Teaching English as a second or foreign language
Teaching English as a second (TESL) or foreign language (TEFL) and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) are terms that refer to teaching English to students whose first language is not English. The terms TEFL, TESL, and TESOL distinguish between a class's location and student population,[1] and have become problematic due to their lack of clarity.[2] TEFL refers to English-language programs conducted in countries where English is not the primary language, and may be taught at a language school or by a tutor. For some jobs, the minimum TEFL requirement is a 100-hour course; the 120-hour course is recommended, however, since it may lead to higher-paid teaching positions.[3] TEFL teachers may be native or non-native speakers of English.
"TEFL" redirects here. Not to be confused with TOEFL.
TESL and TESOL include English-language programs conducted in English-speaking countries. These classes often serve populations who have immigrated, temporarily or permanently, or whose families speak another language at home. TESL is considered an outdated term, because students may speak more than one language before they study English.[4] TESOL is an umbrella term that includes TEFL and TESL programs, and is widely accepted in the field of English-language teaching.[5]
Students who are learning English in their home country, typically in a school, are EFL (English as a foreign language) students.[6] More generally, students learning English are referred to as ELLs (English language learners).
Salaries and conditions[edit]
Salaries depend on education, training, experience, seniority, and expertise. Employment conditions vary by country, depending on the level of economic development and residential desirability. In relatively-poor countries, a low wage may provide a comfortable middle-class lifestyle.[22] EFL teachers often focus on East Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan, where demand is high. The Middle East is often cited as one of the best-paying regions, although better qualifications are usually needed: at least a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) and one or two years of experience.[23] In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), salaries vary by school (international or public school) and fringe benefits include housing, flights, and insurance.[24]
Teachers may be exploited by employers. Spain has been criticized for its large number of small-to-medium businesses (including TEFL schools) which routinely avoid employees' social-security contributions to maximize profits.[25]