27/06/2011

The Difference Between TESL / TEFL / TEFOL / ELT Teaching Courses

Thinking about teaching English abroad? Confused about TEFL terminology? Get advice and feedback...

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
This term is predominantly used when English is being taught in a country where it isn't the native language (for example teaching English to Spanish people in Spain).

TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language.
This is where English is being taught to non-native speakers of English in a country where it is the native language (for example teaching emigrants to the UK/USA).

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
This term theoretically encompasses both of the above.

ELT - English Language Teaching.
This term is mainly used by institutions in the U.K.

Whilst there are slight differences in theory, these terms are often used interchangeably. It should not make any real difference to your future career and job prospects whether you receive a TEFL certificate or a TESOL certificate.

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