Let’s put it this way – if you were investing in foreign language courses, would you knowingly employ a well-meaning amateur, or someone who knows their stuff?
The answer is obvious.

Although there are plenty of countries where you can get a job teaching English without qualifications, the fact is that the bulk of quality employers with quality establishments (and that translates into the best payers) now require teachers to have a minimum of a TEFL certificate. Generally though, your ability to get a worthwhile teaching position will be dependent on TEFL certification AND a first degree. Others may even require a Master’s degree in TEFL or similar. Don’t be so shocked - you are, after all, entering a profession.

All this is well and good, but what if you do not intend to pursue the profession beyond your gap year or beyond your travels? If you can get a job without a TEFL certificate, why bother getting one? Well, the fact that you can speak a language does not mean you can teach it.

Grammar Issues

First of all, there is the mechanics of the language - grammar. Most people grow up using a language totally oblivious to its intricacies and structure. Ask five of your friends what a verb, noun, pronoun, and gerund are, and the likelihood is you will get dismal results. For people from non-English speaking countries who are learning English, grammar underpins what they learn in the classroom. It teaches the fundamental rules of English and enables them to manipulate the language, reassured of the fact they are not going to make a blatant mistake.