Major Differences Between TEFL, TESL and TESOL

Introduction

From its origins in Old Saxon to the spread through colonies through the trappings of empire, to becoming the lingua fracas of the whole world, the English language has come a long way indeed.

 

English is a West Germanic language, first spoken by Anglo Saxon invaders in Britain in the 5th century, to Old English in the 13th century, to Middle English in the Shakespearean period, to modern English today.

 

In middle-and-lower income countries with high incidents of poverty today, speaking English is seen as a step up the social ladder, an aspirational must-have for countless millions.

 

Thus, it is no surprise that the instruments through which English is propagated, the vast network of courses, teachers, night classes, etc are doing stupendously well in those parts of the world where English is not the first language. 

 

As such career prospects for teachers teaching English are sky high and those courses which teach trainers how to teach English are doing extremely well. 

 

Starting to teach English is like entering a colorful tapestry of different certifications, each designed for specific language situations. At the forefront is TEFL, guiding those teaching English in non-English-speaking places. It helps educators navigate the art of teaching English as a foreign language, connecting different cultures through lessons.

 

Then there’s TESL, a whispered secret for English enthusiasts in places where English is spoken a lot. This certification focuses on teaching English as a second language in English-speaking countries. Teachers work with different accents, guiding non-native speakers through language challenges.

 

In the trio, TESOL is a versatile maestro blending TEFL and TESL. It teaches English to Speakers of Other Languages, catering to those straddling both worlds – foreign language instruction and teaching in English-speaking places.

 

TEFL, TESL, TESOL certify one to teach non-native English speakers English and offer the same level of qualification to teach English.

Qualifications for teachers in all three certifications

Qualification requirements vary from country to country and among employers within the same country. Sometimes it is possible to teach without a degree or certificate. Some institutions require the candidate to be a native speaker of English with a MA in TESOL. A university degree in English language and literature can often be vital.

 

Other institutes consider proof of English proficiency, a university degree, and a basic teaching qualification to be sufficient. However, institutes are sometimes more concerned with the interpersonal skills of candidates than their qualifications. Acceptance to an institute often depends upon demands for teachers and the trainer’s previous teaching and life experiences.

Pay and Conditions Worldwide 

Pay depends greatly on education, training, experience, seniority, and expertise. Employment conditions vary among countries, depending upon the level of economic development. The Middle East is often cited as one of the highest paying countries for TEFL teachers. However, better qualifications are needed here – at least a CELTA certificate and two years of work experience.

Differences between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL

Now let’s take a look at the definition and salient features and differences of TEFL, TESL, and TESOL certifications in a comparison of the three in elaboration.

1. First Difference – Who is the Course for?

• TEFL

A TEFL certification certifies one to teach English in countries where English is not the first language of communication such as China, Korea, and Japan. This certification is the most widely used and recognized certification to teach English around the world. 120 hours of TEFL training is the most commonly accepted training duration by employers offering the best salaries around the world.

 

However, some employers accept 100 hours of training as the minimum requirement. A TEFL certification is a training course required by English language teaching institutes across the globe. However, TEFL does not refer to a single company certification or institute. It is rather an acronym. There are multitudes of institutes and training programs with differing quality and expense which teach this certification around the globe.

 

• TESL

TESL is the guiding star for those within English-speaking countries aiming for fluency. Tailored for students, workers, and immigrants in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand,

 

TESL helps those who want to teach in their home countries. TEFL is for adventurers wanting to share English in distant lands where native languages give way to English’s charm. The crucial difference is that TEFL is where English is not the primary language.

 

• TESOL

TESOL serves as a portal to various territories. In North America, it focuses on teaching non-native English speakers in native environments, providing a pathway for a Master’s degree in local public school systems.

Amidst these choices, the quest for the right path intensifies. TESOL is newer and broader but might not have the same recognition as TEFL and TESL in certain circles. Aspiring educators face a puzzle as they consider options. TEFL is for those wanting to travel, while TESOL is for those aiming for a local impact. Combining TEFL/TESL or even TEFL/TESL/TESOL promises flexibility, catering to academic and everyday English skills.

Check out the TEFL Certification Course in Delhi

2. Second Difference – Course Focus

A TEFL course will train one as to how to teach English who have very little chance of learning English in their home country. A TEFL course may include units that prepare one to teach abroad such as resume writing and teaching destinations. A TESL course is the most sought-after degree in the world and qualifies one to teach English as a Second Language to students whose first language is not English. A TESOL course prepares one to teach English to non-native English speakers. EFL and ESL classrooms require English language teaching strategies taught by TESOL.

3. Third Difference—Where Can one Teach?

A TEFL certification enables one to teach overseas in countries where English is not the predominant or native language such as China, South Korea, Japan, etc. A TESL certification enables teachers to teach in private native English Language Schools in English-speaking countries. A TESOL certification is used for domestic teaching in native English-speaking countries but can also be applied overseas.

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4. Fourth Difference – What Type of Teaching Job Does one Get?

A TEFL certification enables candidates to use their training in various paid and unpaid volunteer teaching positions abroad like ESL Instructor, Certified Teacher, and administrative jobs. A TESL certification enables candidates to work in native English schools as an instructor in private language schools to immigrants in English-speaking countries, or as a language support teacher. Similar to TESL, TESOL training imparts in its holders a competitive spirit for domestic teaching jobs.

Also, check- TEFL Certification Course in Chennai

5. Fifth Difference – What are the Benefits of These Courses?

A TEFL certification is highly sought after and recognized as a certificate that enables one to teach abroad in countries where English is not the first language. A TESL certification is recognized by organizations that validate ESL teacher training programs that match the training standards of the host country. Governments in countries such as Canada, the USA, UK govern and regulate TESL certifications.

