What is the Difference Between EFL and ESL?

For anyone interested in the English teaching market, it seems daunting. If you want to become an English teacher, it's important to understand the terminology. Our world is more connected than ever, so being bilingual is an asset. 

There are dozens of acronyms to describe what an English teacher does. One type that you might be familiar with is the one you had in elementary to high school. That taught you grammar, how to write academic papers, and analyze literature. Now that English has become a marketable skill. it has led to an expansion on how to teach it.

Some of these acronyms include TOEFL, CELTA, ESOL, and ELT. The two most recognizable names in the market are EFL and ESL. While the wording looks the same on paper, I'll clear up the confusion between the two. Note, you will need to hold a degree in education or certification to qualify as a teacher in these areas.

EFL

This stands for English as a Foreign Language. If you want to teach abroad, then you will need a TEFL certification. Educators in this market teach students as young as 5 or English for business. The main focus here is to train students to speak in full sentences, and use the language in a formal setting.

EFL students live in a country where English is not the main language. Think of it as a high school French, Spanish, or German class, because it's required. EFL students don't have that much exposure to the language outside of the classroom. Many countries in Europe and Asia need students to take English in school for college entrance exams or to advance their careers.

ESL

If you are bilingual in English and Spanish and are interested in teaching. Becoming an ESL teacher is definitely for you. ESL students learn English as a Second Language because they moved to a country where English is the main language. 

Public school places students from elementary to high school in this class. Adult learners can also take classes at a community center. There is more exposure for ESL students because they use English inside and outside of the classroom. Even if they speak their mother tongue at home with family and friends. Immigrants are pressured to take these classes to make it through the education system and get a job in their new country. 

A foreign language and a second language, it's all the same on the surface, right? EFL and ESL are two acronyms that educators constantly argue about. There's this debate that goes around about how many languages someone actually speaks versus how many that person has studied. For example, Maria could learn English in school in the United States, but that doesn't mean it's her second language. She could also speak Spanish and Portuguese, which makes English her third language.

The goal of EFL and ESL instruction is the same, to get students exposed to the language. Whether it's to assimilate into a new country or to compete in the global market.