TEFL and TESOL are acronyms for teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English to speakers of other languages. If you plan to teach English overseas then getting a TEFL or TESOL Certificate is a prime requirement.

Nowadays there is huge demand for TEFL and TESOL certified teachers around the world owing to vast usage of English as a second language. The TEFL qualification can get you an English teaching job in non-native English-speaking countries like China, Japan, Mexico and United Arab Emirates. The TEFL certification is the easiest way to start a new life overseas; TEFL is also a great option for travelers looking forward to earning money on their trips abroad. The TEFL certification is offered across the Australia in Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. However if you aim to teach English to immigrant students in Australia, USA or New Zealand then you may be required to possess a TESOL certification. TESOL certification is provided by Australia and USA. Those who have a TESOL certificate enjoy an edge above the TEFL certified teacher as the former imparts a better technical knowledge.

Now after going through the reasons as to why you need to acquire the certifications a major question that comes to the mind is where to does one get the TEFL or TESOL certifications? As already mentioned the certifications are offered by Australia and USA but one can also get the certifications online. Many websites offer resources to find a comprehensive course to train students for teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries. The online courses can be completed in one to six months depending upon the student and the sites also boast placing its students abroad. Acquiring an online TEFL or TESOL Certification will be an added value to a person's profile as compared to the non-certified teacher courses, owing to the reason that certification is becoming the standard requirement when applying for an esl job. There are a few websites that offer online certification for $295.00 that have excellent material quality consisting of 140+ pages, and constant touch with its certified students working abroad and good classroom modular programs.

There is a general misconception among the students that TESOL and TEFL certification courses are really tough to master. These two certifications can be easily achieved by a person who is willing to speak English and can be confident in delivering their knowledge in front of thirty eager to learn individuals. As a matter of fact, TEFL requires no prerequisite and the course itself starts from a basic knowledge of grammar, and the curriculum is designed so that by the end of the course the student is comfortable in English speaking and writing. The certifications of TESOL and TEFL are signed by the IATQUO (International Association of TESOL Qualifying Organizations) making it accountable worldwide.

The IATQUO certifies that the course undertaken meets the basic British criteria of 100+ hours of classroom time and 6+ hours of practical teaching practice. So if you want to teach English as a foreign language then becoming certified in TEFL and/or TESOL is a must.

Frank Collins is an traveler and an editor for Exploring www.Abroad.com