The Definition of Teaching Abroad Terms like TEFL, TESL, ELT, ESL

Are you thinking about teaching English abroad? Maybe you are confused about TEFL terminology which can seem a little difficult to understand if you are new to TEFL? If you are looking to take a course and would like more information we have put together a useful defination of popular and most common TEFL terms...

TEFL

This stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The term term is usually used when English teachers work abroad in a country where English isn't the first language. For example you could be teaching English in China to Chinese people, this is an example of being a TEFL teacher.

TESL

This term means 'Teaching English as a Second Language.' This means when a teacher leads English lessons in a country where English is the first language. For example you could be teaching English in The UK, Australia or USA giving lessons to non-native speakers of English who are looking to improve their language skills.

TESOL

This is a popular term which you will hear a lot and stands for 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.' Basically TESOL means teaching English abroad to all people, it includes both the terms described above.