Before I start, please treat both the TESL and TEFL as the same thing. There is no governing body that overseas these courses, and it's up to each individual school to which acronym they prefer to use when awarding certificates.

The acronyms stand for:

• TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
• TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language

TESL Online Courses

First off, what is TESL? Simply put, it is helping people speak better English or even basic English, especially those that are living in a country that does not predominantly speak the foreign language.

When you want to become a TESL teacher or tutor, a TESL course will help equip you with the right tools to not only enhance your English speaking skills but more so your ability to coach people, young and old, to speak the language.

What’s in It for You?

Other than honing your skills including your ability to interact with other people in a way that will encourage them to learn what you’re teaching, there are personal incentives that will truly motivate you to try out teaching TEFL.

1. Travel Opportunities. As a TEFL teacher, you will be given the opportunity to travel around the world, particularly in Asia, where most countries either have very little know-how on speaking English or they do not know the language at all.
2. Earn Big Bucks. Compared to a regular teaching job, teaching English as a foreign language could possibly give you more remuneration. This is because more countries are starting to recognize the importance of speaking English, especially if they want to advance in their careers.
3. Experience Different Cultures. Whether you teach within your country of residence or somewhere else, you will be exposed to different cultures and races. You will find the experience not only enriching but also eye-opening because you will be interacting with your students and perhaps even forging friendships.

Online TEFL Courses

Once you’ve decided to dip your foot in the pool of teaching English as a second language, your best option is to try out an online TEFL course - which allows learning at your own pace. You will also not be under the pressure of immediately speaking in front of a mock classroom setup, especially if you’ve never taught in front of a classroom full of students before.

From the basics of speaking the language with just the right touch of American twang to perfecting your grammar and conversing in English, an online TEFL course will prepare you before you embark on your teaching career. In addition, most online TEFL schools help match you with the right employer in your choice of country and can give you tips on surviving in your country of deployment.