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What is TEFL?

Knowledge of the English language and the ability to speak it fluently have both become valuable commodities.

As the demand for English language skills increases, so too does the demand for teachers.

The standard, international qualification required for this position is either a TEFL or TESOL certificate. With this certification you’re able to take advantage of your English skills and use them to find meaningful and exciting employment around the world.

TEFL International’s certification courses provide you with all the training and every skill needed to find a great teaching position nearly anywhere on the planet.

What is TEFL/TESOL?

This is the question we find ourselves answering most often. These acronyms, as well as others, can be rather confusing, especially considering they’re used interchangeably. In response to this, we’ve provided a list of acronyms that will hopefully clarify the differences between their meanings:

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language

This term is mainly used when English is being taught in a country where it isn't the native language (i.e. teaching English to Italians in Italy).

TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language

This is used where English is being taught to non-native speakers of English in a country where it is the native language (i.e. teaching immigrants to the USA/Australia).

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

This term is thought to encompasses both of the above.

ELT - English Language Teaching

This term is mainly used by institutions in the U.K.

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