Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages is an abbreviation that stands for certification of English teachers for non-native speakers. To get a TESOL certificate, you need to learn the teaching methodology in an educational organization.

TEFL — Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a course aimed at teaching English as a foreign language. With a diploma in this specialty, you will be able to teach in countries where English is not the official language of communication.

The TESOL and TEFL course, or teaching English to native speakers of other languages, prepares graduates to evaluate teaching methods, identify language acquisition features and apply learning strategies in practical education. Students not only learn the language, but also get acquainted with the culture, traditions and customs of the countries.

Program differences

The abbreviations TESOL and TEFL are often used interchangeably. On the websites you can see that some courses are called TESOL/TEFL. However, it is better to choose the direction that will help you teach in the desired country. For example, certificates from TEFL/TESOL courses are in demand today in Asian countries: China, Thailand. TESOL certification should not be confused with Master's programs in teaching English to foreigners, for example, Master of Arts in TESOL.

After receiving a bachelor's degree from TESOL, you will be able to improve your own English language proficiency. Other skills that TESOL graduates can acquire include the ability to analyze a situation, find the right solutions, and improvise. The cost of studying for a bachelor's degree at TESOL will largely depend on the university you choose and its location. Compare educational institutions to be sure that you will choose the one that can provide you with the necessary education.

Career

Having a bachelor's degree from TESOL, the obvious career is to be an English teacher, but there are other opportunities. You can become a software developer, business consultant, multimedia specialist or librarian. In the public sector, there are jobs for social workers and refugee liaison specialists with a TESOL degree, and public and private schools need TESOL teachers as language specialists.

You can get a TESOL degree even online. If you need a flexible option, there are online courses. Graduates of the program teach English all over the world, work together with international universities or English language programs. Domestically, TESOL graduates teach English in public schools, colleges, or intensive English language programs. A semester internship before graduation will help students consolidate their knowledge in practice.

During your studies, you will be able to take courses in creative writing, literature, professional writing and teaching English to native speakers of other languages with a concentration in English. Non-native English speakers wishing to enroll in any major Bachelor's degree program in English must meet one of the following minimum language proficiency requirements: TOEFL: 79, IELTS: 6.5, PEARSON PTE: 58.