What is TEFL?

TEFL and TESOL are acronyms

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL is the acronym for Teaching English to the Speakers of Others Languages and involves teaching in both native and non-native speaking countries to the speakers of other languages.

A TEFL certification is a major criterion and qualification required for teaching English jobs abroad. Teachers or aspiring teachers not only gain exposure in international teaching but also get paid to embark on an exciting adventure abroad. TESOL is an international program of training for teachers where they are acquainted with the latest language teaching techniques and approaches. TEFL provides a thorough learning experience and instils a sense of confidence among the trainees so that they are able to face culturally do not face any problem while teaching a bunch of budding English speakers.

Teaching ESL is the term used in English speaking nations where English is the primary language of communication and classrooms comprise of learners from various different backgrounds. Its apt example will be a Japanese student attending class in the USA. EFL teaching is the term used to teaching English to the learners where it is not the native language. For example in Japan, students learning English or studying other subjects in English will be termed as EFL learners.

The main point of difference between ESL and EFL classroom is that an ESL classroom will accommodate learners of various backgrounds who have different mother tongue whereas an EFL classroom will not be that varied in terms of the types of learners.

Difference between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL

TEFL involves Teaching English to the speakers of those belonging to the non-native speaking countries whose primary language of communication is anything but English. Asian countries, European countries as well as the countries from Middle East are in high demand for well-trained EFL teachers, preferably with a TEFL certificate in order to cope up with rest of the world in terms of communication. TESL is the acronym for Teaching English as a Second Language to learners whose primary language is not English. Hence TESL teachers will be hugely benefitted if they are looking for a career in a native English speaking country. TESOL, on the other hand, is a sort of combination between TEFL and TESL and provides a broader learning and teaching prospect. It is specifically meant for those teachers willing to travel around the world and build a prosperous career in any country of their preference, be it native English speaking or non-native speaking country or even in their home country.

However as the world gets smaller day by day due to technological and financial advancements, the subtle distinctions among the various international English teaching courses are also diminishing and hence pursuing any of the above mentioned courses will hardly interfere with the candidates’ career prospects in any part around the world.

Effective techniques essential for foreign language instructions

Fresh graduates or anyone willing to modify their career can opt for an online TEFL course to gain specialized and training to teach in an international English language classroom. A TEFL certificate provides an extra edge to any resume by adding a globally recognized professional qualification. Aspiring teachers who have taken online TEFL course and earned a TEFL certification can look forward to a lot of benefits like good pay package, eligibility for varied professional career prospects and the choice of preferred locations. Other than a TEFL certification, the teachers embarking on a TEFL career needs to be proficient in teaching techniques and specifics of English. While living in a different country and teaching in an unfamiliar environment the teachers must prepare and present culturally appropriate lesson plans. They need to work on and develop effective techniques for foreign language instructions.

Teaching English to a group of foreigners is an art

Teaching is an art and tutoring a group of foreigners is a rewarding feeling. Apart from mastering the teaching skills a TEFL teacher must possess a positive frame of mind and must show a lot of enthusiasm when it comes to teaching. The teacher needs to have oodles of energy which should be motivating enough for the learners and must build a congenial classroom environment in collaboration with the students. This would be helpful in better classroom management and will augment student cooperation and team work. Moulding one according to the need of the hour and putting a smile on the face always help irrespective of the country and the culture.

Discussed below are some of the top TEFL destinations and essential details for aspiring educators according to a recent study :

Asian Market

Vietnam : For teaching English in Vietnam, you must know the below mentioned essential details:

Educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree/Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 1,100 USD - 1,700 USD

Visa: Tourist Visa can be converted to Work Visa, with the assistance of the institute you will be working for.

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Depends on the institute

South Korea : For teaching English in South Korea, you must know the below mentioned essential details:

Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree or Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate. (experienced teachers are preferred)

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres.

Types of Students: young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: $1,800 USD - 2,000 USD

Visa: Work Visa

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Usually given by the institute

Japan : For teaching English in Japan, you must know the below mentioned essential details:

Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree or Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 2,250 USD - 2,600 USD

Visa: Work Visa

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Usually given by the institute

China : For teaching English in China, you must know the below mentioned essential details:

Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree or Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres or even corporate offices.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 1,150 USD - 2,600 USD

Visa: Work/Contractor Visa

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Usually given by the institute

Middle East

Saudi Arabia : For teaching English in Saudi Arabia, you must know the below mentioned essential details :

Educational qualification: Bachelor's or Master’s degree, along with a recognised TEFL certificate. (experienced teachers preferred)

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres, private tutoring.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: $ 1,500 - $3,000 USD

Visa: Work Visa (usually sponsored by schools)

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Usually given by the institute

United Arab Emirates (UAE) : For teaching English in UAE, you must know the below mentioned essential details :

Educational qualification: Bachelor's or Master's degree, along with a recognised TEFL certificate. (experienced teachers preferred)

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres, private tutoring.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: $1,800 USD - 2,000 USD

Visa: Work Visa (usually sponsored by schools)

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Usually given by the institute

Other Destinations

Poland : For teaching English in Poland, you must know the below mentioned essential details :

Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree/Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres, summer camps.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 650 USD - 950 USD

Visa: Work Visa (maybe sponsored by schools)

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Depends on the institute

Chile : For teaching English in Chile, you must know the below mentioned essential details :

Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree/Diploma, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres, private tutoring.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 900 USD - 1,200 USD

Visa: Work Visa (usually sponsored by schools)

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Depends on the institute

Croatia : For teaching English in Croatia, you must know the below mentioned essential details :

Educational qualification: Bachelor's or Master’s Degree, along with a recognised TEFL certificate.

Types of Jobs: Institutes like Public Schools, International schools, language centres, private tutoring.

Types of Students: Young Learners comprising of school children/University students or private students, Adult Business professionals.

Average monthly payment: 800 USD and above (for language centres), 2000 USD and above (for international schools)

Visa: Student Visa (assistance provided by schools)

Accommodation Benefits/Flight reimbursements: Depends on the institute