What Is TESOL? Is It the Same as TEFL?
You’ve been doing your research into getting certified to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL) and you keep also running across the term TESOL. So, what is TESOL? Is the certification the same as TEFL, or is it different? The short answer is, although there is a subtle difference in meaning, the terms TEFL and TESOL are usually used interchangeably when it comes to certification in teaching English.
Despite this common usage, however, there are actually differences in the meaning of these two terms. In this article, we’ll break down each acronym to explain those differences. We’ll also talk about TESOL requirements and other details of getting certified, such as cost, how long courses take, and whether TESOL certification expires.
Is TEFL the same as TESOL?
These two acronyms are umbrella terms for training courses offered online or in-person (or a blend of both) that prepare English language teachers. Although technically these terms have somewhat different meanings, when it comes to getting certified to teach English as a foreign language, or getting hired as a teacher, TEFL and TESOL are used interchangeably. In fact, when you’re shopping around for TEFL Courses, you may even see them described as “TEFL/TESOL courses.” Similarly, schools that hire teachers will make no distinction between the two. You might see an ad for a teaching job that requires “TEFL/TESOL certification,” for example.
Which is better?
In the context of getting certified and applying to jobs, one is not better than the other; they are simply two terms commonly used to describe the same certification. Yet, despite the fact that the terms are used interchangeably by most TEFL providers and language schools, a deeper look at what these acronyms stand for will explain the subtle difference between TEFL and TESOL.
What does TEFL stand for?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It refers to teaching English in a country where English is not a primary language (rather, it is a foreign language). An example of TEFL would be teaching English in China.
What does TESOL stand for?
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. meaning teaching English in a country where the primary language is English. An example of TESL would be teaching English to language learners in the U.S.
Why get TEFL/TESOL certified?
TEFL/TESOL certification is the primary qualification needed to teach English as a foreign language. Earning your TEFL/TESOL certification opens doors to English teaching jobs worldwide and online, creating opportunities for travel, cultural immersion, career advancement, and even high salaries, in some cases. The question is, why not TEFL/TESOL?!
• Become an effective English teacher. It takes more than the ability to speak the English language to effectively teach it to other people. TEFL certification courses teach you essential skills such as setting objectives and lesson planning, teaching nuances of English grammar, and managing student behavior. All of these skills will contribute to the success of the students you teach!
• Travel the world and earn money - A recognized TEFL/TESOL certification is your passport to the world, providing the opportunity to live in another country, rather than just pass through as a tourist. As a TEFL/TESOL teacher, you can gain deeper insight into your host culture, become part of a community, and make a living at the same time! TEFL/TESOL-certified teachers can also teach English online which creates opportunities to become a digital nomad, working from anywhere!
• Improve your resume - While TEFL/TESOL certification will, of course, lead to English teaching jobs certification also offers opportunities for professional development to enhance your resume. You can specialize your TEFL/TESOL training in a high-demand area, such as teaching Young Learners/Teens, Teaching Online, or Teaching Business English, among others.
• Develop a career - Employers in a variety of fields value candidates that are flexible, take the initiative, and can adapt to new situations – all skills that you will develop by getting TEFL/TESOL certified and teaching English. Teaching English can lead to a variety of long-term careers in EFL, either abroad or at home.
• Change your life - Whether you’re a recent college grad who wants to see the world, a mid-career professional looking to take a break from the rat race, or someone who would simply like to experience another culture, TEFL/TESOL makes it possible. With the new insights into yourself and the world, you’ll likely gain a more expansive, global perspective.
• Change the world - Lastly, TEFL/TESOL enables you to empower people around the world with English skills that can lead to better jobs or achieving academic or personal goals. Knowledge of English also enables people to participate more effectively in the global community; by giving them a tool to express their opinions in an international forum, you’ll contribute to multicultural communication and the spread of cultural tolerance.
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