If you’ve started exploring how to teach English, you’ve probably run into a few acronyms that sound almost identical. ESL and TEFL are two of the most common — and most commonly mixed up. But understanding the difference between them is more than just a technicality.
These two terms point to different learners, different job markets, and different teaching experiences. Whether you're planning to teach in a classroom abroad, tutor immigrants in your home country, or work online with students around the world, getting these definitions straight will help you choose the right path — and the right preparation.
So let’s break it down clearly: what ESL and TEFL each mean, how they relate, and what you need to know as a future English teacher.
What Is ESL?
ESL stands for English as a Second Language, and it refers to people who are learning English while living in a country where English is the primary language — places like the United States, the UK, Canada, or Australia.
Think of students who have moved to London from Somalia, or families relocating to New York from Ecuador. These learners are surrounded by English in their daily lives, whether they’re grocery shopping, talking to doctors, or attending school. For them, learning English isn’t just academic — it’s essential for surviving, working, and integrating into their new environment.
Common ESL learners include:
- Immigrants and refugees adjusting to a new country
- International students studying abroad in English-speaking countries
- Children of non-native parents attending local schools
Typical ESL teaching settings:
- Public school ESL support classes
- Community centers and adult education programs
- University prep courses and bridging programs
Because these students are immersed in English-speaking surroundings, ESL teachers often focus on functional language, cultural understanding, and confidence — not just grammar and vocabulary. Lessons might include how to fill out a job application, make a phone call, or write a school essay in English.
👉 Learn more: What Is ESL?
What Is TEFL?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, and it refers to the profession of teaching English in countries where English is not the dominant language. That means you're working with students in places like Thailand, Colombia, Korea, or Spain — where English is a subject, not a spoken part of daily life.
Unlike ESL, which describes learners, TEFL describes the job and training of the teacher. If you're dreaming of moving abroad to teach English in a local school, a private academy, or even online to international students — you're talking about TEFL.
TEFL teachers often work in:
- Public schools and universities in non-English-speaking countries
- Private language centers (like hagwons in Korea or academias in Spain)
- Online platforms with international learners
- Volunteer or NGO-led educational programs abroad
The main goal in TEFL settings is to help students build English skills from the ground up, often for exams, travel, job prospects, or university admissions. Since students aren’t immersed in English outside the classroom, lessons are more structured — and require strong classroom management and creativity.
👉 Learn more: What Is TEFL?
ESL vs TEFL: Who Are They For?
This is where the distinction becomes clearer.
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ESL is a student-focused term. It describes learners who are living in an English-speaking country and need English to navigate daily life — for school, work, or basic survival. ESL teachers support these learners by helping them integrate into society, often with a strong focus on communication and practical skills.
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TEFL is a teacher-focused term. It refers to the act of teaching English in non-English-speaking countries. TEFL teachers might work with students of all ages who are learning English for future goals — travel, higher education, global communication, or job opportunities.
Here’s how it plays out in real life:
- If you're teaching English to immigrants in Toronto — you're teaching ESL.
- If you're teaching English to high schoolers in Vietnam — you're doing TEFL.
- If you’re teaching adults in Colombia preparing for IELTS — that’s TEFL.
- If you’re helping recent arrivals in Los Angeles fill out job applications — that’s ESL.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right kind of training, job search strategy, and teaching approach — especially if you're aiming to live and work abroad.
Classroom Differences
One of the biggest differences between ESL and TEFL shows up in the classroom experience.
In an ESL classroom, students are surrounded by English in their everyday lives. They may need to fill out forms at the doctor’s office, ask for help at the grocery store, or complete academic assignments in English. Because of this, ESL classrooms often focus on real-life tasks, survival English, and functional communication. Lessons are highly practical, and classes tend to be multicultural, with learners from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
In contrast, a TEFL classroom exists in a country where English isn’t spoken outside school. That means students have limited exposure to English, so lessons often emphasize grammar, vocabulary building, and listening/speaking skills. Classrooms are usually monolingual — all students share the same native language — and the environment may be more test-focused, especially in places where English exams impact university admissions or job prospects.
These differences affect:
- Lesson planning: ESL teachers create task-based, everyday life scenarios. TEFL teachers plan more structured lessons with targeted language goals.
- Classroom management: TEFL teachers often manage large groups and formal settings; ESL teachers may work with smaller, more diverse classes.
- Teaching approach: ESL leans on immersion and communication; TEFL often uses translation, visuals, and scaffolding techniques.
Certifications: TEFL vs ESL Training
While TEFL and TESOL certificates are often used interchangeably, they’re usually geared toward teaching English in foreign countries or online — making them the starting point for most aspiring TEFL teachers.
