Thinking of teaching English abroad and travelling around the globe, you couldn’t miss the most popular acronyms: TEFL, TESOL, and TESL. And one of the first questions is, “What do they mean?” Most employers worldwide use those terms interchangeably, yet they are different. Before we figure that difference out, you should know that all of them are quite valuable for teaching English, especially overseas. So, if you are looking for a way to make your dreams come true, this is the perfect article.
In order to have a legal right to teach people in other countries, you need certain documents. As a rule, this boils down to an international teaching certificate such as TEFL, TESOL, or TESL, solid language skills, some working experience, and a bachelor’s degree. While you can get a job with no experience at all, it is absolutely impossible without the other requirements. Everything takes time — but, when it comes to getting an international certification in teaching, it doesn’t take too long. Keep reading to know everything about the TESOL certificate and take the first step towards teaching abroad.
What Is TESOL?
In order to become more advanced in understanding ESL and EFL terms, let’s break it down. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, which includes both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries. Having this qualification, you prove your competence to teach people of different ages anywhere in the world. It is one of the most respected and recognised certificates in teaching. Moreover, it may even compensate for a lack of experience when applying for a job.
As TESOL covers many options, it allows you to teach online and offline in any institution depending on your academic credentials. If you still wonder what the other courses are for, let’s dive deeper into the differences. It will help you make the right choice in terms of the knowledge you need to work in a given country.
The Difference Between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL
While these terms are used interchangeably, there is still a subtle difference — and it mostly comes down to location.
TEFL
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
For countries where English is not the official language: China, Vietnam, Thailand, etc.
TESL
Teaching English as a Second Language
For English-speaking countries: Ireland, Australia, the UK, the USA, etc.
TESOL
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Combines both — teaches anywhere in the world, no matter the official language.
Fortunately, there is no need to make a tough location decision. Thanks to TESOL, which perfectly combines ESL and EFL teaching, English teachers don’t have to choose a country based on its official language. Such a certificate makes teaching worldwide possible.
Who Needs the TESOL Certificate and Why?
Everyone who plans to teach English must have either a TEFL or a TESOL qualification — ideally both. Each year the number of English learners grows dramatically, which means the labour market is increasingly competitive. If you don’t meet the requirements, another candidate will.
Usually, the course takes only a few months to complete. It’s cheaper and faster than getting a second degree in education, and it gives experienced teachers and newcomers alike the chance to realise their potential and expand their professional horizons.
What Is Included in the TESOL Course Programme?
The TESOL course programme and topics may vary from provider to provider, but some fundamentals remain constant. A TESOL course doesn’t explain how to teach each individual grammar rule — it provides approaches and frameworks for explaining any topic in English to your students.
The essential topics covered in a TESOL course:
- ✓ Teaching receptive skills: listening and reading
- ✓ Teaching productive skills: speaking and writing
- ✓ The most effective learning approaches
- ✓ Classroom management
- ✓ Providing feedback
- ✓ Adapting teaching materials
- ✓ Making lesson plans
- ✓ Online teaching
The goal is to teach you how to communicate with your students effectively. Thanks to the growth of online education, modern TESOL courses also include a substantial section on virtual teaching — so you are not limited to a traditional classroom setting.
How to Get a TESOL Certificate?
Once you have decided to get TESOL certified, you need to choose a mode of study. There are several options, each with its own trade-offs of cost, flexibility, and intensity.
1 In-class TESOL Course
This option suits you if you need a classroom environment to stay focused. You have classmates to talk to and tutors to turn to — an ideal setup for those who prefer in-person interaction. It typically runs 6–8 hours a day over four weeks, making it hard to combine with a part-time job.
2 Getting TESOL Abroad
Almost all countries in the world offer TESOL courses lasting from 2 to 4 weeks. It requires a bachelor’s degree and proof of a high English level. Prices start from approximately $1,000 for the course alone — travel, accommodation, and food add considerably to the total cost. Expensive, but an unforgettable experience.
3 Online Studying
Online learning is one of the most convenient and affordable options. You can study at your own pace, revisit complicated topics, and still get practice opportunities with real students. Online courses generally require neither prior certificates nor a degree to enrol, making this the most accessible route for most people. For teachers who prefer a flexible online route, providers such as Premier TEFL offer TEFL training that can fit around work, travel, or other commitments.
How to Choose Quality TESOL Courses?
There are so many TESOL courses available that choosing can feel overwhelming. Unlike CELTA or TKT, TESOL does not have a single common accrediting body — which makes the selection even trickier. Here are the key factors to look at before enrolling:
What to check before enrolling
- ▶ Duration: anything under 120 hours is a red flag and will not impress employers.
- ▶ Accreditation: verify that an external, internationally recognised body has accredited the programme.
- ▶ Feedback & support: look for genuine tutor contact and structured feedback throughout the course.
- ▶ Employment support: some providers offer post-course job assistance — a valuable bonus for newcomers.
A reputable provider will have nothing to hide and will supply all accreditation documents on request. Read reviews, check the accrediting body’s global recognition, and ask questions before you commit.
Conclusion
Having TESOL certification gives experienced teachers and newcomers equal opportunities to realise their potential and expand their professional horizons. It is cheaper and faster than a second degree in education, and many providers also offer employment assistance after completion — so you won’t be left on your own when it comes to finding a job.
Getting TESOL certified is not a piece of cake — just like learning English itself — but it is absolutely achievable. It requires focus, desire, and effort. Once you have the certificate, you can travel the world knowing you can find work almost anywhere. We hope this article has encouraged you to take that first step and enrol in an online TEFL/TESOL course.
