The Full Form of TEFL is‍ Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL/EFL) refers to teaching the English language to students with different first languages, typically used to imply that the English Language Learner may have already learned more than one language, prior to learning English.

“TEFL” is the acronym for Teaching English as a Foreign Language or, simply put, English language instruction for non-native speakers. It is also commonly known as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), English Language Teaching (ELT), and teaching ESL (English as a Second Language).

The field of TEFL/TESOL represents one of the fastest-growing educational sectors worldwide. It presents thousands of excellent professional opportunities for teaching English abroad in all corners of the globe to both native and fluent English speakers who earn their TEFL/TESOL certification.

In practical terms, there is little or no difference between “TEFL” and “TESOL.” They are both acronyms that essentially mean the same thing: teaching the English language to non-native speakers. Likewise, in the vast majority of cases, when you encounter references to ESL teaching certificates for teaching English abroad, a “TEFL certification” and a “TESOL certification” are the same and the terms are interchangeable.

On a more technical level, TESOL is the term applied to the teaching of English to non-native speakers in native English-speaking countries. It refers to those who will earn degrees and work in the field domestically in the UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the U.S.

You generally have three options when it comes to getting TEFL certified: taking an online course, attending home-based on-site course, or getting certified abroad. Each option offers different advantages and challenges, and each one carries with it its own price tag.