TESOL Certification Frequently Asked Questions
TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. TESOL certification provides training in methods and practices used to teach English-language learners. American TESOL Institute provides TESOL certification and supports graduates with optional job placement teaching English online or abroad .
American TESOL Institute offers self-paced online TESOL programs designed to help educators develop practical knowledge in language teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, and related instructional skills.
Requirements for teaching English online or abroad vary by employer and destination. Some positions accept applicants with a high school diploma and TESOL training, while others require a bachelor’s degree, work authorization, teaching experience, or additional credentials. Explore destination-specific requirements before applying.
American TESOL Institute FAQ
American TESOL Institute offers TESOL Advanced, TESOL for Children, and TESOL for Business certifications for $295 each. Save with bundled options: Foundation TESOL ($395 for two courses) or TESOL Expert ($595 for three courses).
How long does it take to complete, and is it self-paced?
Online programs are self-paced, with course length varying by certification. Completion time limits also vary by program, so participants should review the requirements for the certification they select.
Do I need teaching experience to join?
No prior teaching experience is required to enroll. TESOL training introduces teaching methods, lesson planning, classroom management, and other skills used in English-language instruction.
How often do I interact with instructors?
Interactions occur via email, chat, video, and phone. Certification is granted based on performance in quizzes, assignments, and lesson plan evaluations.
How does job placement work?
After certification, graduates can access optional job-placement support and employment resources for online and international teaching opportunities. Eligibility and hiring requirements vary by employer and destination.
What are the requirements to join?
- Education: High-school diploma or equivalent
- Language: Fluency in the English language
What is the difference between a TEFL and TESOL certificate?
TEFL commonly refers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language, while TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and is often used as a broader term. Employers may use these terms differently, and qualification requirements vary by position and location.
Can I teach English inside the USA with your certification?
TESOL training can support work in private, adult, community, tutoring, or online English-language education, depending on the employer. U.S. public-school teaching generally requires state-specific teacher licensure and other qualifications.
Do I have to pay for my own transportation?
Typically, teachers pay airfare to their destination; some contracts reimburse round-trip costs, depending on the employer’s policy.
Do I sign a teaching contract?
International teaching contracts vary by employer and destination. Before accepting a position, review the contract carefully for its term, teaching hours, compensation, housing, airfare, insurance, holidays, and other benefits or obligations.
What can I expect when I arrive at a teaching job?
Arrival support varies by employer. Some schools or programs may provide airport pickup, orientation, school introductions, or housing assistance, while others may require teachers to make their own arrangements.
What do these acronyms mean?
- TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language
- TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language
- TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- ESL: English as a Second Language
- ELT: English Language Teaching
- ESP: English for Special Purposes
- EYL: English for Young Learners
- CELTA: Certificate in English Language Teaching for Adults
In general, TEFL and TESL are similar credentials enabling international teaching, while TESOL is a broader umbrella encompassing both. ESL is used for non-native speakers in a native-speaking country, ELT refers to all English Language Teaching contexts, ESP tailors English to specific fields, and EYL covers teaching young learners.
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Earn your TESOL certification with American TESOL Institute and unlock a world of opportunities teaching English abroad or online. Our globally recognized certification equips you with the credentials employers value. Choose from online or in-person courses to suit your schedule, and start your journey in ESL education today.