by Paola Fanutti

Created on: January 04, 2009

Over 400 million English speakers worldwide are native, and still another 400-500 million are non-native speakers who are learning English as a second or even third language. The ELT (English Language Training) field is a booming one, and the TEFL job market is absolutely flourishing in some countries, especially Asian ones, namely Korea, Japan, and China. Job prospects for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers are ample all over the world.

More and more university graduates are considering English language teaching as more than just a temporary ticket to travel and work abroad, but also as a respectable and rewarding career choice. I personally became interested in teaching English after I completed my TEFL certification and decided to settle in the wonderful city of Milan, Italy. While there is a dire need for EFL teachers in every continent, there is also need for ESL teachers in English speaking countries, to work with non-native English speaking students in the public school system and teach newcomers and immigrants the basics of general and business English.

Cultural sensitivity, an outgoing, vibrant and creative personality, and a love for the English language combined with proper teacher training almost guarantees native or near-native English speakers a teaching job at least SOMEWHERE in the world. I have included essential information for anyone dabbling in the wonderful world of English teaching.

UNRAVELLING THE ACRONYMS

In the TEFL world, acronyms can be quite confusing. Many are used interchangably, while some have entirely different definitions. Here are the most common acronyms:

TESOL- Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. This global regulatory association hosts conventions, provides job postings as well as professional information about TEFL certification standards. TESOL's website, including job links and professional association information can be found here.

EFL- English as a Foreign Language. Teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not an official or second language.

ESL- English as a Second Language. Teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is an official language of use and instruction. ESL teachers may require a Bachelor of Education to teach students in the public school system.

TEFL- Teaching English as a Foreign Language. This acronym is commonly used with reference to certification standards or job postings.

TOEFL- Not to be confused with TESOL, TOEFL is the globally

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