In the field of English language teaching, acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA frequently surface, often leading to confusion for both newcomers and seasoned educators. While course providers, job boards, and teaching resources brim with these acronyms, understanding their distinctions is crucial. So, what sets TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA apart?
Table of Contents
Which type of course should I choose?
What if a course doesn't meet this criteria?
Does the quality of a training course vary by location?
What does TEFL mean?
TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' A prevalent term in the world of teaching English overseas, TEFL isn't tied to a specific training program or provider. Instead, it broadly encapsulates various training and certification courses designed for aspiring educators eyeing international English teaching opportunities. With a multitude of providers, TEFL certifications can vary in duration, expense, and quality.
What does TESOL mean?
TESOL stands for 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.' Similar to TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL typically references training programs or certifications for teaching English overseas. While TESOL is a common term in North America, TEFL is favored in the UK. Whether a course is labeled TEFL or TESOL, the core content is typically comparable, and both certifications hold equal weight in enhancing job opportunities.
What does CELTA mean?
CELTA stands for 'Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults' and is a prestigious TEFL certification granted by Cambridge English Language Assessment, affiliated with the University of Cambridge, U.K. This intensive 4-week course is globally available through numerous training centers. As CELTA specializes in training for teaching adults, those aspiring to educate younger learners might explore alternative options.
Which type of course should I choose?
When it comes to choosing the right course you should not be too concerned about which acronym you end up with on your certificate. Whether it is TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA is not the most important factor, what matters is whether the course meets the accepted international standard for English language teaching. These standards require:
- A minimum course length of 120 hours (4-week in-class course or equivalent)
- A minimum of six hours of observed teaching practice (OTP) with genuine ESL students
- The course should be conducted by instructors who possess a high level of relevant qualifications and extensive teaching experience
- The curriculum should be externally accredited and monitored by an independent body
What if a course doesn't meet this criteria?
There are many short-format/low priced TEFL course options on the market that do not meet the above criteria. If you are looking for a professional certification that is welcomed by employers all over the world then these are best avoided. Any course that does meet the criteria, whether TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA, should give you the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to start your new career as an ESL teacher.
Does the quality of a training course vary by location?
When making a final decision on which course to take it is worth remembering that the quality of each course may vary from one training center to the next. You might read on blogs or forums that the CELTA course is superior to any other TEFL course. This is simply not true as the course is operated by a wide array of training centers in different parts of the world, some of which are good and some not so good. It is also worth considering that many TEFL or TESOL certificate courses are now equal to or exceeding the standards set by the University of Cambridge for CELTA certification. The bottom line is that the quality and effectiveness of any teacher training course is not set by the acronym on the certificate, but the overall standard of the individual training center that provides it.
