What exactly is TEFL? What about TESL? What is the difference? TEFL is Teaching English as a Foreign Language. TESL is Teaching English as a Second Language. In general, if you teach overseas, in a non-English speaking country, you are a TEFL teacher. If you are a TESL teacher you are teaching English to non-native speakers in an English speaking country. TESOL is Teaching English to Speakers of other languages. TESOL is the most widely used acronym around the world and encompasses both TEFL and TESL.

If you are interested in becoming a TEFL or TESL teacher, it is very important to complete a two or four year degree. Generally speaking, a four year degree is more practical but there are exceptions depending on where you are from. Majoring in English, Education, or both will certainly hold a lot of weight but it is not necessary for gaining employment. If your diploma has been sitting on a shelf gathering dust then get it out and make copies. You will need to show your employers your original degree and taking copies with you overseas is recommended.

Advanced degrees will certainly put you ahead of the competition, especially if you have a Masters in TEFL. You may also need a CBC or Criminal Background Check to gain employment. Check with your employer to be sure.

One of the best choices you can make is to get a TEFL, CELTA, or DELTA certificate. These are internationally recognized certificates. CELTA, Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults is the most widely known certification but a TEFL certificate will certainly land you a job. The DELTA certificate is for teachers who already have a TEFL or CELTA certificate and EFL or ESL experience. This is a bigger commitment since courses can last for over two months.

If you are interested in becoming a professional TESOL instructor, this will certainly propel your career. The TEFL and CELTA courses generally require a one-month commitment. These courses cover topics such as grammar, classroom dynamics, planning, how to create and use teaching materials, and adapting to life overseas. There is a classroom component which requires students to teach for a certain amount of time. The course you choose should address teaching children since many jobs require it. These courses range in price from $1000-$2500. These courses are offered all over the world from Thailand to Tunisia. If you do enroll in an overseas course, job placement will be much easier in the country you studied in. If you need detailed information on choosing a course, the internet is a great resource.

C. Lipton taught EFL in Bangkok, Thailand for one year. Prior to this, he spent two years teaching EFL in Osaka, Japan. He believes traveling the world is the highest form of education. His interests include photography, snowboarding, and fishing.

Find more travel tales, EFL tips, and travel advice at http://www.teflflyer.info/blog