The field of English language teaching keeps evolving as we move forward. It has a plethora of acronyms for different courses that confuse even seasoned educators. But being well acquainted with the terms and their uses is crucial, especially if your goal is to make teaching English your career. 

TEFL, TESOL, and TESL are three of the most well-known courses, and they all provide you with the ability to teach English in global classrooms. But there are a few differences among these three, and knowing about them will help you select the best course for yourself. This article will discuss the differences between TESL, TEFL, and TESOL certification online. 

A Brief Overview Of TEFL, TESOL, And TESL

The acronyms not only sound alike, but their functions have a lot of similarities as well. Despite that, here are some differences you must be aware of. 

TEFL

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and has the broadest recognition among the three. Once you have your accredited TEFL certification online, you can teach English online, abroad, or at your house. It primarily aims at those who want to see the world and teach English online or abroad.

TESL

Similar to TEFL, TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) trains teachers to teach English to speakers of other languages. The intended teaching setting is a key distinction between these two certifications. Teachers who are interested in teaching English to foreign language speakers who reside in an English-speaking nation are encouraged to participate in TESL courses.

TESOL

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and it has been designed more recently compared to the other courses. The foundation for teachers who want to instruct in both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries is provided by a TESOL course, which draws on more extensive components from each of the two other teaching certifications. Anyone unsure of their future career goals can learn TESOL online and get a certification. They will have plenty of time to make up their minds later on, along with tons of great career opportunities. 

Who Wins the TEFL Vs. TESOL Vs. TESL Debate?

First of all, it should be noted that all of the aforementioned course types can be collectively referred to as "TEFL courses." The course content for each qualification also heavily overlaps with one another. The key to finding the perfect course is to examine your career goals.

If your goal is to move out, travel the world, and teach English to students in non-English speaking countries, TEFL is your perfect pick. If you want to teach English to students in countries where the main language is English as a second language, the TESL course is for you. And if you are yet to decide what the right path is for you, learn TESOL.

Conclusion

Now that you are well acquainted with all the well-known English teaching courses, it's time to make some drastic changes in your career. Make sure to only take accredited courses from recognized institutions to get the best opportunities.