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  Many Americans entertain the notion of travelling to a different country to teach English, and there are a plethora of programs and schools abroad equally eager to employ those native English speakers. When researching available programs, the acronyms and certifications utilized in conjunction with ESL (English as a Second Language) can become baffling. Abbreviations such as TESOL, TESL, and TEFL crop up frequently, and although widely considered interchangeable terms, can be confusing for anyone considering this career.
  
  

TESL

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  TESL stands for Teaching English as a Second Language. Typically classes are labeled TESL if they take place in a culture where people use English as a second language regularly, i.e. countries where high tourism and trade from the United States are an integral part of their economy, and where learning to speak English is considered a business investment. Countries such as India, Dubai and Singapore regard English as another official language, and citizens often learn the language as part of their regular schooling.
  
  TESL classes focus primarily on speaking and reading English as a day-to-day necessity rather than rote academia. These classes are also taught to people who have emigrated to English-speaking countries.
  
  

TESOL

• TESOL is the acronym used for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL is a fairly catch-all term that draws little distinction between people who may use English as a second language daily, such as TESL does, and people who want English language classes for whatever reason. TESOL is often used interchangeably with TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). The term TESOL is more commonly used in the United States, whereas TEFL is more common in the UK. TESOL is often applied to certificate courses that prospective teachers take in preparation for working in the field.
  
  TESOL Inc. is also the name of a global education association for English language teachers working all over the world. TESOL Inc. is concerned with establishing standards in training and teaching, promoting professional standards, and advocacy of language rights.
  
  

TEFL

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  TEFL is the acronym that stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is primarily used to refer to teaching English to a population who may not use it as part of their day-to-day routine, and additionally renounces the assumption that English is the second language of the learner. Teaching English as a foreign language means that the curriculum may be rooted in academia rather than just in function. TEFL learners will study reading, writing, speaking, and other skills necessary to understand how the language functions, and how to manipulate it.
  
  The distinctions between TEFL and TESOL depend upon the program. Many list TEFL/TESOL courses, whereas others draw a sharper distinction. It's important to be thorough when examining these courses to determine the right one for your needs,