TEFL basics: questions and answers

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is training, and a certificate, for teaching English to people whose first language is not English, usually in a country where English is not the main language or online. A TEFL course covers teaching methods, grammar for teachers, pronunciation, lesson planning and classroom management.

What is TEFL →

What does TESOL stand for?

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is a broader umbrella term that covers teaching English both abroad and to non-native speakers living in English-speaking countries. In practice most employers treat a TEFL and a TESOL certificate of the same length and quality as equivalent.

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA: what is the difference →

What is the difference between TEFL and TESOL?

The difference is mostly in the name. TEFL usually refers to teaching English in countries where it is a foreign language, and TESOL is a wider term that also includes teaching immigrants in English-speaking countries. What employers check is the number of hours, the course content and whether the provider is credible, not which acronym is printed.

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA: what is the difference →

What is the difference between TEFL and CELTA?

CELTA is one specific, branded TEFL qualification awarded by Cambridge English. It is an intensive course of about 120 hours with observed teaching practice and focuses on teaching adults, and it usually costs much more than an online TEFL. An online TEFL is more flexible and affordable; CELTA is preferred by some language schools in the UK and Europe.

TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA: what is the difference →

What is TESL?

TESL means Teaching English as a Second Language. It describes teaching English to non-native speakers who live in an English-speaking country, such as newcomers in Canada, the UK or the USA. Methods are very similar to TEFL; the difference is the setting.

What is DELTA in English teaching?

DELTA is the Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults from Cambridge English. It is an advanced qualification for teachers who already have experience, often taken by people moving into senior teacher, trainer or academic-manager roles. It is not an entry-level course.

Is TEFL a degree?

No. A TEFL certificate or diploma is a professional qualification, not a university degree. London College of Teachers' TEFL levels run from a 120-hour Certificate to a 480-hour Master in TEFL, which is an advanced professional programme, not a master's degree. Many employers abroad ask for a bachelor's degree as well as a TEFL.

Compare TEFL courses and levels →

Who should take a TEFL course?

A TEFL course suits anyone who wants to teach English to non-native speakers: graduates planning to teach abroad, school teachers who want better English-teaching methods, career changers, parents and tutors, and people who want to teach online. You do not need previous teaching experience.

Do I need a TEFL to teach English?

For most paid English-teaching jobs abroad and online, yes. A 120-hour TEFL is the usual minimum that language schools, online platforms and visa processes look for. Teaching in state schools usually needs a national teaching licence instead of, or as well as, a TEFL.

Is TEFL worth it?

TEFL is worth it if you want to teach English abroad, teach online or make your English teaching more effective. It is relatively quick and affordable compared with a degree, and it is the standard entry qualification for language schools and online platforms. It is less useful if your goal is a government school post, which needs a national teaching licence.

Can I take a TEFL course without teaching experience?

Yes. TEFL courses are designed for beginners: they start with how languages are learned and how to plan a lesson, then build practical classroom skills. London College of Teachers' courses are open to people with no teaching background.

What does a TEFL course teach?

A TEFL course teaches how to plan and deliver English lessons. Typical topics include teaching methodologies, how people acquire a language, grammar for teachers, phonology and pronunciation, vocabulary, lesson planning, using drama and games, and teaching the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

120-Hour TEFL Certificate Online →