ESL (which means English as a Second Language) and TEFL (which means Teach English as a Foreign Language) essentially mean the same thing, which is teaching English to people whose first language is not English.

To teach English to those who are not native English speakers you should have a good understanding of the English language and be able to explain and express your knowledge to others. Additionally, employers will look for the following attributes: a friendly and confident manner; good time management / planning skills; the ability to work under pressure; flexibility; clear speech / pronunciation.

The main job responsibilities of an ESL / TEFL teacher include: preparing and delivering English lessons; assessing students ability and potential; giving students feedback on their work. An ESL / TEFL teachers role is predominantly related to conversation, not grammar, and it is widely accepted that ESL / TEFL teachers should only speak in English during classes; the ability to speak a language other than Enlish not being necessary for teaching English abroad.

The vast majority of ESL / TEFL positions require you to be a native English speaker}; this means that you were born in the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa. You can be any age from 18 to 80 but those under 21 or over 50 may find it more difficult to find a teaching position.

Most ESL / TEFL positions require you to have graduated from university with a degree, however, that degree does not need to be an English or teaching related one. You can find ESL / TEFL jobs should you not be a degree holder but you: will only be able to choose from a handful of countries; will probably be paid less; will have difficulties getting a work permit (which you need to work abroad legally).

Specific ESL / TEFL qualifications are not needed in order to teach English abroad, but you will be able to choose from more jobs, and will be paid more, if you have them. A quality ESL / TEFL course program should consist of: a minimum of 100 hours of study; 6 or more hours of practice teaching real students; official accreditation from a university or examining board.

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