TEFL Vs TESOL: Make Your Choice
                     TEFL VS TESOL: MAKING 
THE INFORMED DECISION
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ENGLISH: HISTORY 
OF A LANGUAGE
• English as a language was born in the fifth 
Century.
• Through the ages, it changed from Old English 
to Middle English.
• It was standardized in the 16th Century with 
the start of the printing industry.
• With the industrial revolution and colonial 
expansion, new words were created, and many 
foreign words were assimilated to create 
today’s’ modern English.
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HOW SIMPLIFIED IS 
ENGLISH?
• English is spoken by around 20% of the world population, 
approximately 1.5 billion people, which including native 
and non-native speakers.
• Most of this considerable number of people are non-native 
speakers
• Around a mere 360 million can claim English as their 
mother tongue.
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Why an English 
Learning Program?
• English has been recognized the world over as 
one of the standard business languages.
• English is the most studied language world 
over.
• Students need teachers, who in turn, should 
have the training to fulfill the educational 
requirements of learners from varied 
backgrounds. HENRY HARVIN EDUCATION
• This calls for a well-established system 
of teaching program which is accepted 
in all corners.
• TEFL, TESOL, and TESL are English 
teacher training courses.
• As a trainee teacher, the first step of 
comparison is TEFL vs. TESOL vs. TESL.
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TEFL VS TESOL VS 
TESL: UNDERSTANDING 
THE CERTIFICATIONS
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TEFL – TEACHING ENGLISH AS A 
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
• TEFL is the acronym for teaching English as a foreign language.
• TEFL course prepare prospective teachers to teach English to students 
living in non-English speaking countries.
• It will successfully bridge the language barrier in a class of non-English 
students in their home country. 
• TEFL programs are widely accepted in non-English countries around 
the globe.
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TESOL – TEACHING ENGLISH TO 
SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES
• TESOL is a more recent addition to this list of certifications, 
combining elements of both TEFL and TESL.
• It stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
• The curriculum has a broader aspect, drawing on aspects of both 
TESL and TEFL.
• It ensures teachers can switch effortlessly between teaching in native 
and non-native speaking classrooms.
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TESL – TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND 
LANGUAGE
• TESL stands for teaching English as a second language.
• TEFL certification is designed for teachers who plan to teach the 
language skills to foreigners living in a native- English speaking 
country.
• TESL certification is desirable for teachers intending to work in 
countries like the United Kingdon, Canada, the United States of 
America, Australia, etc.
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TEFL Vs. TESOL
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
• TEFL and TESOL are the most common certificates 
required for teaching abroad or even within the 
country.
• The common link between these two is the completion 
of each will create a compelling and knowledgeable 
educator. 
• Each is designed to cater to a different segment of 
learners.
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COURSE FOCUS
• TEFL is aimed to teach English in a country where English is 
not a predominant language.
• A TEFL course online will train on how to reach out to 
students who have little or no chance for practice at home. 
• It may also have modules that are specific to teaching 
abroad, maybe with a particular focus on teaching 
destinations and resume writing.
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• TESOL aims at teaching English as an additional language to 
those who live in a country that speaks primarily English
• A TESOL course will focus on teaching English to non-natives 
and made modules on strategies useful in EFL and (English as 
Foreign Language) and ESL (English as Second Language) 
classes.
• Thus, in comparing TESOL Vs. TEFL, the purpose and aim 
have a great deal of importance.
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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
• Passion for the language and transferring the same to others 
is an inherent element for becoming a teacher.
• After affirmation for one of these courses, exploration of the 
ideal institution is the next step.
• There are a host of organizations that offer either single or 
both the certifications.
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• A TEFL Certificate is ideal for individuals from all walks of life 
who are keen travelers and want to see countries where 
English is not the first language, especially.
• Many times, these would be young people who are new 
professionals and are starting their professional journey 
before settling down.
• A TESOL Certificate is for people who want to teach English to 
non-natives in English speaking countries.
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WHAT ARE THE PROSPECTS?
• TEFL qualification is the most renowned teaching certification 
in non-native English speaking countries around the globe, 
especially courses from reputed institutions or universities. 
• A TEFL certification is relevant when applying for several 
different types of teaching jobs, including teaching in schools, 
institutes, ESL Jobs, entry-level licensed teaching positions, 
experienced licensed teaching positions, and even 
administrative roles.
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• Completing an accredited TESOL certification online may 
become the best thing for anyone unsure about future career 
plans.
• For teachers who are flexible to teach abroad as well as 
teaching English at home, TESOL could be a good start.
• TEFL has the advantage of being more established and 
accepted all over the world. While TESOL certificate holders 
are more competitive in the domestic market as well as being 
popular with membership organizations and universities.
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TRAINING APPROACH
• Most of the TEFL related jobs are abroad in non-anglophone 
countries. 
• The teachers are trained differently to handle a class of 
international students. 
• During TEFL training, modules will be dedicated to learning to 
manage a classroom of students learning English as a second 
language in a place where English is not commonly spoken.
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• The teachers’ training focuses on grammar, work-related 
vocabulary, and pronunciation.
• TESOL is designed for those tutors who wish to work with 
foreigners settling in an English speaking country.
• In short, the TEFL vs. TESOL certification distinction has to be 
considered carefully to choose the right path.
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TEFL VS TESOL CERTIFICATIONS, 
WHICH IS A BETTER CHOICE?
• It is entirely dependent on the final aim of the individual.
• TESOL is for domestic teaching while TEFL is for teaching abroad. 
• Both these programs that allow you to successfully impart English 
knowledge for academic purposes and communication needed in 
everyday situations.
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