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English as a Second Language, or ESL, has many similarities to English as a Foreign Language, or EFL. In fact, the two types of learning may seem the same to some observers. However, there are some notable differences between these two approaches to learning English. The terms are often used interchangeably, but understanding the differences can help you to be clear when you speak of them. Also, the term Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is sometimes used in place of ESL or EFL, depending on the situation.

What Is ESL?

English as a Second Language, or ESL, is a term typically used in Canada, Australia, and the United States to refer to people who come to the country with another primary language and learn to speak English secondarily. It is also sometimes used to speak of people who live in a country where English is the official language, but the vast majority of the population speak another native tongue. Thus, English is the second (or third or fourth in many cases) language learned by the individual.

The goal of teaching ESL is to teach the individual to speak enough of the language to function within society. In other words, the goal is to help the individual function in their new country, attend school if applicable, and get a job. The goal is not to make the individual as fluent in English as he or she is in the native tongue.

What Is EFL?

English as a Foreign Language, or EFL, refers to learning English in a country where English is not the spoken language. This is in contrast to ESL, where the individual is learning the language in a country that has English as its primary language. In many countries, EFL is taught in the public school system, as English is quickly becoming an internationally important language. Sometimes the term EFL can be used to describe the learning of English in an English-speaking country when just visiting for a short period of time with the intention of learning the language.

Most people who learn EFL do so in order to graduate from their school program. Some will learn the language in their home country in order to help them succeed in their line of work if they are working for a company that has an international scope. For instance, someone living in India who learns English in order to work at a call center could be described as learning EFL.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Sometimes the term Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is used to describe both ESL and EFL. It is used in England, for instance, to replace the term ESL, as this term assumes English is the second, not third or fourth, language of the student. It is typically used when teaching immigrants, usually adults, as other terms are used within the school system when teaching non-native English speaking students. In the United States, however, the term TESOL has become an umbrella term used by people who teach non-native English speakers, regardless of whether they are teaching ESL or EFL.

As more and more people are immigrating to English-speaking countries and English continues to become the language of international commerce and trade, the need for both ESL and EFL programs that do a good job of teaching English to non-native speakers will continue to increase. The Internet is making it even easier for people to learn English as an additional language. The demand for these programs is not likely to decrease any time in the near future, so teachers who can teach English to speakers of other languages are going to have job security for many years.

More and more people today are learning English, and this is due, in part, to the influence of the World Wide Web. The ‘Internet Era’ has made it almost a necessity to know English at least somewhat. It has also made it easier to learn the language, even if access to quality English instruction is not readily available.

English Is the Universal Language Online

If you spend any length of time on the Internet, you will find that it seems to be designed for people who can read English. While many sites will have translations available, specifically internationally known sites and sites owned by international companies, the everyday website or blog that you might land on in your search is going to contain information in English. Translation programs may be available, but reading the site in English is going to be the best way to get your information.

Why is this? Perhaps English has grown to be the language of the Internet due to its prevalence in the economic world. English is the language of money and technology, two of the things that drive the Internet. The people with the money speak English, at least as a secondary language, so by posting things in English online, you will reach the vast majority of your potential market.

English Can Be Learned Online

For those who do not know English, this may seem discouraging. However, the Internet Era has also sparked a change in the way people can learn English. It is now entirely possible to learn English online, even if you have a very small budget.

One way to learn English online is to enroll in an English as a Second Language course. These courses vary tremendously in their effectiveness and cost. The best programs are going to cost quite a bit, but if you need to learn English for your job, this may be the best option. These online courses typically have reading, writing, and listening components. Some may require a microphone so you can speak the language as well.

If enrolling in an online course is out of your budget, you can learn English for free online with a little creativity and persistence. There are multiple websites that will post grammar rules, vocabulary, and learning exercises for you to access without paying anything. Even if you are enrolled in a course, these sites can help you prepare for tests and projects.

The Internet is also full of games that can make learning English fun. This will help encourage students to stick with their decision to learn the language. Again, many of these programs are offered free of charge.

The World Wide Web also provides English learners with the chance to interact with English speakers on a regular basis. Forums, chats, and online communities allow learners to practice written English in a non-threatening environment. Surfing the Internet can help learners practice reading English as well.

Considerations When Learning English Online

If you are going to use the Internet to help you learn English, keep a few things in mind. First, many websites have content that is not written using proper English grammar. Use websites as sources of conversational English information, not proper grammar.

If you choose to enroll in an online program, determine what dialect of English you want to learn. There are quite a few differences between British and American English, for example. Then, make sure the program has a good reputation before you pay anything. With so many free options available, you need to make sure you are getting your moneys worth.

Finally, the computer will never substitute for personal conversations with English speakers. Once you have the basics down, find a way to converse with native English speakers. You may even be able to use the computer for this by taking advantage of video chatting programs, but make sure you get the chance to practice what you have been learning.