What is TESOL?

TESOL is the acronym for 'Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages'

The English teaching industry has developed many different acronyms associated to the teaching, learning, and examination and certification of the English language. The world presently studies two main branches of English: American English and British English. The English language is THE world language, therefore different acronyms have been developed all over the world by educators in this field. The acronyms used are not globally standardized, and many exist which are specific to a particular public or private certificate-granting Institution. The following list describes the main acronyms you may come across as you read related materials or as you browse the world-wide web. 


English language acronyms:

• Teacher(s) of English to Speakeres of Other Languages (TESOL)
  TESOL is a term commonly associated to the English teaching and English teacher certification process. It refers to the teaching and the learning of English both overseas and locally.
  
  
• English as Second Language (ESL)
  ESL is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the study of the English language in a native English-speaking country by non-native English speaking people. For example, when native Spanish-speaking people in Australia study English, they are studying ESL. They are learning a "Second" language in addition to their own, in a native English-speaking country.
  
  
• Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
  TESL is a term used to describe the teaching of the English language in a native English-speaking country. People who have graduated from university with an ESL degree commonly comment that they spent most of the time in university studying ESL theory, but the program lacked in the practical aspect of teaching. "I know ESL theory and methodologies inside out, but I do not know how or what to teach!" As a result, a growing number of university ESL graduates are taking the Global TESOL program in order to receive a well-rounded education, and to really know what to do when it comes to practical teaching situations both locally and overseas. 
  
  
• English as a Foreign Language (EFL)
  EFL is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the study of the English language in a country where English is not the students' native language. For example, when a Chinese student is learning English in China, they are studying EFL. The English language is "Foreign" to them, and is foreign to their home country.
  
  
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
  TEFL is the term commonly used worldwide to describe the teaching of the English language in a country where English is not the students' native language. For example, when a Australian teacher is teaching English in Japan, that teacher is a TEFL teacher, or is teaching English in a country where English is foreign to the students learning it. It is common to see overseas job postings requesting the candidate to posses a TEFL certificate or to be a TEFL teacher.
  
  
• Certificate in English Language Training for Adults (CELTA)
  CELTA is the English teacher certification program originating in Britain. This certificate is widely available in Europe, and recently has become available in Australia. This certificate emphasises the British-style of teaching, which is the common form of language instruction in Europe, as well as in countries that were once British colonies.

The world has changed over the past 20 years, and now the global demand is predominantly focused on learning English. British English used to be the predominant form and style of English to study, due to its long history dating back to the times of British colonization. American movies, music, media, culture, products, celebrities and the overall American image, has attracted people worldwide to both forms of this language.

Global TESOL Australia includes new, innovative and effective techniques that really motivate the students to learn and to use the English language. The Global TESOL course is closely associated to the communicative approach to language teaching. This is an approach that focuses on teaching the students to be able to USE the language, instead of only learning it through theory or memorisation. The world wants Global TESOL certified people, now more than ever. Even in Europe, schools are actively searching for Global TESOL graduates. Global TESOL certification implies that you have been trained and certified.