Navigating the Path to Teaching Abroad with an Online Degree

So, you’ve got your sights set on teaching English in East Asia, but your journey to a bachelor’s degree is taking a non-traditional route. You’re not alone. Many aspiring educators find themselves considering online degrees for their flexibility and pace, especially during life’s transitional phases. The big question lingers: Will an online degree hold you back from landing that dream job in Japan or Taiwan?

Let’s unpack the reality, focusing on what schools are truly looking for and how you can build a competitive application.

The Core Requirement: The Bachelor’s Degree Itself

First, the fundamental good news. For most teaching positions in Japan and Taiwan, the primary visa and employment requirement is simply holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The major is often less critical than the fact you have the credential.

• Your psychology degree is a significant asset. It demonstrates critical thinking, understanding of human behavior, and communication skills—all highly relevant to teaching.
• The mode of study (online vs. in-person) is frequently not specified in job advertisements. Schools are generally more concerned with the accreditation status of your university.

Perceptions and Practicalities in Hiring

While the degree itself is the key, perception can vary. Here’s a nuanced look:

• For Public Schools & Top-Tier Private Academies: These positions are more competitive. Hiring committees might have a slight preference for traditional degrees, but this is often overshadowed by other factors like teaching experience, your TEFL certification quality, and your performance in the interview/demo lesson.
• The Vast Majority of Private Language Schools: For the well-known chains and countless independent eikaiwa (conversation schools) in Japan or buxibans (cram schools) in Taiwan, the focus is on your ability to connect with students and deliver engaging lessons. Your personality, professionalism, and teaching readiness often weigh more heavily.

The crucial step? Ensure your degree is from a properly accredited university. If it is, you simply list “B.A. in Psychology” on your resume. You are not typically required to disclose it was earned online unless directly asked.

Building a Strong Application Beyond the Degree

Your degree is your ticket to apply, but your application is what wins the job. Here’s how to strengthen yours:

• Invest in a Robust TEFL Certificate: A 120+ hour certificate with a practical teaching component is the gold standard. It signals you have concrete skills, not just theoretical knowledge.
• Gain Any Teaching Experience: Tutor online, volunteer at a community center, or help friends. Document this. Real classroom anecdotes are invaluable in interviews.
• Tailor Your Psychology Background: Frame it as a strength. Mention how it helps you understand student motivation, manage classroom dynamics, and tailor your approach to different learners.
• Demonstrate Cultural Interest: Start learning the basics of Japanese or Mandarin. Be able to articulate why you want to live in that specific country beyond just “it seems cool.”

The Bottom Line: Your Plan is Viable

Pursuing an online degree in psychology to fast-track your goal of teaching abroad is a realistic and practical plan. It provides the essential credential while offering the flexibility you need now.

The market is vast. While a handful of elite institutions may be more selective, hundreds of schools are eager for enthusiastic, qualified teachers. Your success will hinge far more on how you present your skills and yourself than on the delivery method of your degree.

Use this time wisely. Earn that degree, get a quality TEFL cert, and start building your teaching portfolio. Your unique path might just give you the adaptability and determination that makes you a great teacher.