ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL, TESOL certificate, which one?

ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL, TESOL certificate, which one?
Sep 29, 2009 22:09
guest6057	Hi there, I am based in Holland, and am planning to move in China to find a job after my graduation. I have searched a lot. It seems that it is rather easy to find a job as English teacher in China. If I wanna teach English in China, which certificate is required? Some employers specify in the requirements thatTESL certificate is required for applying for the vacancy, others require candidates to hold an ESL or EFL or TESOL certificate? I am not familiar with these stuffs and get confused. English is not my mother tongue? Can I still have a chance to teach English in China? Should certificate should I get ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL or TESOL? What are the differences between them? Which organizations grant these certificates? Thanks in advance!

Sep 29, 2009 22:09

guest6057

Hi there,

I am based in Holland, and am planning to move in China to find a job after my graduation. I have searched a lot. It seems that it is rather easy to find a job as English teacher in China. If I wanna teach English in China, which certificate is required? Some employers specify in the requirements thatTESL certificate is required for applying for the vacancy, others require candidates to hold an ESL or EFL or TESOL certificate? I am not familiar with these stuffs and get confused. English is not my mother tongue? Can I still have a chance to teach English in China? Should certificate should I get ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL or TESOL? What are the differences between them? Which organizations grant these certificates? Thanks in advance!

Oct 1, 2009 04:08

GAFFER
Points:
Join Date: May 22, 2008
Status: Offline

First of all Chinese authorities prefer and usually insist on Native English teachers.
Officially (but not necessarily) you will also need at least a Batchelor Degree (the subject doesn't seem to be important).
Teaching experience is also an advantage for the better jobs.

ESL = English as a Second language, EFL = English as a Foreign language. Both mean the same. Same with TESL and TEFL. (Teaching English as a Second language.
TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Some courses can be mail order/online. Some weekend residential. Some have teaching experience included. There is a wide variety available. Those associated with a well known college may carry more weight. Simply carry out a Google search to find training organisations in your area.

e.g The CertTESOL is accredited in England by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority at Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework. It is accepted by the British Council as an initial TESOL or TEFL qualification for teachers in its accredited teaching organisations in the UK and in its own teaching operations overseas. Credits are also awarded towards degree programmes offered by the Open University in the UK.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teaching_English_as_a_foreign_language

Oct 1, 2009 05:58	#2
APAULT Points: Join Date: Mar 11, 2006 Status: Offline	Most employers seem to have little interest in TEFL qualifications, they are only interested in whether you have a degree, government instuitutions usually pay more if you have a masters or a Doctorate, even if you are a useless teacher. Not being a native apeaker you should probably seek a job in private institutions, who are not subject to the native speaker 'guideline.

Oct 3, 2009 05:56

GAFFER
Points:
Join Date: May 22, 2008
Status: Offline

Interesting addendum to this thread found in the Guangzhou Morning Post;

"Guangzhou now has many different kinds of institution for English learning. However, different foreign teachers own different kinds of certificate in this teaching field.According to the Guangzhou Association for International Exchange of Personnel, the city is to introduce an international training courses and examination system to those who are interested in teaching English in China. A standard teaching certificate may be required for the future English teaching".

May 29, 2011 21:07

GUEST37186

I am based in Indian, and am planning to move in China to find a job after my graduation. I have searched a lot. It seems that it is rather easy to find a job as English teacher in China. If I wanna teach English in China, which certificate is required? Some employers specify in the requirements thatTESL certificate is required for applying for the vacancy, others require candidates to hold an ESL or EFL or TESOL certificate? I am not familiar with these stuffs and get confused. English is not my mother tongue? Can I still have a chance to teach English in China? Should certificate should I get ESL, EFL, TESL, TEFL or TESOL? What are the differences between them? Which organizations grant these certificates? Thanks in advance!

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