What is TEFL/TESOL?

TEFL is the Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification offered by TEFL International.  This term is also used for teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. For example, teaching English to native Spanish speakers in Spain, or teaching English in China.

TESL is Teaching English as a Second Language. This term refers to teachers who teach English to non-native speakers in an English-speaking country.  For example, teaching Chinese or Spanish immigrants in the United States, Australia, Canada, or the United Kingdom.

TESOL is the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages certification offered by TEFL International. This term refers to and encompasses both TEFL and TESL programs.

ELT stands for English Language Teaching. This term is mainly used throughout the United Kingdom. These terms are often used interchangeably, though they differ slightly by definition. This terminology will not differ whether you receive a TEFL or TESOL certification from TEFL International. Employers looking for English teachers understand this terminology.

TEFL/TESOL versus CELTA 

There is not a lot difference between them.  The differences lie in the detail rather than in the broad aims of the schemes.  Neither requires course participants to be 'native speakers' and neither requires them to be graduates. Courses tend to be of similar length, cover similar syllabus areas and require a minimum of six hours observed and assessed teaching practice per candidate as well as observation of experienced teachers.