Thank you 😊 🙏

***EDIT: Despite writing such a long original post 😅 it's seems I missed out some significant context, which may explain why a few people told me I was overthinking 🤣 Rather than reposting, I'll just add it here...

I haven't started teaching online yet. This is a new career change. I have applied to 2 reputable educational platforms and been accepted, and have profiles ready to activate. Due to personal reasons, and also studying a degree, I have not delivered any actual lessons yet. It can take a while to build up regular students (nowadays the general consensus is there is more teachers than student sunfortunately)... So the reason for asking whether to mention my English Degree in my cover letter or not, is because Febuary is only 4 months away and I may not have much proof of portfolio by then. Do any of you know if this will be an issue? I can't go down the soft power route as I wouldn't have time to attend classes, although it seems a little unfair as that route doesn't require any proof of income at all 😅😅

Much appreciated 🙏

Thanks 🙏 If you don't ask, you don't know (or learn) ☺️

@Andrew ***********

interesting how you've now deleted all your responses. To address your reply: I have been to Thailand 5 times over the last few years, and actually just got back from a trip to Bangkok a month ago where I did a little more on-the-ground research into living there...so I'm not sure why you assumed that I need to "take the trouble to visit"???!! Some people on here may move to a country they've never been to - please don't assume everyone is like that! Also, please don't give people misleading "expertise" (to use your sarcasm), when actually they may well be going down the correct route. And I haven't "just watched YouTube videos" 😅...more assumptions!! I have gained 2 accredited TEFL qualifications recently and am familiar with the process as a result of that. If I was naive and took what you originally posted as gospel, I'd have been in for a nasty surprise further down the line. Hence why you got a long reply. Maybe try helping, rather than getting defensive 🤷‍♀️? You clearly assumed I was clueless, and now you're assuming I've never visited Thailand 😅!! You could have responded in a polite adult manner, instead of writing "TLDR" (which you've also now deleted), but instead you're being uptight and unnecessarily rude - there's really no need. I know the industry is corrupt as you say, a lot of things are in Thailand (& other countries)..but formal applications, visas, work permits, etc legally require a degree. I don't fancy worming around loopholes. And an expat (one of many I speak to) who's lived in Bangkok for 9 years teaching in a school, is not a "gatekeeper" as you called it - that's real life, you plum 😅! I know dealing with the schools directly is better, but I can't afford to "wing it" once I get there. I will be a better teacher for it come the end of my degree, and have higher paying opportunities and slightly more security. The chances of landing a job without a degree are very slim and too much of a risk once I've put my life into 3 suitcases. If I decide to teach in another country (95% of which require a degree), then I will have that option too. I'm not saying it's a perfect dream-like career/industry nor that it's impossible to be a teacher withouta degree...but you can't land a legitimate ESL job with zero qualifications nowadays. 5-10+yrs ago maybe, but you and I both know it's not that easy anymore. I'm trying to opt for the most "peaceful" route possible 🙏 Trust me I wouldn't be doing a degree at my age if it was easier not to 😅! We could have had a mature conversation about this, rather than all your assumptions and attitude. I don't give people advice on things I don't know enough about because that isn't fair on them, hence coming on here to ask knowledgeable people about my DTV cover letter. If you were genuinely trying to help, rather than assuming I was clueless, then you could have worded your comment better, because unfortunately it came across differently. If on the other hand, you don't care...then I'm not sure why you're being uptight 🤷‍♀️ I am well aware writing online can be misconstrued, but if as you say you can't be bothered to read my reply, nor have a genuine exchange, then why bother continuing to make assumptions about me?? Have a nice day 🙏

@Andrew ***********

it's not a complicated route, it's the legal correct route...which I have spent the past 6 months thoroughly researching and speaking to expats who actually teach in Thailand. I'm not sure if you are familiar with how teaching works in Thailand (saying "maybe not even that" indicates you're not), but to get a formal job in a school you need a degree 🙂 All formal teaching job adverts request a degree to apply. Your comment shows you aren't familiar with the hiring process 🙂 It is a legal requirement to have a degree for sponsoring the work permit and getting a work visa for teaching in a school. Some small rural schools may hire you unofficially, and you may be able to bypass the legal requirements, but they are few & far between and the pay & conditions would be terrible because they know you'd be desperate, and ultimately it wouldn't be legal. Online TEFL alone is certainly not enough, unless you're volunteering or working unofficially/private tutoring. Cambodia is one of the few countries left that doesn't require a degree to become a teacher, but a TEFL qualification is a minimum requirement and you will be in competition with degree holders and your pay will be very low 🙂 The days of popping to Thailand with no qualifications and simply getting a job as a teacher, are long gone. Crack-downs and school checks also happen more frequently now, things are stricter than they were before unfortunately and it's not worth living a life of looking over your shoulder or barely scraping by. I have just gained 2 TEFL qualifications with a reputable online institution - trust me, it's not a complicated route, it's the necessary route and it makes sense given the DTV is 5 years and my degree will take 5yrs 🙂 The days of cheap non-accredited Groupon TEFL courses getting you hired, are also a thing of the past. You can't just get a TEFL course and get hired formally in a school, as you claim. I don't have a degree, so I'm currently studying for one online. I can gain it entirely remotely, whilst working for an online educational platform (very few left that accept people without a degree & pay is much lower) part-time, whilst I complete my degree. All whilst living in Thailand on the correct visa & gaining experience 🙂 Then come the end of my degree, I'll be able to apply for a formal role as a proper teacher in a school. A lot of the time they don't even care what field your degree was in, but a degree is required 😅 Literally tons of info online and youtube videos about this very clearly explaing the need for a degree to teach in Thailand formally. Hope this helps 🙏

@Andrew ***********

I already have 2 TEFL qualifications and teach online on platforms that allow you to apply without a degree. To teach officially/legally in a school in Thailand I need a degree. Hence completing my degree online part-time, whilst I work remotely part-time, then at the end of it I'll have the degree necessary to teach in a school, plus my TEFL qualifications, and will get a proper work visa & permit. Or I can continue teaching online on platforms that require a degree, for better pay 🙏

Anonymous participant 568 Ok thanks for the advice 🙏

Thanks everyone! I presumed they wouldn't care, but thought it sensible to check so I don't find myself having to re-apply unnecessarily if I didn't provide enough... I've seen people on here mentioning that they added additional things to boost their application to be on the safe side and others commented that it can't hurt, so I wanted to check with those of you who have more knowledge of this than me to avoid any rejections. Thanks for your wisdom & help. We all have to learn & start somewhere 🙂🙏

@Kool ******

ok thanks 🙏

@John *********

ok thanks 🙏