Teaching English as a Foreign Language

What is TEFL
TEFL is the term used to refer to the international educational industry where English teachers from the 7 recognised native English speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia & South Africa) and fluent non-native English speakers teach English in private and public schools worldwide. Although having a TEFL certification is not always a fundamental requirement for teaching in every country, more countries and schools than ever before now require teachers to have undertaken at least a basic TEFL certificate. Having a TEFL certificate will undoubtedly increase your career opportunities and open many doors to you as a teacher.

TEFL industry success
English is today considered the business language of the world and many international activities are undertaken around the world through English, for example, air traffic control, international commerce and tourism. In many non English speaking countries, entrance to university courses can include an English examination and advancements offered to employees by their employers is often tied to attaining a certain level of English. It is estimated that approximately one billion people have some level of English, making it one of the most important languages in use today.

TEFL Terminology

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Describes English being taught to non native English students in their home countries.

TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Teaching non native English speakers English in a native English speaking country such as Ireland.

TESOL (Teaching English as an Other Language). This is a combination of the two already mentioned above.

ELT English Language Teaching

EYT (English for young learners). Term used for describing teaching English to young children

ESP (English for a specific purpose) Teaching English with a specific purpose in mind, such as nursing, business or air traffic control.