What Is EFL? Teaching English as a Foreign Language

English isn’t just spoken in English-speaking countries — it’s studied in classrooms, cafes, and community centers across nearly every country on the planet. From Tokyo to Bogotá to Berlin, millions of students are learning English as a way to unlock new opportunities, whether for school, work, or travel.

That’s where EFL comes in. EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, and it refers to teaching English in countries where it’s not the primary language. Whether you’re teaching at a public school in Thailand, a private academy in Spain, or from your laptop to students in Brazil, you're likely teaching EFL.

For aspiring teachers, career changers, and anyone who wants to live and work abroad, EFL teaching is one of the most accessible and rewarding paths out there. It combines cultural immersion, practical teaching, and the chance to genuinely impact students’ futures — all while exploring the world on your own terms.

What Does EFL Mean?

EFL — English as a Foreign Language — refers to teaching English in a country where English is not the native language. This could be in a Thai high school, a Colombian university, a Czech kindergarten, or even an online lesson with a student in rural Japan.

Unlike ESL (English as a Second Language), which is taught to learners living in English-speaking countries like the US or UK, EFL students are learning English in environments where they rarely encounter it outside the classroom. That means the teacher’s role becomes even more important — you're often the main (or only) exposure students have to natural, real-world English.

EFL is taught in a wide range of settings:

• Public schools with English as part of the national curriculum
• Private language centers offering evening or weekend lessons
• Universities preparing students for global careers or academic exchange
• Online platforms where learners want personalized help with exams, business English, or conversation

Whether you're standing in front of 40 kids in a rural classroom or teaching one-on-one on Zoom, the goal is the same: help students build the skills and confidence to use English in their lives beyond the classroom.

Who Are EFL Learners?

EFL learners are people studying English in countries where English isn’t the main language — and that means the range of students is incredibly diverse.

You might be teaching young children who are learning English as part of their primary school curriculum. Or you could be helping teenagers prepare for high school exams or university entrance requirements. Many EFL learners are university students looking to boost their academic English, and others are working professionals improving their communication skills for global careers.

You’ll also find adults learning English to expand their career options, prepare for immigration, or simply connect with people when they travel. Some are motivated by job promotions or international work opportunities, while others want to pass exams like IELTS or TOEFL for study abroad.

The one thing they all have in common? They’re learning English in an environment where they don’t hear it every day. That means they rely heavily on the classroom — and on you — to get meaningful practice, confidence, and progress.

Where Is EFL Taught?

EFL is taught in classrooms all over the world — and no two regions look exactly the same.

In Asia, countries like Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam have huge demand for EFL teachers. You’ll often teach through structured school programs, private academies, or after-school “cram schools.” The focus is sometimes exam-based, but speaking and communication are gaining importance — especially in younger grades and international programs.

In Latin America, EFL is growing rapidly in places like Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Peru. Schools and private academies often seek native or fluent English speakers, and the vibe tends to be more relaxed and communicative. There's also a growing online student base across the region.

In Europe, countries like Spain, Italy, Poland, and the Czech Republic offer a mix of opportunities. English is part of most public school curricula, but there’s also strong demand in private academies and adult education centers. The job market can be competitive, especially in Western Europe, but it’s popular for those with EU passports or working holiday eligibility.

EFL is also increasingly taught online, connecting teachers with students from anywhere — whether it’s a teenager in Istanbul or a business executive in Santiago. Online platforms let students access native or fluent teachers they wouldn't find locally, making EFL more accessible than ever.

Each region has its own expectations, student needs, and classroom culture — but no matter where you go, the goal is the same: help students use English to open doors in their lives.

What Do EFL Teachers Do?

EFL teachers are responsible for helping students learn English in a context where they don’t get much exposure to the language outside the classroom. That means your lessons need to be clear, engaging, and practical — because for many students, you are their main connection to real English.

Your core responsibilities typically include:

• Lesson planning tailored to non-immersive environments
• Teaching speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
• Introducing grammar and vocabulary in a way that’s easy to apply
• Managing a classroom where students may have very different learning speeds and confidence levels

Depending on the country and school, you might follow a textbook, national curriculum, or create your own materials. Some settings — especially in Asia — are more test-focused, while others (like in Latin America) lean into communication and fluency.

You’ll also need to navigate the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of your students. For example, learners from East Asia might be more hesitant to speak up due to cultural norms. In multilingual classrooms, you may need to explain concepts in creative ways, without relying on a shared language.

In some roles, you’ll also prepare students for standardized English exams like:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
• Cambridge exams (KET, PET, FCE, etc.)

These tests are often tied to study abroad, visa applications, or job qualifications — so helping students pass them can be a big part of the job.

Whether you’re working with kids, teens, or adults, the ultimate goal is the same: help students use English confidently in real-life situations, even if they don’t hear it around them every day.

What Makes EFL Teaching Different from ESL?

At first glance, ESL and EFL seem similar — after all, you're teaching English to non-native speakers in both. But the context makes a big difference.

EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is taught in countries where English is not the native language. That means your students live in an environment where English isn’t used in daily life. Their only exposure might be during class — so progress can be slower, and you’ll need to be extra intentional with practice and review.