If you want to teach ESL in a country like the US, UK, or Canada, the requirements are generally stricter. You might need a teaching license (like a PGCE in the UK or a teaching credential in the US), or an advanced qualification like the CELTA or Master’s in Education (M.Ed.), especially for public school roles or full-time employment.
Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- TEFL Certificate (120+ hours): Best for teaching abroad or online.
- TESOL Certificate: Similar to TEFL, but sometimes used for both ESL and EFL contexts.
- CELTA: A more intensive course recognized globally — especially useful for ESL in native English-speaking countries.
- PGCE, M.Ed., or teaching license: Required for long-term ESL careers in native English environments.
For most people who want to teach abroad or online, starting with a flexible TEFL certification is the best move. It gets you qualified, helps you understand teaching fundamentals, and meets the minimum for most international jobs.
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Job Opportunities: ESL vs TEFL Careers
The career paths in ESL and TEFL overlap in some ways — but they often differ in structure, regulation, and lifestyle.
ESL jobs are typically located in native-English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. These positions are often within:
- Public school systems
- Community colleges or adult education centers
- Immigrant or refugee support programs
- Academic institutions (e.g., university language centers)
Because ESL jobs are part of the domestic education system, they tend to be more regulated and may require formal teaching credentials, advanced degrees, or government clearance. Salaries are usually aligned with public education pay scales or hourly contracts, and positions are often long-term or full-time.
In contrast, TEFL jobs are found abroad or online, making the career path more flexible and varied. You might teach:
- In-person at schools in Asia, Europe, or Latin America
- Remotely via platforms like Cambly or Preply
- Privately as a freelance or business English tutor
TEFL jobs range from short-term contracts and internships to multi-year placements. The barrier to entry is lower, and the opportunities to travel, teach, and live in new cultures are vast. While pay can vary greatly by country and employer, it's possible to earn a comfortable living in high-demand regions like China, South Korea, or the Middle East.
If you build experience teaching TEFL abroad, you may later qualify for ESL roles back home — and vice versa. Both paths are part of a broader English language teaching (ELT) industry, and many teachers move between them over the course of their careers.
Common Misconceptions
There’s a lot of confusing terminology in the world of English teaching, which leads to some common myths — especially for beginners.
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“TEFL is the same as ESL”
Not exactly. TEFL refers to the act of teaching; ESL refers to the learner's environment. You teach TEFL; students learn ESL. -
“You have to be a native English speaker to teach TEFL”
False. While some employers prefer native speakers, many countries and online platforms accept qualified non-native teachers — especially those with strong English skills and a TEFL certificate. -
“TEFL and TESOL are completely different”
In practice, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) often refer to similar training and roles. TESOL is sometimes used more in academic or North American contexts, while TEFL is more common internationally.
Here’s a quick jargon breakdown:
- ESL = English as a Second Language (learners in English-speaking countries)
- EFL = English as a Foreign Language (learners in non-English-speaking countries)
- TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language (career or certification)
- TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (umbrella term)
- ELT = English Language Teaching (general industry term)
Sorting this out early helps you navigate the job market, choose the right certification, and feel confident in your teaching journey.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between ESL and TEFL isn’t about which one is better — it’s about what fits your goals, lifestyle, and qualifications.
If you’re based in an English-speaking country and want to stay local, ESL could be the right path. It’s ideal for those interested in:
- Helping immigrants, refugees, and international students adjust to life in an English-speaking environment
- Long-term, credentialed teaching roles within public schools or community programs
- Classroom-based instruction tied to national education standards
On the other hand, TEFL is perfect for those who:
- Want to live abroad, explore new cultures, and teach in places like Thailand, Spain, Korea, or Colombia
- Prefer the flexibility of online teaching from anywhere in the world
- Are just getting started and want a low-barrier entry into education
Also think about:
- Visa rules: Some countries require degrees or native speaker status
- Lifestyle: City living vs rural immersion, classroom vs digital nomad life
- Teaching goals: Do you want to stay long-term or test the waters with a short contract?
Both paths offer different rewards — and you can always transition from one to the other over time.
Final Thoughts
At the heart of it, the main difference is this:
- ESL teachers help learners within English-speaking countries.
- TEFL teachers teach English abroad or online, in places where English isn’t the native language.
Whether you're drawn to a classroom in Seoul or a community center in Toronto, both roles matter. Both create opportunities for connection, growth, and impact — not just for your students, but for you as well.
If you're ready to get started, focus on building the right foundation:
- Get certified
- Explore your destination or student audience
- Apply for a position that fits your lifestyle and goals
Your teaching adventure can begin anywhere — and lead you just about everywhere.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.