TEFL Certification vs. TESOL Certification: Unraveling the Differences

27 Jan, 2024 Education

Perhaps you are researching to become certified to teach English. In that case, you should be acquainted with the term TEFL. Moreover, you might likewise come across the term TESOL. Here, we will share the differences between these two certifications.

What exactly is TEFL?

The full form of TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TEFL refers to teaching English. It is taught in a country where English is not the primary language.

What is TESOL?

TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It might sound more general. It is indeed so. TESOL incorporates teaching English (for example, in China) as a foreign language, as well as teaching the language as a second language. For example, a person at an English language Institute in the United States teaching students across the globe.

Here, we have enumerated the differences between TEFL and TESOL certifications. So, go through this article at the earliest.

TESOL vs. TEFL

1. Certification

The certification programs of TEFL emphasize teaching the English language in non-English speaking nations. Consequently, the coursework will address the challenges faced by the teachers in educating students with fewer opportunities to practice English outside their classroom. Directed problems focusing on the nuances of teaching in some particular countries are provided by certain certifying organizations.

On the other hand, TESOL mainly teaches ESL to ELLs residing in an English-speaking region. It can be Canada, the US, and the UK. Students who have shifted from other nations and have more opportunities to use this language outside their classroom are considered to be ESL students. Identical teaching strategies for TEFL are used by the instructors. However, it is possible for this program to cover a wider range of cultural considerations needed for the classroom.

2. Objectives

The primary intention of the TEFL English teaching course will be to prepare an individual to teach English. They will teach the students who have a different primary language in the country. Consequently, this particular certification might focus on a particular culture like Spanish, or Japanese. This is done to make sure that you comprehend the nuances properly. Moreover, it ensures that you're able to develop lessons and coursework effectively. It is possible to get benefits from this certification if your objective is to develop professionally overseas in a nation where English is not considered to be the predominant language.

On the contrary, a TESOL certification intends to make sure that you comprehend the ways of teaching English to the students living in an English-speaking area as the second language. The certification will provide a wider array of cultural considerations. This is because your classroom might incorporate students from various countries. Moreover, your location of residence will inform the coursework structure and your lesson planning. For instance, although English happens to be the primary language of many countries, there might be an exclusive vision and vocabulary beneficial for the EFL students right there.

3. Academic requirements

One can consider TEFL to be mainly a non-academic certification and the enrollment qualifications are proficiency in the English language, as well as a high school diploma. TESOL happens to be an academic certification that needs students who have a postsecondary education. TESOL is provided by several educational institutions as a part of their master's or bachelor's degree programs. Although it is possible to become a TESOL instructor with a bachelor's degree, it might be possible to expand your skills by means of a Master of Arts in education, or by getting a doctorate.

4. Jobs

Emphasizing TESOL or TEFL can get you prepared for various types of teaching jobs. However, TEFL will be the better choice if you like to teach abroad. It is possible for a TEFL English teaching course to enhance your candidacy for posts in areas like South America, the Middle East, and East Asia. Private schools, public schools, universities, agencies, after-school academies, and businesses in these areas usually like to go for instructors with TEFL certifications.

In contrast, TESOL might provide you with more opportunities for jobs. Although the global opportunity with a TEFL candidate is available to you, getting a TESOL certification will allow you to be entitled to ESL teaching positions in the public education system in your own country or within private educational institutions.

5. Training

The emphasis of TESOL training will be on instructing ELLs residing in English-speaking nations, emphasizing techniques, and fostering adaptation to a fresh environment. Moreover, it will provide the learners with the capability of importing language education together with typical, day-to-day terms and situations.

The primary emphasis of a TEFL English teaching course is to teach ELLs in non-English speaking nations. Educators will be trained to teach in environments where it is only possible to speak English in the classroom. Since many students residing in foreign nations like to learn the English language to progress in their career or academic objectives, TEFL instructors might receive training to teach the English language's more formal version. It will consist of situation-specific vocabulary, as well as more stringent forms of grammar and pronunciation. The training will also address some particular English language examinations that might be taken by ELLs, such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

Final thoughts

It is essential to choose the proper certification path to complement your TESOL or TEFL training. Make sure to explore specialized certifications to expand your expertise and marketability. Do comprehensive research and assess different options to improve your teaching competency.