TEFL Myths That Stop People From Teaching Abroad — And Why They’re Wrong (2025 Guide)

The biggest misconceptions about TEFL and the truth behind them.

Introduction: Don’t Let TEFL Myths Stop You From Changing Your Life

Thinking about teaching abroad or online?
You’re not alone — and you’re not the only one who’s heard things like:

❌ “You need to be a grammar expert.”
❌ “You can’t teach without a degree.”
❌ “Only native speakers get jobs.”
❌ “TEFL jobs don’t pay well.”
❌ “Online teaching is saturated.”

The problem?
Most of these “facts” are outdated, exaggerated, or completely false.

In this guide, we break down the most common TEFL myths holding people back — and reveal the real truth behind them.

Let’s clear the air.

Myth #1: “You Need Teaching Experience to Get Hired.”

❌ False — Most TEFL teachers start with zero experience.

The TEFL industry is built for beginners.
Schools know you’re new.
Platforms know you’re new.

What they care about is:
✔ your TEFL training
✔ your attitude
✔ your communication skills
✔ your reliability

Experience makes things easier later, but it’s not required.

Truth:
A TEFL certificate already is your experience.

Myth #2: “You Must Be a Grammar Expert to Teach English.”

❌ False — TEFL teaches you everything you need.

Most native speakers and fluent speakers can’t explain grammar rules — that’s normal.

A good TEFL course trains you to teach grammar clearly and simply:

Present simple
Past tense
Conditionals
Articles
Pronunciation
Common learner mistakes

You don’t need to know everything — just how to teach the basics.

Truth:
Grammar is taught step-by-step, and you don’t need to memorise a textbook.

Myth #3: “Only Native English Speakers Can Teach Abroad.”

❌ False — Non-native speakers teach all over the world.

Countries like:

Cambodia
Vietnam
Thailand
Mexico
Argentina
Colombia
Spain
Eastern Europe

…actively hire fluent non-native speakers.

What schools really want:

✔ strong English ability
✔ TEFL certification
✔ confidence
✔ good communication skills

Truth:
Millions of non-native speakers have successful TEFL careers.

Myth #4: “You Need a Degree to Teach Abroad.”

❌ False — Many countries hire non-degree teachers.

You can teach without a degree in countries like:

Cambodia
Mexico
Laos
Some areas of Thailand
Some Vietnam schools
Nicaragua
Costa Rica

Online platforms like Preply, Cambly, and Italki don’t require degrees either.

Truth:
A degree helps, but it’s not a universal requirement.

Myth #5: “TEFL Jobs Don’t Pay Well.”

❌ False — Many TEFL teachers save $500–$1,500/month.

Countries like:

🇻🇳 Vietnam — $1,500–$2,200/month
🇰🇷 South Korea — $1,800–$3,000/month + free housing
🇨🇳 China — $2,000–$4,200/month
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — $3,000–$4,500/month
🇦🇪 UAE — $3,000–$5,500/month

Plus online teaching can pay extremely well when you build a student base.

Truth:
TEFL can be a high-income path if you choose the right country.

Myth #6: “Online English Teaching Is Too Competitive Now.”

❌ False — Demand is still exploding worldwide.

Platforms like Preply, Italki, AmazingTalker, and Cambly are hiring more teachers than ever.

Why?

✔ adults want online lessons
✔ kids need after-school English
✔ companies invest in online business English
✔ Covid-era remote learning became permanent
✔ global internet access is rising fast

Truth:
Online teaching is still one of the most accessible global jobs.

Myth #7: “TEFL Courses Are All the Same.”

❌ False — Employers care about accreditation & hours.

A cheap unaccredited 20-hour TEFL from random marketplaces?
Worthless.

But an accredited 120-hour TEFL is accepted worldwide.

What matters is:

Accreditation
Number of hours
Quality of training
Support and job guidance

Truth:
Not all TEFLs are equal — choose an accredited provider.

Myth #8: “You Need to Speak the Local Language to Teach.”

❌ False — You teach English in English.

This is called the immersion method, and it’s more effective.

Schools expect:

simple English
gestures
visuals
games
TPR (Total Physical Response)

You do not need to speak Khmer, Thai, or Vietnamese.

Truth:
Speaking the local language is optional, not required.

Myth #9: “Teaching Kids Is Too Difficult.”

❌ False — With TEYL training, it becomes natural.

Kids are energetic — but they’re also:

✔ enthusiastic
✔ fun
✔ imaginative
✔ fast learners
✔ rewarding to teach

TEYL training gives you:

games
songs
classroom management
flashcard techniques
lesson structures

Truth:
Kids are often the easiest and most fun learners once you know the methods.

Myth #10: “It’s Too Late to Start a TEFL Career.”

❌ False — TEFL teachers come in all ages.

Schools hire teachers aged:

18–60+
Fresh graduates
Career changers
Digital nomads
Retired professionals

Your age is rarely a barrier.

Truth:
If you can communicate well and enjoy helping others, you can teach.

Myth #11: “TEFL Is Only for Travel — It’s Not a Real Career.”

❌ False — TEFL can become a long-term profession.

Many teachers move into:

curriculum design
teacher training
academic management
online teaching businesses
international school positions
corporate English training

Some even open their own English centres.

Truth:
TEFL is a legitimate career path with real progression.

Myth #12: “TEFL Is Too Expensive.”

❌ False — It pays for itself in your first month of teaching.

Most TEFL teachers make their course fee back immediately.

Example:
Vietnam — $1,700/month
Thailand — $1,100/month
Online — $15–$25/hour

Truth:
TEFL is one of the cheapest career qualifications in the world.

Conclusion: Don’t Let TEFL Myths Stop You From Your Future

Most fears about TEFL are outdated, exaggerated, or completely false.

The truth is:

✔ You can teach without experience
✔ You can earn good money
✔ You can teach online
✔ You can teach abroad without a degree (in many places)
✔ You can start at any age
✔ You can build a career

All you need is confidence — and the right training.

Ready to get started?

Get your internationally accredited TEFL/TESOL certificate and begin teaching online or abroad with confidence.

✔ Perfect for beginners
✔ Globally recognised
✔ No experience needed
✔ Instant certificate

👉 Enroll today and start your TEFL journey.