ESL (English as a Second Language), on the other hand, is taught to learners who are already living in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, or Canada. These students are immersed in the language — they see it on signs, hear it on the street, and often need it for work, school, or survival. ESL lessons tend to focus more on functional, real-world English and cultural integration.

For teachers, the difference matters:

• EFL lessons often focus on structured grammar, vocabulary, and academic English
• ESL lessons tend to prioritize real-life communication and cultural fluency
• EFL students may lack motivation if they don’t see English as immediately useful
• ESL students are often highly motivated because English impacts their daily lives

Understanding the difference helps you shape your lessons and connect more effectively with your learners.

👉 Want to explore this further? Check out: ESL vs EFL

What Skills Do You Need to Teach EFL?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language requires more than just knowing English — it takes a thoughtful mix of communication skills, cultural understanding, and classroom presence.

Here are some of the most important traits and qualifications that help you succeed:

• Clear and simple communication
  You’ll be working with learners who may have very little English. The ability to explain things clearly, break down language into manageable chunks, and use gestures or visuals is crucial.

• Cultural awareness
  EFL teachers work across cultures — from Japanese kindergartens to Moroccan high schools to Chilean business classes. Knowing how to respect local customs, avoid miscommunication, and adapt your tone or topics is part of the job.

• Adaptability and creativity
  You might have 40 students and no whiteboard… or a classroom of four adults with wildly different goals. Good EFL teachers know how to adjust, improvise, and keep lessons engaging in any environment.

• Basic classroom management
  Whether you’re leading a large class of teenagers or guiding one-on-one adults, being organized, respectful, and assertive helps students stay motivated and focused.

• A TEFL or TESOL certification
  This isn’t just about meeting hiring requirements — a good course teaches you:

  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom techniques
  • How to teach grammar and vocabulary
  • How to manage different learner types
    It’s your first step toward becoming a confident teacher.

If you haven’t gotten certified yet, start here: 👉 TEFL Certification

Do You Need a Degree to Teach EFL?

You don’t always need a degree to teach EFL — but it really depends on where you want to go and how official your role is.

• In countries like China, South Korea, Japan, or the UAE, a bachelor’s degree is typically required for visa purposes. These are structured jobs with good pay, so the governments set higher entry standards.
• In places like Cambodia, Laos, or parts of Latin America, a degree is not always necessary. If you have a TEFL certificate and a positive attitude, you can still find paid jobs.
• Online platforms vary — some like Cambly and Preply allow non-degree holders, while others require formal education for certain student tiers.

If you don’t have a degree, don’t worry. You’ll just need to be strategic:

• Choose flexible destinations
• Focus on building experience
• Take a high-quality TEFL course
• Highlight your soft skills and enthusiasm

👉 For a breakdown of where you can go: Teach English Abroad Without a Degree

How to Become an EFL Teacher

Becoming an EFL teacher is more straightforward than you might think — especially if you're passionate about teaching and open to exploring new cultures.

Here’s a simple roadmap to get started:

Step 1: Get TEFL Certified
A 120-hour TEFL course is the most common entry point. Choose a course with:

• Practical teaching components
• Job support or placement assistance
• A curriculum that prepares you for real classrooms

Start here: 👉 TEFL Certification

Step 2: Choose Where You Want to Teach
Think about your lifestyle, visa eligibility, and salary expectations.

• Asia offers higher salaries and structured programs.
• Latin America and Southeast Asia offer more flexibility and cultural immersion.
• Online platforms let you teach from anywhere.

Step 3: Start Applying for Jobs
Use job boards, recruitment agencies, or direct school outreach. Don’t overlook internships or first-year support programs — they often include training, housing, and visa help.

Step 4: Build Experience if Needed
New to teaching? Gain experience by:

• Volunteering in local schools or NGOs
• Tutoring students online or in person
• Running language exchanges or conversation clubs

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Before you go abroad, you’ll likely need:

• A polished CV and tailored cover letter
• A clean background check
• Degree and TEFL certificate copies (sometimes legalized)
• Passport scans and photos
• Visa paperwork (usually provided by the school)

The process is manageable — and once you're in the classroom, the experience often speaks for itself.

Why Teach EFL?

Teaching EFL is more than just a job — it’s a passport to experiences most people only dream of.

• Travel and cultural immersion
  Live in a mountain town in northern Thailand. Spend your weekends exploring Korean temples. Or teach online while hopping between cities in Latin America.

• Impact and meaning
  You’re not just teaching grammar — you're helping students get scholarships, land jobs, pass immigration interviews, and feel confident in a global world.

• Skill-building
  EFL teaching sharpens your communication, public speaking, organization, and cross-cultural competence — skills that benefit any future career.

• Long-term growth
  Many teachers start in the classroom and later become academic coordinators, teacher trainers, online course creators, or curriculum developers. It’s a field with room to grow.

Final Thoughts

EFL teaching is a powerful blend of purpose and possibility. Whether you’re fresh out of college or looking for a new direction, it offers the chance to connect with people, grow professionally, and see the world in a deeper way.

If you’re ready to take the first step, consider getting certified, exploring destinations, or applying for your first position. The journey begins with one well-taught class — and from there, the world opens up.