Understanding the Differences Between TEFL, TESL and TESOL

TEFL, TESL and TESOL are each teaching certifications for individuals to teach English to those that want to learn the English language. Upon completion of either of the three certifications, the individual is qualified to teach English. However, where and who the individual can teach English to is varied based on their certification. 

Want to learn more about TEFL, TESL and TESOL to discover which certification is right for you? DEA Canadian College has put together a guide for you to understand the differences between the three certifications:

TEFL – (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

TEFL is the certification that ensures the individual has acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English abroad. With TEFL, you are able to teach English to students who do not speak it as their first language. This certification is the most popular and widely recognized certification of the three across the world. The course educates you on how to teach the English language to students abroad that often have little or no English immersion where they live. The TEFL course is often centred around pertinent student topics such as resume preparation. 

DEA Canadian College offers a TEFL preparation course for individuals that want to receive their certification. Our DEA’s Learning Centre’s TOEFL program will educate students in the required skills needed to obtain the TOEFL Core Certificate.

TESL – (Teaching English as a Second Language)

TESL is a qualification that allows the individual to educate students within Canada or in other countries where the first language is English. The TESL Canada certification allows you to teach those that reside in an English speaking country, but English is not their first language. You are often able to teach international students and newly arrived immigrants as a language support teacher educating students.

TESL is recognized as an ESL certification in Canada, which allows you to educate students in native-English private schools or as a teacher at a private language school for immigrants. DEA Canadian College offers an ESL program to help individuals obtain their certification. 

TESOL – (Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages)

This certification is for individuals who have an interest in teaching English in English as a first language countries and non-English speaking countries. The course will prepare you with the necessary skills to teach the English language to individuals who speak other languages and other ESL and EFL strategies for teaching. Although the certification is primarily used for domestic teaching, individuals who completed the course could also use their skills internationally. DEA Canadian College’s TESOL program helps individuals prepare for the Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test to give them the opportunity to teach English.

DEA Canadian College is here to assist you in acquiring the skills to educate others in the English language. Our various academic programs and friendly staff will help you achieve your teaching dreams. We are accredited by Languages Canada, the national language education association. Register with us online today to get started!

Related: Everything You need to know about TESOL Certification.