is from children.
What do I need to teach English in Thailand?
Usually a bachelor's degree and a 120-hour TEFL for the work permit and teacher licence; schools and language centres are the main employers.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 120-hour Certificate meets the TEFL requirement, and LCT has an office in Bangkok for local contact.
Can I teach English in Cambodia without a degree?
Often yes. Many private language schools in Cambodia hire teachers with a TEFL certificate and good English but no degree.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma have no degree requirement, so Cambodia is a realistic route for non-graduates.
What are the requirements to teach English in Taiwan?
Taiwan generally requires a bachelor's degree for teaching work; TEFL is widely expected by language schools (buxibans).
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's TEFL meets the certificate expectation; the degree requirement is separate.
What are the requirements to teach English in Hong Kong?
Employers usually want a bachelor's degree, often in English, and a 120-hour TEFL; many prefer teaching experience.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's Certificate or Diploma meets the TEFL part; the PG Diploma suits graduates aiming for more competitive roles.
Can I teach English in Indonesia or Malaysia?
Yes. Both usually want a bachelor's degree and a 120-hour TEFL (Malaysia sometimes CELTA), with experience preferred.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's 120-hour Certificate meets the TEFL expectation; if a Malaysian employer insists on CELTA, LCT's course will not substitute.
Which Asian country is best for a first TEFL job?
Vietnam and Thailand are popular first jobs because demand is high and non-native teachers are hired; Korea and Japan suit native speakers with degrees; Cambodia suits those without a degree.
How London College of Teachers meets this: LCT's online Certificate lets you study before you go and arrive ready to apply in any of these markets.
More TEFL questions
- TEFL basics
- Choosing a TEFL course and level
- TEFL course fees and payment
- Eligibility and admission
- Studying online and assessment
- Certificate and recognition
- TEFL jobs and salary
- Teaching English online
- Teaching English abroad
- TEFL in India
- Choosing a TEFL provider
- What a TEFL course should cover
- Teaching practice and classroom readiness
- Teaching English in the Middle East and Africa
- Teaching English in Europe and the Americas
- TEFL career growth
- TEFL specialisms
- Contracts, visas and moving abroad
- Studying online successfully
