(T)ESOL: (Teaching) English to Speakers of Other Languages
The expression which is used to cover all forms of English teaching to non-English speakers; sometimes also used instead of EAL or ESL – see below.

ELT: English Language Teaching - a general, inclusive term used in the profession.

EAL: English as an Additional Language
English taught to non-English speakers who live in the UK and who need English for study or other purposes, in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Education. EAL was formerly referred to as ESL (English as a Second Language) or E2L.

(T)EFL: (Teaching) English as a Foreign Language
English taught to learners, both overseas and in the UK, who may have no intention of living in an English-speaking country.

Note: There are many similar expressions which relate to aspects of ELT which are not of immediate concern here. The most common are EIL (English as an International Language), LFE (Lingua Franca English), ESP (English for Specific Purposes), EAP (English for Academic Purposes), EYL (English for Young Learners), etc.

The demand for English teachers around the world is unprecedented. Globalisation of business, travel and tourism, the internet, entertainment, and academic education means that the need for people everywhere to speak English has never been greater.

Over the last decade, the demand for QUALIFIED English teachers has grown. Overseas employers now seek out people who have completed at least some basic training in teaching English and people who have an understanding of what is required once they enter the classroom.

As a native speaker of English you are in high demand for teaching positions around the world. Not only do you bring your SPOKEN English to the classroom, but you also bring your innate UNDERSTANDING of the language – you know the unique way in which English functions in the real world, rather than just what can be learnt from a book – the slang, the idiosyncrasies, the customs of the language.

There are literally thousands of opportunities available worldwide right now. If you can speak English fluently with minimal accent, then you can TEACH English. You do not need any experience or a university degree to find teaching work and the TEFL Training College can help you every step of the way to become involved in this exciting and growing global industry.