TEFL is for teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries to speakers of foreign languages. ... TESOL is for teaching English in both non-native and native English speaking countries to speakers of foreign languages.

TEFL is for teaching English in non-native English-speaking countries to speakers of foreign languages. ... TESOL is for teaching English in both non-native and native English speaking countries to speakers of foreign languages.

These two acronyms are umbrella terms for training courses offered online or in-person (or a blend of both) that prepare English language teachers. Although technically these terms have somewhat different meanings, when it comes to getting certified to teach English as a foreign language, or getting hired as a teacher, TEFL and TESOL are used interchangeably.