Work / Teaching English without a degree and any experience in Poland. [14]

Cześć everyone!

Here is my story:
I am 25 years old and would like to teach english in Poland. As a teenager, I openly expressed interest in my polish heritage, and was given a set of "Learning Polish" cassette tapes when I graduated high school. It was a very inspiring gift, indeed! Since then, I have been studying on my own, using "Teach Yourself" books, watching polish films and tv, and making friends with polish immigrants who give my great support and encouragement to learn and travel. I have been working at a retail job for much of this time, and have reached a point in my life where I would like to do something a little more fulfilling. I see teaching english as a foreign language as the perfect opportunity, because I know the impact a teacher can have on the life of a student.

I have been researching TEFL websites and forums like these to gain information, and much to my disappointment, the necessity for a bachelor's degree seems to be a pivotal factor toward gaining employment. I recognize the importance of some kind of education, since employers understandably do not want to hire just anybody. My problem is: I have the drive, but lack the money. I come from a modest background, with one uncle who has graduated with a bachelor's degree, and is still paying off his debts at the age of 43. I very much believe that the borrower is servant to the lender, and would hate to get myself into a financial situation that I could not deal with. If I were to try and obtain one of these degrees, student loans would undoubtedly make up for the majority of my tuition payment, because applying for goverment grants would, at best, supplement the income I would otherwise be making at work (i.e. my rent would be paid, but not my tuition.)

Obtaining a TEFL certificate or the like seems to be a much more feasible goal. I have the means to pay for the certification, as well as the desire to throw myself into it, body and soul.

Here are my questions:

Does anyone here teach english without a degree?

Experience in teaching also seems to play a key factor in gaining employment. How does one start at ground zero?

If a bachelor's degree is a necessity, and I put myself through college, would I earn enough money teaching in Poland to survive and pay off tuition loans?

I have no need to make money "hand over fist." I find that life is much more simple when making an honest wage with room for occasional amenities. If I were to skip college and simply become an employed, TEFL certified teacher, what would life be like? Simple and honest, or shady and filled with anxiety?

I would be very grateful to anyone who could answer these questions.

Stokrotny dzięki!
Brandon