TESL vs TEFL: Which Is Right for Your Teaching Career?

In our globalised world, English is the language people use to talk to each other, learn, and do business. So, the need for qualified English teachers continues to rise, both online and in other countries. You may have heard of the words TESL and TEFL if you’re considering becoming an English teacher.

At first glance, these names might seem to be the same thing, but they’re not. They talk about different training situations and lead to different job opportunities. How do you pick the right one?

These blogs will talk about the differences between TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and help you pick the course that fits your goals and needs the best.

What does TEFL mean?

To teach English as a foreign language is what TEFL means. It is the most sought-after credential for people who want to teach English in places where it is not their first language. Teachers with a TEFL certification often teach English to people who are learning it for the first time abroad or online.

• The best things about a TEFL career are the chances to teach in Asia, Europe, South America, and online.
• This option is perfect for people who want to work and travel abroad.
• This platform is ideal for websites such as VIPKid, iTutorGroup, and Cambly, which facilitate online English teaching.

What Does TESL Mean?

To teach English as a second language is what TESL means. We designed it to help people who don’t speak English as their first language learn English while living in English-speaking countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, or Australia. These language learners might be newcomers or refugees who are trying to fit in by learning the language.

• Some of the best jobs in TESL are in public schools, community centres, and adult education programs.
• Help students figure out how to live their daily lives in an English-speaking country.
• Perfect for teachers who want to stay in their home country or move to a country where English is spoken

Which kind of TEFL certification should you pick?

• The location where you want to teach and the lifestyle you desire will determine your choice.
• TEFL is the best option if you want to teach abroad and learn about different countries.
• You want to work as an English teacher from home or online.
• You want certification choices that are easy to change.
• You want to start right away and don’t need a degree in teaching.
• Should you pick TESL? If you want to teach English in the US, Canada, or other English-speaking countries
• The job you want is in a public school or adult education centre.
• You want to work with people who are refugees or immigrants.
• You meet the local educational standards, which are frequently required for TESL jobs.

Find out where to get certified.

• The quality of your training is very important regardless of what road you choose. Find a school that:
• Internationally known
• Longer than 120 hours
• Includes tools for planning lessons and running the classroom
• Offers help with employment and tutoring

Recommended Provider: London College of Teachers (LCT) offers TEFL certification classes that recognize around the world and suit people who want to become teachers and work online or abroad. Their programs run completely online, allow students to study at any time, and include lifelong job assistance.

What are some frequently asked questions (FAQs)?

Q1: If I have a TEFL certificate, can I teach English online?
Yes. TEFL is the qualification that most online English schools around the world prefer.

Q2: Is TESL better known in the US and Canada?
Yes. In places where English is the first language, TESL is usually needed to teach in public schools or adult ESL programs.

3. Do I need a college degree to do TESL or TEFL?
This is not always the case. Often, you don’t need a degree to be a TEFL teacher. Depending on the job and the school, a degree may be required for TESL, particularly in public schools.

Q4: Can I change my course from TEFL to TESL any time?
Yes. The basic skills are similar. Many teachers start with TEFL, get experience, and then pursue TESL certification to teach in countries where English is the primary language.

Q5: Which course is best for teaching from home?
TEFL. A lot of online ESL schools and private tutoring sites accept it.

Thoughts for Now
You’ll be investing in a job that brings people, countries, and opportunities together whether you choose TESL or TEFL. You can get excellent educational experiences by going in either direction. You need to know where you want to teach, who you want to teach, and what kind of job fits your lifestyle.