WHAT IS TESOL, TESL, TEFL, AND CELTA?

The English teaching industry has developed many different acronyms associated with the teaching, learning, examination, and certification of the English language. The world presently studies two main branches of English: American English and British English. The English language is THE world language, therefore different acronyms have been developed all over the world by educators in this field. The acronyms used are not globally standardized and many exist which are specific to a particular public or private certificate-granting institution. The following list describes the main acronyms you may come across as you read related materials or as you browse the world-wide web.

TESOL = Teacher(s) of English to Speakers of Other Languages

TESOL, or Teacher(s) of English to Speakers of Other Languages, is a term commonly associated to the English teaching and English teacher certification process from a distinct North American perspective. It refers to the teaching and the learning of English both overseas and locally. TESOL is also an American organizational network of English teachers and other professionals in the English teaching field.

ESL and TESL
ESL = English as a Second Language
TESL = Teaching English as a Second Language

ESL, or English as a Second Language, is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the study of the English language in a native English-speaking country by non-native English speaking people. For example, when native Spanish-speaking people in America study English, they are studying ESL. They are learning a "second" language, in addition to their own, in a native English-speaking country.

TESL, or Teaching English as a Second Language, is a term used to describe the teaching of the English language in a native English-speaking country. For example, when a teacher in Canada is teaching people English, they are teaching ESL (TESL). In Canada, TESL is most commonly associated with the teaching of English to native-French speaking students.

Most English teacher training programs (ESL degrees) offered in major North American universities and colleges are ESL focused, meaning that they are designed for teachers desiring to teach English in an English-speaking country. People who have graduated from university with an ESL degree commonly comment that they spent most of their time in university studying ESL theory, but the program lacked in the practical aspect of teaching. "I know ESL theory and methodologies inside out, but I do not know how or what to teach!" As a result, a growing number of university ESL graduates are taking the Global TESOL program in order to receive a well-rounded education and to really know what to do when it comes to practical teaching situations both locally and overseas.

"I obtained an ESL degree from a major North American University, but I was still not prepared with the hands-on skills to teach. I would have been lost without the Global TESOL course. I am so glad I took the extra time to properly prepare myself!"

EFL and TEFL
EFL = English as a Foreign Language
TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language

EFL, or English as a Foreign Language, is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the study of the English language in a country where English is not the students' native language. For example, when a Chinese student is learning English in China, they are studying EFL. The English language is "Foreign" to them, and is foreign to their home country.

TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the teaching of the English language in a country where English is not the students' native language. For example, when a Canadian teacher is teaching English in Japan, that teacher is a TEFL teacher or is teaching English in a country where English is foreign to the students learning it.

It is common to see overseas job postings requesting the candidate to posses a TEFL certificate or to be a TEFL teacher.

CELTA (The RSA Cambridge Program)

CELTA, or the Certificate in English Language Training for Adults (Royal Society of the Arts), is the English teacher certification program originating in Britain. This certificate is widely available in Europe and recently has become available in North America. This certificate emphasizes the British style of teaching, which is the common form of language instruction in Europe as well as in countries that were once British colonies.

The world has changed over the past 20 years, and now the global demand is predominantly focused on learning American English. British English used to be the predominant form and style of English to study due to its long history dating back to the times of British colonization. American movies, music, media, culture, products, celebrities, and the overall American image has attracted people worldwide to this language. American English has become the global language.

Note the following quote: "Most people who learn English want American English. At its 320 language centers worldwide, Berlitz gives some 5 million language lessons each year, 70 percent of which are for American English."

-Dr. Bernabe Feria

Worldwide TESOL is synonymous with the American style of teaching, which includes new, innovative, and effective techniques that really motivate the students to learn and to use the English language. TESOL is closely associated with the communicative approach to language teaching. This is an approach that focuses on teaching the students to be able to USE the language instead of only learning it through theory or memorization.

Global TESOL College TESOL Certificate and Diploma
North America's #1 Rated TESOL certification institution, Global TESOL College, leads the way in PROFESSIONAL academic-based TESOL instruction worldwide. All of our in-class and distance education programs are professionally designed, administered, monitored, and quality-controlled to ensure that we graduate the highest quality of teachers available today. In-class TESOL certification courses are offered across Canada and America. Worldwide, we have become a household name in TESOL distance education, offering professional quality TESOL certification and diploma courses online and by correspondence. Approximately 35% of our graduates successfully complete their TESOL certificate or diploma by distance education.

Global TESOL College was the first educational institution to offer a TESOL teacher certification program in Canada. Now, we have expanded our programs to include advanced and professional level diploma programs to meet the demands of English teachers and students worldwide.

The world wants TESOL certified people now more than ever. Even in Europe, schools are actively searching for TESOL graduates due to student demand to learn American English. TESOL certification implies that you have been trained and certified in the North American style of teaching.

I want to be TESOL certified by Global TESOL College

Obtain the certification or diploma credentials that guarantee you will be the most employable worldwide. Become TESOL certified and teach English overseas or locally. To learn more about the TESOL certificate and diploma programs offered by Global TESOL College, please click here now