By Frank Collins

TEFL and TESOL are acronyms for teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English to speakers of other languages. If you plan to teach English overseas then getting a TEFL or TESOL Certificate is a prime requirement.

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Nowadays there is huge demand for TEFL and TESOL certified teachers around the world owing to vast usage of English as a second language. The TEFL qualification can get you an English teaching job in non-native English-speaking countries like China, Japan, Mexico and United Arab Emirates. The TEFL certification is the easiest way to start a new life overseas; TEFL is also a great option for travelers looking forward to earning money on their trips abroad. The TEFL certification is offered across the Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. However if you aim to teach English to immigrant students in Australia, USA or New Zealand then you may be required to possess a TESOL certification. TESOL certification is provided by Australia and USA. Those who have a TESOL certificate enjoy an edge above the TEFL certified teacher as the former imparts a better technical knowledge.

Now after going through the reasons as to why you need to acquire the certifications a major question that comes to the mind is where to does one get the TESOL or TEFL certifications? As already mentioned the certifications are offered by Australia and USA but one can also get the certifications online. Many websites offer resources to find a comprehensive course to train students for teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries. The online courses can be completed in one to six months depending upon the student and the sites also boast placing its students abroad. Acquiring an online TEFL or TESOL Certification will be an added value to a person’s profile as compared to the non-certified teacher courses, owing to the reason that certification is becoming the standard requirement when applying for an esl job. ExploringAbroad’s website offers online certification for $295.00 and it also has excellent material quality consisting of 140+ pages, and constant touch with its certified students working abroad and good classroom modular programs.

There is a general misconception among the students that TEFL and TESOL courses are really tough to master. These two certifications can be easily achieved by a person who is willing to speak English and can be confident in delivering their knowledge in front of thirty eager to learn individuals. As a matter of fact, TEFL requires no prerequisite and the course itself starts from a basic knowledge of grammar, and the curriculum is designed so that by the end of the course the student is comfortable in English speaking and writing. The certifications of TESOL and TEFL are signed by the IATQUO (International Association of TESOL Qualifying Organizations) making it accountable worldwide. The IATQUO certifies that the course undertaken meets the basic British criteria of 100+ hours of classroom time and 6+ hours of practical teaching practice. So if you want to teach English as a foreign language then becoming certified in TEFL and/or TESOL is a must.

About the Author

Frank Collins is an avid traveler and contributor to Exploring Abroad which focuses on travel, teaching,living and working abroad.

By Frank Collins

Each month, there are literally over 20,000 ESL teaching jobs listed. As a result, there is no better time to teach English abroad. Most schools will require a prospect to be certified to teach English. You can teach in international cities from Madrid to Bangkok, from Paris to Prague, and from Lima to Seoul.

Teaching English abroad has numerous benefits such as the opportunity to learn about different cultures; the exposure to interesting lifestyles; the chance to make money while enjoying traveling overseas; a clear and better perception of your own culture and tendencies; the reward of creating dialogue for your students; and establishing great friendships with international people. It doesn’t matter if you are still attending college, have just completed college and are undecided of your career choice, or have been working already for a number of years and are seeking a change, the experience of teaching English abroad will raise your communication skills, self-confidence, and international knowledge.

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The industry acronyms used most are EFL, ESL, TEFL, TESL and TESOL. They can be confusing, especially when they are commonly used as substitutes for one another. They are defined as follows: English as a Foreign Language (EFL), English as a Second Language (ESL), Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). All of these terms essentially mean the same thing, the main difference being what part of the world the term is used in (i.e. in Europe, English is commonly referred to as a foreign language whereas in the US and Canada, English is commonly referred to as a second language). Once the teacher completes the in-classroom course or online course which consists of 45 to 60 hours, they will get a certificate which is recognized and accepted internationally.

Upon completion you will be a step ahead of the others as you have now increased your qualifications to make your ESL teaching job prospects much easier. The course will increase your teaching skills, self-esteem, and provide you with methods on how to teach English grammar, reading, writing, listening, comprehension and pronunciation. Proper training in teaching ESL can go very far for job satisfaction.

It is true there are some countries where a TESOL/TEFL certificate is not required, but these are often at schools which pay very low and offer exploitive working conditions and demands. It is better to fully prepared to offer the best. After all, you are the teacher and will be representing your country.

About the Author

Frank offers information on international jobs, working abroad, and teaching english overseas. To find out about becoming certified with TESOL or TEFL, english language resources, and job listings visit his site: exploringabroad.com. Get tips and resources to teach english abroad for a positive experience.

By Frank Collins

Teaching abroad will change your life! You’ll experience not only a new culture but also new traditions. You’ll gain an entirely new perspective at life, consideration and appreciation for people around the world. You will have an opportunity to travel and discover other parts of the world. You will make a new network of friends and develop skills by joint efforts that will yield benefits in the coming years.

Teaching abroad may also give you a significant edge in your professional options. By having real world experiences in foreign lands and understanding cross-cultural differences you become more appealing to companies and alumni associations. Living in a new culture unexpectedly builds essential tools such as being rational on your feet and communicating efficiently. Furthermore, teaching English abroad develops coordination and management skills that are extremely desirable in any line of work.

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If you are truly interested in teaching abroad, there are various websites where you can become certified to teach English anywhere in the world with the internationally recognized TEFL or TESOL certificate. TEFL is teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESOL is for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Of course, there are some countries that will permit you to teach as long as you are a native English speaker but if you want better pay and accommodations a certification is the best choice.

In addition, you can learn a second language while you are abroad. Imagine teaching English to eager students in South America in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile or Asian countries which include China, Korea, Japan and last but not least the European countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and Spain. The experience is something unforgettable, enjoyable and rewarding. You will be able to do what you love: travel, teach, and communicate with people while having a positive impact on them.

About the Author

Frank is an avid traveler and editor at the Exploring Abroad website.