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ESL Vs. EFL: What's the Difference?

By Annie Cautrell Interested in teaching English to non-native speakers, but unsure of where to start? You might have heard the terms ESL or EFL. But what do they mean? Essentially, it's the same job-teaching English to students who need to learn it as their second (or third or fourth) language. However, there are distinctions between the two. This article gives a brief overview of both kinds of English language teaching. English as a Second Language teaching refers to teaching English in a country where English is already the main or official language. The United States, Canada, the U.K. and Australia are the major locations to teach ESL. Adult ESL speakers live or are planning to live in a country where their native language is not used for education, business and other activities, so they are under pressure to pick up "survival" language skills. They may enter these countries with advanced English ability, or they may be true beginners who can't even say "hello." Their children will enter public school systems and require intensive language teaching in order to attain English language levels that match their age and grade level. ESL students may vary widely in their first-language literacy skills. Some ESL learners had very little schooling in their first languages. Others have lived and worked in English speaking countries for many years and have well-developed language skills. Beyond the need for "survival English," many of these ESL students will continue their education in community colleges, colleges or universities and need academic ESL classes on how write research papers or give presentations. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is teaching English in countries where English is not a language of majority. Current hot spots for EFL include South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China and Thailand. Students study English in their own country, as part of academic requirements in their school systems, or in preparation for travel or study in an English-speaking country. EFL students have years of grammar and vocabulary practice, but often need help with their listening, speaking and writing (the production skills). Teachers are needed at all grade levels in public schools, in colleges and universities, and in private language institutes. There are also opportunities to work in the corporate setting teaching Business EFL to workers who will travel to English-speaking countries or serve English-speaking customers. As mentioned above, most of Asia continues to experience growth in the number of students learning English as a foreign language. For this reason, jobs in this area are plentiful and competitive, even for those with little or no experience in teaching. EFL teachers have a range of duties from teacher assistant, to conversation leader, to being the sole teacher in charge of an English language classroom. The amount of training needed to secure one of these jobs can vary widely. For many public school or private institute jobs, teachers need only a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and the ability to speak fluent English. Teaching jobs at colleges or universities, or in the corporate setting will likely require a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) or a similar field like Applied Linguistics. Jobs in the ESL markets are often more competitive. In the United States, for example, most ESL jobs teaching in colleges or universities require a Master's Degree in TESOL or Applied Linguistics and at least two years of teaching. Overseas teaching experience can help you stand out among applicants. Public school ESL positions will require an education degree, student teaching and ESL certification varying by state and school district. Both ESL and EFL will continue to be growing job markets in the next few years. Whether you want to try teaching English as a temporary job, or as your lifetime career, you're sure to find a variety of positions all over the world to suit your needs.

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27/08/2011 4:13 PM