ESL stands for English as a Second Language. We have listed some of the most common courses within the ESL field. If you are considering getting ESL certified, these courses enable you to teach English as a foreign language to non-native students online or in-person. The in-person option can be wherever your feet take you if you are a globe-trotter like many TESOL teachers. When choosing an ESL course, it is crucial to find one that is internationally accredited. Doing this will ensure that you do not waste your time and energy, acquiring a certification that is not valid worldwide.

Here are the ESL certifications and whom each course enables you to teach:

TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language

A TEFL is an excellent option if you want to go abroad and teach English. The students that you teach, online or in-person, will be in countries where English is not considered a native language.

TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language

This certification is better suited to people who are interested in teaching English as a second language to international students who are based in a native or primarily English country.

TESL is an attractive option for those looking to further their career opportunities within their own country and possibly even within their working environment by assisting foreign employees to better understand the tasks allocated to them.

TESOL – A Combination of Both TEFL and TESL

This certification allows you to teach an array of ages. Your students can range from toddlers to adults. TESOL is an excellent certification to have under your belt because it allows you to teach English as both a second language and a foreign language. You could even say that you are getting a 2-in1 certification which offers greater flexibility within the ESL industry.

CELTA – Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

To apply for this certification, you will need some form of a formal English qualification. It can be costly, and these courses can either be taken full-time or be completed part-time. With this certification in hand, you will have a higher qualification that grants the ability to teach English to adults.

DELTA – Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Similar to a CELTA course, a DELTA requires its participants to have a formal English qualification. It is useful for English teachers who wish to advance their original qualification further. 

With iTTi South Africa, we offer TESOL courses that provide the best of both worlds. You can stay in South Africa and teach English as a second language here, or you can teach international students online or in-person.

Get in touch with us today to begin your ESL journey.