TESL vs TEFL: What's the Difference?
📘 TESL vs TEFL: What's the Difference?
By Kesari Sir | ENNglish.in
When it comes to teaching English to non-native speakers, two common terms often confuse learners and even educators: TESL and TEFL. Although both involve teaching English, their meaning and context are different.
🔹 What is TESL?
TESL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It typically refers to teaching English to learners who are living in English-speaking countries like:
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸 United States of America
In these countries, English is all around—on the streets, in shops, in schools, and on television. Learners are exposed to the language 24/7 in natural settings, such as:
- Ordering food at a restaurant in English
- Reading English signs or billboards
- Listening to conversations on a bus or in a park
Example: If a student from India is living in Canada and learning English there, it’s called TESL.
🔹 What is TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It refers to teaching English in countries where English is NOT the primary language.
Examples of TEFL countries include:
- 🇨🇳 China
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇮🇳 India
In these locations, learners usually study English in schools or institutions, but English is not spoken widely outside class. They might access the language through:
- 📚 School textbooks or libraries
- 🌐 Social media, YouTube, or English websites
- 🎧 Listening exercises or language apps
Example: If you are teaching English in a school in Japan, that is TEFL.
🔸 TESL vs TEFL: Key Differences
| Aspect | TESL | TEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages | Teaching English as a Foreign Language |
| Where? | In English-speaking countries (e.g. USA, UK) | In non-English-speaking countries (e.g. Japan, India) |
| English Environment | Language available 24/7 | Limited to classroom or online access |
| Common Learners | Immigrants, refugees, international students | School or college students learning English as a subject |
🧠 Final Understanding
TEFL is a subset of TESL. That means TESL includes TEFL, but also much more. While TEFL is only for non-English countries, TESL covers both English-speaking and non-English-speaking environments.
So, if you are a teacher preparing for certification, go for a TESL certificate—it’s more inclusive and accepted globally. In fact, nowadays, both TESL and TEFL certifications are often used interchangeably, and either one will open doors to global teaching opportunities.
💡 Quick Tip: No matter which certificate you choose, what matters most is your teaching skill and passion for helping learners grow!
“Language can bridge continents — be the teacher who builds that bridge.” – Kesari Sir