Tesol Faq

 

In the world of teaching English abroad, there is a wide variety of terms and acronyms. For example, you can find references to CELTA, DELTA, TESOL, TEFL, EFL, ESL, ELT, ESOL, EAL, TEAL, and TESL. These similar sounding terms are often confusing for those who are considering a career in teaching English abroad. However, the simple truth is that many of these acronyms are virtually synonymous with one another. For example TESOL and TEFL are virtually interchangeable. Practically speaking, having either a TEFL or a TESOL certification essentially enables native English speakers to teach English in a variety of foreign countries.

TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language.

For all intents and purposes the terms mean the same with TESOL being more common in America and with large state sector colleges in Britain (e.g. the Institute of Education in London) while TEFL is more common in U.K. Language Schools and in the U.K. press. There is a slight technical difference since TESOL refers to all learners whose first language is not English, including ethnic minorities living in this country whereas TEFL refers only to "foreign" students. Potentially, therefore, a TESOL course encompasses more than a more narrowly defined TEFL course.

TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language 
This applies where English is learned and taught in an environment where English is not the official or unofficial first language. Examples: China, Spain, Laos

TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language 
This applies to situations where English is learned and taught in an environment where English is used on a daily basis as either an official or unofficial second language. Examples: India, Singapore, U.S. immigrants.

TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages 
This term is used for both the TEFL and TESL situations, where the mother tongue of learners is for students is other than English. It is the process of developing teaching skills among those native-English speakers who aim at teaching non-English speaking students.

ESL - English as Second Language 
This term is now widely used in situations where English is taught to non native speakers in a native or non-native English speaking country. Examples: U.S.A., New Zealand, India, Thailand, China, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, Spain, Portugal etc.

ELT - English Language Teaching 
A general term for the teaching of English in any of the mentioned learning situations.

ESP- English for Special Purposes 
The term is used for the particular English required for special situations. Examples English required in business situations, for academic purposes, or in the tourism industry. Some TESOL training courses contain ESP courses.

EYL - English for Young Learners 

English language courses that are specially planned and presented for young learners. The focus here determines the entire handling of the curriculum. 

CELTA - Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults 


English teaching jobs for either ESL, English as a second language, or TEFL Teaching English as a Foreign Language are in the highest demand to date. We have connections with teaching institutions all over the world including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The educational requirements do vary from country to country, but apart from differences in requirements, we can help you find a position teaching English in a variety of countries worldwide.

Teaching English abroad can be one of the most rewarding experiences a person will ever have. Not only is there a magic to traveling and working, but the school schedule allows a person time for their own cultural exploration and learning. For a recent college graduate, it is the ideal way to get work experience, earn money and travel all at once.

Obtaining a certificate to teach English abroad is simple, fast and affordable with the programs offered at the Asian College of Teachers. Whether in a classroom setting or online, you can have your TESOL certificate in two weeks. Following this short period, ACT will help place you in a job. You will negotiate directly with your new employer to work out pay, travel and lodging.


The requirements for the Asian College of Teachers’ online and in class courses are:

  • 1. High school Diploma or equivalent
  • Fluency of the English Language.
  • Ability to obtain a passport for job placement.
  • Background check for post certification job placement

The requirements for the Asian College of Teachers’ online and in class courses for international students are:

  • High school Diploma or equivalent
  • Fluency of the English Language.
  • Ability to legally work, or obtain a working visa, for the country of employment as a teacher.
  • Background check for post certification job placement

Asian College of Teachers recommends that non-native English speakers have a 550 TOEFL score (220 CBT) or an IELTS 6.0 to enable you to successfully complete an online or in class ACT certification course.

No prior teaching experience is required to join the ACT program.

ACT online and in class programs provide the tools and lesson plans for you to successfully be an English teacher. ACT also provides optional volunteer/observation ESL teaching for its graduates in the USA. Potential teachers with no prior class room hours have the opportunity to gain classroom experience in the USA before beginning a teaching job abroad.


Students and graduates chat online, by email, video, or telephone with ACT instructors. Asian College of Teachers Instructors are online twelve hours per day, giving ample opportunity for students to interact. Certification is granted based on an evaluation of your assignments and TESOL lesson plans.


Asian College of Teachers (ACT) is an internationally recognized teacher training organization with educational quality control mechanisms that ensure ACT trained English teachers are of the highest standard. They have been training students to teach English overseas since seven years.
ACT certification, and a Bachelors or High School Degree, are the standard requirements for teaching English abroad, and with a certificate, you can teach virtually anywhere in the world. Some of the most interesting teaching opportunities currently include, but are certainly not limited to China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Latin America, Eastern and Western Europe, and the Middle East.
ACT offers TESOL courses to suit every individual’s learning needs and objectives. The numerous programs are perhaps one of the most varied in this field. Asian College of Teachers presents a whole range of in Class and Online TESOL Programs that are designed to teach all age groups – from young learners to adult business professionals.
The ACT courses are interactive and involve students in a broad range of practical activities.
Asian College of Teachers is accredited by London School of Teaching and Training (LSTT) and Pebble Hills University (PHU). The ACT courses are validated by College of Birmingham (COB).
Upon successfully graduating from Asian College of Teachers, the company assists you in obtaining a teaching job.


At Asian College of Teachers, we will provide assistance at every stages of job search, and will work diligently to place you in the country of your choice. Asian College of Teachers provides teacher placement in Asia, Latin America, The Middle East, Europe, or online after completing TESOL certification. Different countries like China, Poland, Spain, Greece, Korea, and Japan have slightly different requirements regarding background education, and knowing which countries you will have the best opportunity of finding employment can be an invaluable asset. We are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to job placement, and cater your job search to whichever country you would like to teach English.


    There are 3 stages to be followed:
  • For job placement you have the option to post your resume online for schools and Universities worldwide to view.
  • Next, your resume and picture are published in an email. ACT then represents you, submits your resume to employers in the country of your choice, and forwards you a variety of teaching options to choose from.
  • Finally, you have the option to publish your video resume on TESOL Café for thousands of TESOL employers to view worldwide.

With your certification from Asian College of Teachers, you will also receive the benefit of a lifelong job placement service. ACT knows all the various ins and outs of teaching English in a wide variety of countries, and they work hard to get you placed in the country of your choice. Getting an ACT certification is ultimately the first step in an adventure that will change your life.

Asian College of Teachers currently provides volunteer, internship, or online ESL positions inside the USA. Each state in the Union has different requirement regarding teaching ESL inside the public school system. Other qualifications such as Bachelors or Masters Degrees, and specific requirements for teaching in a particular state, will be the final determining factor for employment inside the USA. TESOL graduates can also teach ESL inside the United States of America.
If you want to give something back to the world community, and you love working with students of all ages, you can find a job teaching English as a second language. TESOL jobs are available in communities all over the world.