English Language Teacher vs ESL vs EFL: What’s the Difference?

English is one of the most widely taught subjects in the world, but not all English teachers do the same thing — or work in the same environment. Some help immigrants settle into life in an English-speaking country. Others teach kids in rural classrooms halfway across the world. Some work online with students they’ve never met in person. So what do we actually mean when we say “English Language Teacher”?

Terms like ESL and EFL are thrown around often, but they’re not always used accurately — and that can confuse anyone trying to start a teaching career. Understanding the difference can help you decide where to teach, what certification to get, and how to frame your skills for employers.

What Is an English Language Teacher?

An English Language Teacher is anyone who teaches English to non-native speakers, no matter where the learners are or why they’re learning. It’s a broad, umbrella term that covers all kinds of teachers — from those working in public schools in London, to online tutors teaching teenagers in Brazil, to volunteer educators running classes in remote Cambodian villages.

English Language Teachers work with learners of all ages and abilities, from preschoolers learning their ABCs to adults preparing for professional exams like IELTS or TOEFL. They might work in public schools, private academies, universities, refugee centers, or entirely online. What they all share is a focus on helping learners use English more confidently — whether for daily life, work, study, or travel.

Depending on where and how they teach, English Language Teachers might be called ESL teachers, EFL teachers, TEFL teachers, TESOL instructors, or ELT professionals. These aren’t just buzzwords — they reflect important differences in audience, location, and teaching style. Let’s break them down.

What Does ESL Mean?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It refers to teaching English to people who are living in a country where English is the dominant language — think the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, or Ireland.

The learners are usually immigrants, refugees, or international students who need English to navigate everyday life — from filling out job applications to helping their kids with homework or interacting with healthcare providers. In this context, English isn’t just a subject — it’s a lifeline. That’s why ESL lessons often focus on practical, real-world communication and cultural integration.

Teaching ESL usually happens in public schools, community centers, adult education programs, or private tutoring sessions. It often involves working with diverse, multilingual classrooms and helping students gain the confidence to use English in their new environment.

👉 What Is ESL?

What Does EFL Mean?

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, and it describes teaching English in places where English is not the primary language. If you’re teaching English in Thailand, Turkey, Brazil, or South Korea, you’re in an EFL setting.

Learners in these environments are studying English as an academic subject or professional tool — not for day-to-day survival. Their goals might include passing an English exam, studying abroad, landing a better job, or just traveling more confidently. The classroom is usually their main exposure to the language.

EFL teaching takes place in public schools, language academies, private tutoring sessions, or increasingly, through online platforms. Teachers in this setting often use textbooks, structured grammar lessons, and visual aids — and they need to be aware of cultural differences that affect how students learn.

👉 What Is EFL?

How ESL and EFL Teachers Differ

While both ESL and EFL teachers are focused on helping students learn English, the where and why behind the teaching make the experience quite different.

• Location: ESL teachers work in countries where English is the native or dominant language — like the U.S. or U.K. EFL teachers usually work abroad in non-English-speaking countries — like Japan, Brazil, or Turkey — or online.

• Student Goals: ESL students need English to function in daily life: finding a job, going to the doctor, or helping their kids with schoolwork. EFL students, on the other hand, are often learning for long-term goals like travel, international study, or career advancement.

• Teaching Style: ESL teaching tends to be more immersive — drawing on real-life tasks like grocery shopping or navigating public transportation. EFL teaching is often more structured — with a focus on grammar, reading comprehension, test prep, and language accuracy.

• Classroom Context: ESL teachers often work in multicultural classrooms with students from many different language backgrounds. EFL teachers are more likely to have monolingual groups (e.g., all Thai students), which shapes how they manage translation, classroom dynamics, and group work.

• Employment Differences: ESL teachers in the West may need to meet stricter qualifications (state certification, education degrees), especially in public schools. EFL teachers abroad usually follow visa-specific requirements, which vary widely by country.

Certification and Training: What’s Required?

No matter where you want to teach, training matters — both for job eligibility and for your confidence in the classroom.

• Most new teachers start with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. These courses provide essential training in lesson planning, classroom management, and how to teach English to non-native speakers.

• If you're teaching EFL abroad, a 120-hour TEFL certificate is often enough to get started — especially in beginner-friendly countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or Spain. Many online teaching platforms accept the same credential.

• For ESL roles in native-English countries, especially in public schools or universities, you may need more advanced qualifications — such as a CELTA, PGCE, or even a Master’s in TESOL.

• Online teachers typically teach EFL-style lessons from anywhere, but platforms may still require a TEFL or TESOL certification, especially if you want to earn higher rates or attract more students.

👉 Explore training options:
TEFL Certification | TESOL Certification

Common Job Settings for Each Role

The kind of classroom you teach in can vary significantly depending on whether you're working as an ESL or EFL teacher — but all fall under the wider umbrella of being an English Language Teacher.

• English Language Teacher is the catch-all term. Whether you’re teaching online from Bali, tutoring a Syrian refugee in London, or leading a class in a Korean public school — you’re an English Language Teacher.

• ESL Teachers usually work in:

  • Public schools: supporting newly arrived students who need help accessing the curriculum.
  • Community colleges and adult education programs: helping adults with workplace English or citizenship test prep.
  • NGOs and nonprofits: providing language classes for immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers.
  • University support centers: teaching academic English to international students.

• EFL Teachers often find jobs in:

  • Language academies: especially popular in countries like Spain, Korea, or Japan, with group or one-on-one classes.
  • Public/private schools abroad: teaching English as part of the standard curriculum.
  • Tutoring centers: focused on test prep (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or conversational skills.
  • Online platforms: working remotely with international students of all ages.

Each of these job settings offers a different rhythm, classroom culture, and set of expectations — so choosing the right one is key to your job satisfaction.

Which Path Is Right for You?

When choosing between ESL and EFL, it’s not just about geography — it’s about your lifestyle, long-term goals, and where you’ll thrive as a teacher.

• Choose ESL if:

  • You’re based in an English-speaking country and want to work locally.
  • You enjoy helping immigrants and international students integrate.
  • You want to build a career in public education, community outreach, or academic support.

• Choose EFL if:

  • You want to teach abroad and explore new countries and cultures.
  • You're open to short- or long-term contracts across Asia, Europe, or Latin America.
  • You prefer teaching in a structured setting or want the freedom to teach online.

• Stick with “English Language Teacher” if:

  • You're still exploring your options.
  • You want a flexible, global career that includes in-person and online teaching.
  • You’re building a résumé that spans both ESL and EFL roles.

There’s no “best” path — only what aligns with your personality, values, and aspirations.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, ESL, EFL, and English Language Teacher may seem interchangeable — but the differences matter.

An English Language Teacher is anyone who helps non-native speakers learn English. An ESL teacher works with learners in English-speaking countries, while an EFL teacher works abroad or online with students in non-English-speaking settings.

Whether you want to stay local, teach online, or pack your bags and head overseas, there's a teaching path for you. With the right training and a spirit of adventure, you can build a meaningful, flexible career that opens doors around the world.