What is TEFL?

Global use of the English language is rapidly growing in many sectors of society, from international business and commerce to the world of the arts and media. This continued growth in the use of English around the world has led to an ever increasing demand for teachers who are qualified to teach English to non-native English speakers.

The internationally accepted qualification that is required to become an English language teacher is the TEFL or TESOL certificate. Once you have gained this qualification you will be able to use your knowledge of the English language to teach it virtually anywhere around the world. Our training courses are designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge so you can provide the best quality English language lessons in any location that you desire.

Abbreviations/Acronyms Explained

The TEFL world is full of numerous abbreviations and acronyms that can cause much confusion amongst trainee teachers. Below we have provided some basic definitions that should help to clear up any confusion.

TEFL – (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

This term is generally used to refer to the process of teaching the English language in countries where English is not the main language (for example, teaching English to Spanish people in Spain).

TESL – (Teaching English as a Second Language)

This term is generally used to refer to the process of teaching the English language to non-English speakers in a country where English is the main language (for example, teaching English to French people who have migrated to the UK or the USA).

TESOL – (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

This term is generally used to cover both the above terms.

ELT – (English Language Teaching)

This term is also used to refer to the general process of teaching English to non-native speakers but is mainly utilised by UK based organisations.

Note: Regardless of the many different definitions, TEFL and TESOL are generally used interchangeably to refer to the same thing. Equally, employers do not generally make a distinction between a TEFL certificate and a TESOL certificate.