TESOL Frequently Asked Questions:
Here you have the most commons questions and answers
about studying TESOL and get the certificate.
What is TESOL?
TESOL—Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages—is the acronym that refers to the professional association, the profession, and the field itself.
What are the differences between TESL, TEFL, and TESOL?
TESL refers to teaching English as a second language: programs in English-speaking countries for students who first language is other than English.
TEFL refers to teaching English as a foreign language: programs in countries where English is not the primary language and is not a lingua franca.
TESOL, which stands for teaching English to speakers of other languages, is a general name for the field of teaching that includes both TESL and TEFL.
Are There Pre-Requisites Required?
TESOL applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of written and spoken English required to undertake the course. Applicants must: Have year 12 or greater qualification OR As a minimum have completed year 12 or be 18 years or older.
What type of certification do I need to teach ESL/EFL?
No single degree, certificate, or license authorizes an individual to teach ESL/EFL in all fields or in all parts of the world. Job requirements are specific to the job and the employer and may vary a great deal from one job to another. Depending on the place one is teaching, generally speaking, the minimum qualification to teach English in private language schools throughout the world is a bachelor’s degree and some type of TESL or TEFL certificate.
If my degree is in a field other than TESOL, do I need another degree?
Most TESL/TEFL jobs require at least some academic background in TESOL or a related field. The potential employer decides what is related, but examples may include education, English, and linguistics. If you have a degree in an unrelated field, you might consider supplementing it with a TESL, TEFL, or TESOL certificate.
What is a TESL, TEFL, or TESOL certificate?
Certificate programs provide an introduction to ESL teaching. Generally speaking, there are two types of certificate programs: graduate certificates and independent certificates. Both usually require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, but only the individual institutions offering certificates can answer questions about their prerequisites.
Do I need to speak a language other than English to teach ESL/EFL?
Do I need to speak the language of the country in which I plan to teach?
Speaking a second language is not necessarily required to enter the field of TESOL, but it is beneficial, in general, to have learned another language and to know another culture. If you are living and working in a non–English-speaking country, you may not be required to speak the host country’s language, but you will likely find your stay more comfortable and rewarding if you learn the local language.
What do I Need to have to complete the certificate TESOL course?
- Access to a computer (PC Windows or Mac) with Internet connection.
- Adobe Flash Player 7.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (Essential for Windows and Mac Users).
- Microsoft Word 97 or later for PC.
How Long Is The TESOL Course?
TESOL Certificate USA offers the TESOL courses via distance/Online Learning. This means you will have 12 months to complete the course from the date of enrollment. As it is self paced learning, you have the option to complete the TESOL course in a much shorter period of time. Alternatively, if you require, you can extend the course beyond the allotted 12 months with an extension.