6. Sixth Difference – Important Considerations

It’s very important to choose a TEFL training program that will be recognized by international employers and has been developed by a university or institution of repute. This is especially so because there is no single international governing body to accredit TEFL certifications. A TESL certification must be validated by TESL organizations that validate English teacher training programs that meet national standards. TEFL and TESOL are often used interchangeably. However, TEFL and TESOL have some major differences. TESOL certification is not as widely recognized internationally as TEFL certifications. TESOL also can be incompatible with some overseas curriculum plans. 

7. Scope of Applicability

Grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening comprehension, and speaking for academic purposes are the focus of TEFL students. Candidates may prepare short speeches or perform skits. However, the purpose of speaking exercises is to focus on the proper use of grammar and punctuation. For candidates studying English as a foreign language, academic language is important because it is what enables candidates to need to read texts, write essays and pass English exams that will get them into universities. Tesol teachers, on the other hand, help candidates use English to communicate in their daily lives in an English-speaking country. Going shopping, ordering food at a restaurant, preparing for job interviews, making small talk is all a part of this. Meanwhile, TESL has become less popular in recent years. English may be the TESL learner’s third, fourth or fifth language. Thus, TESOL is preferred above TESL because it is more precise.

8. Differences in Price 

TEFL, TESL, and TESOL certifications vary greatly in cost. Some courses will be labeled as TEFL/TESL and TESOL others TEFL/TESOL. Whether the course is a combination of all three or TEFL only greatly affects the price tag, since courses that combine different teaching methodologies provide you with greater teaching skills.

Certain factors affect the price of the course. Is the class online or in-person? In-person courses are more expensive than online courses. The length of the course affects the prices. The longer the course the higher the price. The course conductor also affects the price. Universities and colleges that offer these 3 courses of training charge much more than private online companies.

Whether a teaching practicum is included or not also affects the price. If it is included the price will go up but the value of the course will also go up.

Online courses are the cheapest and cost between $500 and $1000. These types of courses will offer a TEFL/TESOL/TESL certificate with the option to add on more specialties like business English, teaching young learners, grammar, and test preparation. Online courses don’t have teaching practicums and if they do candidates will have to pay higher.

In-person programs cost between $1000-$2000. Some companies offer a majority of the curriculum in person and an online grammar section. Besides, TEFL or TESOL course classes also offer teaching practicums.

9. Differences in Intensity Between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL.

The intensity of the course varies greatly irrespective of whether you chose a TEFL, TESL or TESOL certificate.

Several factors determine the intensity of the course. How the course is offered is one of them. Online programs can be done from anywhere and at your own pace. So, they are less intense. In-person courses require much higher commitment levels and sap your energy. Both may include the loss of assignments and tests. Who offers the course is also another crucial factor which affects intensity. The course curriculum of TEFL, TESL and TESOL may be more or less vigorous depending upon the company or institution offering the course. Who your instructors are is another vital factor. This is up to chance. Some instructors are better and more intense than others. So, who your instructor is greatly influencing your experience. Online courses, too, have instructors that offer feedback on written assignments.

10. Differences in Length Between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL

Six to eight weeks are the maximum duration for most TEFL, TESL, and TESOL courses. Some online advertisements for programs also state that these programs can be concluded in just a week or two if candidates put in the extra effort required.

 

However, some candidates enrolling in these programs may have families to look after or maybe working part-time. A lot of candidates don’t have ample free time to complete the program quickly. In such a scenario it is best to find a more flexible program that candidates can complete at their own pace.

11. Differences in Value Between TEFL, TESL, and TESOL

Candidates seeking to work abroad should apply for a TEFL certificate. Candidates seeking to teach English language learners in their countries should apply for a TESOL certificate. Because of the flexibility they provide to candidates, a combination course such as TEFL/TESL or even TEFL/TESL/TESOL may provide the best value.

 

These programs equip teachers to assist students in enhancing their academic English skills as well as their everyday English skills. A program that combines both skill sets could allow teachers to teach English abroad while simultaneously working with English learners when they return home. Finally, your career and personal goals influence your decision between TEFL, TESL, or TESOL programs.

12. Choosing Between a TEFL, TESL, or TESOL Certificate

It can be challenging to determine which certificates candidates require. Furthermore, you must be confident you are getting good value for your money. Researching the visa requirements for English teachers in a particular country is advisable.

 

Work visa laws vary from country to country. Before taking the plunge, various steps must be taken into account. Candidates must determine where they want to teach. If they intend to teach in a nation where English is not the primary or first language, they should get a TEFL certificate rather than a TESOL. Candidates must also explore teacher visas and qualification requirements. It is a good idea to visit the chosen location. Candidates may also look into the requirements for instructors’ qualifications and visas.

 

It is a good idea to visit the website of the embassy of the chosen nation and see what information they have regarding working visas, particularly for foreign teachers. Employers’ job postings in the nations where candidates wish to teach should be closely examined to determine the skill sets they seek in potential educators.

Check out TEFL Certification Course in New York

Conclusion

In sum TEFL, TESL and TESOL are all wonderful certifications for those looking to teach English. Which one of these trumps the others depend upon your individual and professional goals as well as your differing circumstances, aka, whether you want to teach overseas or back home, among other factors. One thing is clear. English is the lingua Frasca of the whole world and an aspirational must-have for countless millions around the world wanting to climb the social ladder, the job prospects for English teachers across the globe are sky-high. The demand for them will only increase as non-English speaking countries like China and Korea look to reform their population’s English skills for business and commercial purposes in the race to not get left behind. However, choosing both the right certification and the right time to undergo them are crucial choices that determine the difference between success and failure. To all those wannabe English language teachers out there – the sky is the limit. Reach for it with both hands.

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