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Teaching ESL vs EFLThere are many terms used to describe teaching English these days. Two of the most popular terms are ESL and EFL, meaning English as a Second Language and English as a Foreign Language respectively. Both involve teaching English to people whose primary language is not English. Although they are similar, and often interchangeable, there are subtle differences. English as a Second Language refers to teaching English in a country where the primary language is English. The students who take these courses come from a variety of backgrounds. They can be adults with basic English skills or children with no previous exposure. Since esl students are usually living in an English speaking country, they have a tendency to be more motivated with their education. This makes sense, as the students need to use English outside of the classroom as well. Lastly, there is also a higher chance for an ESL class to be multi-lingual. English as a Foreign Language refers to teaching English in a country where the primary language is not English. Typically, students are learning in an EFL environment as part of their school system or occupation. These students usually have years of training in English, but suffer with their listening, speaking and writing skills. Since EFL students are living in their native country, the chances to use English are exponentially reduced outside of the classroom. Motivation for EFL students, for the same reason, tends to be lower than the ESL counterpart. Understandably, many EFL classrooms will be monolingual. Though there are subtle differences between ESL and EFL, sometimes the line between the two become blurred between the two. Occasionally, an ESL student in an English speaking country may be learning as an EFL student. This might happen because the student only uses English in the classroom, while at home, he or she is talking, reading, writing and speaking in their native language. In situations like this, the student is like an EFL learner as opposed to ESL. Similarly, sometimes an EFL student will find a way to be more like an ESL student. Perhaps the student?s parents or friends speak English at home, or the student watches and reads English movies and websites. Their exposure to English is not at the same level as an ESL student, but they are making efforts to engage their minds in English outside of the classroom. In either case, a teacher will be challenged to meet the needs of the student. Despite the similarities between ESL and EFL, the dynamics of the classroom can vary greatly. An esl teacher could have students from several different countries and the students? only link to each other is English. An ESL classroom could be informal and have no course structure. On the other hand, EFL students have potentially had years of English training and are accustomed to a formal course with a visible syllabus. Aside from the factors mentioned in this paper, a teacher considering ESL vs. EFL will ultimately need to decide whether they want to teach in their own country or teach in a foreign country. Deciding whether to stay in one?s country or not might be the hardest decision to make. In the end, a teacher who studies ESL will be capable of handling an EFL job, and vice-versa. There are similarities and differences, but the biggest decision to make is whether or not to leave the mother country. If possible, one should decide this before choosing ESL or EFL, then select the appropriate path accordingly as some employers will prefer one over the other.
