Internet is full of articles using the acronyms TEFL and TESOL interchangeably. This has led to widespread confusion leading to questions like, Is there any difference between TEFL and TESOL? IS TEFL certification better than TESOL? Which certification do I need to teach English abroad? If you too are on the same boat of questions, we have got all the answers for you.
Even though there are many overlapping similarities between TEFL and TESOL, they do differ to an extent.
What is TEFL?
TEFL is an acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is an internationally recognized and most sought-after certification you need when you want to travel overseas and teach English to students whose primary language is not English. An example of TEFL would be a teacher from the U.S. teaching English in Thailand, China, South Korea, etc.
Whether you are a new or experienced teacher looking for English teaching jobs abroad, a TEFL certificate will pave the road to many opportunities for you. Not only do you qualify for English teaching jobs abroad but a TEFL certificate also helps you stand out in interviews and often earn higher salaries with reputable schools.
What is TESOL?
TESOL is an acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. If you are interested in teaching English without limiting yourself to English or non-English speaking countries, this is the course for you. Being a certified TESOL instructor allows you to teach to non-native English speakers in United States, Canada, England and also in China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, etc.
It is important to note that while TESOL certification allows you to work domestically and internationally, it is not as widely recognized as TEFL when it comes to teaching English in non-English speaking countries.
TEFL or TESOL: Which is better for me?
Even though the terms are widely used interchangeably, we learnt that there are some key differences in both certifications. While TEFL certification only qualifies you to teach English in non-English speaking countries, a TESOL certificate does not restrict you as such. However, as TESOL is not as widely accepted internationally and can also be incompatible with some foreign curriculum plans, one needs to keep in mind where they plan to teach.
If you want to travel abroad to non-English speaking nations and teach there, a TEFL certificate is the right choice for you. If you want to teach domestically within English-speaking countries, choosing a TESOL course is the better choice.
The TEFL job market in China, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea is at an all-time high as the number of English learners grows exponentially every year. Therefore, if you are interested to live the dream of travelling abroad, experiencing new cultures while being financially stable by teaching, starting on a TEFL course is the right direction. TEFL courses can be undertaken in person or online any time throughout the year. If you have already undertaken the course and are preparing for interviews, you can also take a look at our TEFL interview tips here.
As people’s desire to learn English spikes every year, choosing the right TEFL or TESOL certification courses is the best way to get qualified to teach and make a difference.
