What's the Difference Between TEFL & TESOL?

It can be difficult knowing where to start with a TEFL course when industry-specific jargon and confusing acronyms are hurled at you from the get-go. TEFL courses come in many different forms and levels which cater to different teachers. 

In the industry, TEFL and TESOL are two acronyms that you’ll frequently see. But what do they mean, and what is the difference between TEFL and TESOL? 

Read on to find out which course is the right one for you!

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. A TEFL course offers training for teachers who plan to go abroad to teach students in a country where the primary language is not English. Teachers who head to China, Vietnam, Spain, or Argentina, for example, become TEFL certified to teach in the student’ native country. 

The focus of the class is for students to be able to understand grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening comprehension, and speaking for academic purposes. 

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. While very similar to a TEFL, a TESOL course is catered to teachers who teach English to non-native students in English-speaking countries, such as the US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and so on. However, TESOL teachers can also teach English abroad, as TESOL is an internationally recognized qualification.

Typically, teachers help students adjust to life in an English-speaking country by developing practical English to communicate in their daily lives. This includes things like going shopping, ordering food at a restaurant, interviewing for a job, how to making small talk with coworkers, and so on.

Read more: What is TESOL? All You Need to Know about Getting TESOL Certified

The acronyms TEFL and TESOL are often used interchangeably since there isn’t a huge difference between the acronyms. The easiest way to differentiate them is to remember where a TEFL or TESOL teacher is teaching. 

One course isn’t “better” than the other. Both acronyms are used interchangeably in the industry, and it’s unlikely that an employer will reject one course in favor of another. In fact, many TEFL teachers can teach in their home country, and many TESOL teachers can teach internationally, unless a position explicitly states otherwise. 

However, which one is more suited to you depends on your unique preferences and teaching objectives.

• A TEFL course is more suited to teachers who are leaving their home country to teach English to foreign students abroad. 
• A TESOL is more appropriate for teachers from an English-speaking country (e.g. the US or UK) who have students from non-English speaking countries. However, TESOL is also internationally recognised, meaning teachers can also teach abroad.

When it comes to the “best” course, it isn’t a question of TEFL vs TESOL. Rather, it’s a question of how much time, money, and energy you can commit to your unique teacher qualification. 

A CELTA is considered to be the best form of TEFL certification, whereas a CertTESOL is considered the best among TESOL courses. These courses typically include 4 to 6 weeks of full-time intensive training and teaching practice with highly experienced teachers, and cost in the range of $1,300-$3,000 USD. If you want to be CELTA and CertTESOL certified but are struggling to find the time, it’s possible to find part-time and online blended courses to accommodate your schedule. 

It’s best not to overthink the differences between TEFL and TESOL, and instead, focus on the length or standard of training that your course will provide. Here’s how you can choose the right teaching course for you: 

1. Decide where you want to teach: Do you want to teach English to non-native speakers in your home country or abroad? If you want to teach non-native speakers in your home country, then you would be better off with a TESOL course. If you want to teach in a foreign, non-English speaking country, consider a TEFL qualification. 
2. Understand your goals: Do you envisage a short-term adventure or a career in teaching? If you’re unsure whether you’ll like teaching, consider taking a self-paced online TEFL/TESOL course. If you’re sure about a career in teaching, consider gaining a Trinity CertTESOL or a CELTA course to improve your knowledge and employability. 
3. Set a budget: The varying course length, standard of training, and reputation means that TEFL/TESOL course prices can vary from $50 USD to $3,000+ USD.
4. Understand your commitment: Assess your current commitments before enrolling in a course. Teachers who are currently busy with work or other studies prefer part-time or self-paced online courses. Those who have more free time on their hands can enroll in intensive full-time studies. 
5. Research course providers: Course providers vary from schools such as Cambridge to Trinity College London, to organizations such as International TEFL Academy to the TEFL Academy. Be sure to research the providers by reading reviews and even reaching out to them directly. 

Read more: CELTA vs TEFL: Which certificate do you need?

It can be difficult making the final decision, but it’s important to also remember that choosing between a TEFL or a TESOL won’t necessarily impact your TEFL journey. The right course is the one that suits your lifestyle, aspirations, and teaching context, not necessarily the one with the flashiest name.

To decide, consider where you want to teach, your long-term goals (travel vs a career in ESL), and the employer and job requirements.

Choose TEFL if… 

• You want to teach English in other countries, where English is not the native language, like China, South Korea, or Spain
• You want to teach English online
• You’re looking for a flexible, affordable certification to get started quickly
• You’re planning a gap year, working holiday, or short-term travel job, where you don't plan to teach English long-term 

Choose TESOL if…

• You plan to teach English in an English-speaking country to non-native English speakers (but also want the option to teach abroad!)
• You want a certification that covers both foreign and second language learners
• Your employer specifically asks for TESOL
• You’re pursuing a career in ESL or plan to eventually get a Master’s in TESOL

Navigating the world of TEFL and TESOL can feel overwhelming at first, but understanding the core differences and aligning your choice with your teaching goals makes all the difference. Whether you're dreaming of a classroom in South America or planning to support newcomers in your home city, both TEFL and TESOL qualifications open doors to rewarding teaching experiences around the globe. 

Read more about teaching English abroad, online, or at home:

• Should I Get TEFL Certified Online or In Person?
• Is TEFL Worth It? 6 Reasons to Get TEFL Certified Before Teaching Abroad
• How Much Does a TEFL Certificate Cost?