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Anyone learning English (or speaking) has certainly heard the terms TEFL, TOEFL, or IELTS somewhere. Find out here what all this actually means and why it could be interesting for you!
Table of Contents
TEFL – A Dream Job for Many
English is our global language – yet there are still many countries and regions where a large portion of the population speaks little or no English. Teachers are therefore increasingly in demand – including those who are not native English speakers. In these professions, one speaks of so-called “TEFL.” But what exactly is that?
What Does TEFL Stand For?
The abbreviation TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The term does not refer to a specific organization or a particular region but stands worldwide for teaching English to people with other native languages.
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For many jobs, especially in classic (school) teaching, a corresponding TEFL certificate is necessary. This is practical because it allows you to teach English even without years of work and a suitable university degree.
One of the best providers for TEFL courses is i-to-i. Here you can train yourself to become an English teacher, certificate included. You can find all further information here.
Practical: TEFL does not necessarily have to involve face-to-face teaching. Online tutoring, as offered on platforms like Preply or italki, also falls under this category. This allows you to work comfortably from home. By the way, a certificate is usually not necessary for private lessons, as on the platforms mentioned. (Tip: on these platforms, you can of course also teach any other language that you’re fluent in).
TOEFL and IELTS: For Anyone Wanting to Study or Work Abroad
Does a career in TEFL sound like your dream job, or do you want to study at an English-speaking university? Unfortunately, this is usually not possible just like that if you are not a native speaker.
But luckily, there’s a solution! This is where TOEFL and IELTS come into play, with which you can realize your dream. But what are they exactly, and how do they work?
What Does TOEFL Stand For?
The acronym TOEFL means Test of English as a Foreign Language. This refers to a specific test designed to assess one’s English language skills and, ideally, to certify them positively.
The test consists of four different examination units, each targeting a different area of linguistic knowledge and skills. These are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
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You can take the TOEFL either online or in person at some licensed test centers. In Germany, such facilities can be found in almost all major cities, for example, Frankfurt, Berlin, or Hamburg, but also many others. The cost is currently (as of Dec. 2021) 260 US dollars per test.
The special thing about TOEFL: The test result is valid worldwide and certifies corresponding English skills in every country. This allows even non-native English speakers to study at a university or college abroad.
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What Does IELTS Stand For?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Similar to TOEFL, it is a multi-part test in the same areas (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
The peculiarity: There are two different versions of the IELTS, suitable for different purposes. On the one hand, there is an academic test, which is suitable for anyone wanting to study in an English-speaking country abroad. On the other hand, there is a general IELTS test for those who would like to work in the USA, Australia, and CO.
In Germany, you can take the IELTS at one of a total of 14 test centers. At around €215, it is slightly cheaper than the TOEFL. The test lasts a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, during which the various areas are assessed.
The evaluation (incidentally, just like TOEFL) is not “Pass” or “Fail”; instead, you receive a score at the end. The higher, the better. How many points are sufficient is ultimately decided by the desired university or employer, so you should definitely inform yourself in advance.
TOEFL or IELTS – Which Test is Right for You?
Although both tests largely have a similar function and procedure, there are some noteworthy differences.
Both tests are generally valid worldwide, but in different regions of the world, one or the other test is preferred. Universities and employers in the USA and Canada often prefer a TOEFL.
Accordingly, for this test, you can expect American English, which makes a difference for many vocabulary words and also for correct pronunciation. In Great Britain, the IELTS test is often preferred, and British English is accordingly required here.
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Another difference: The “Speaking” part of the TOEFL test is taken on a computer, recorded, and later graded. In the IELTS, on the other hand, the oral exam takes place live in a dialogue with an examiner. Depending on preference, this can make a difference in the result and should definitely be considered when choosing.
Both TOEFL and IELTS can be taken as many times as desired to achieve a better score. There must be at least twelve days between two TOEFL tests; for IELTS, there is no restriction between attempts.
Conclusion on TEFL, IELTS, and TOEFL
As you can see, many roads lead to the goal. If TEFL is your dream job, you can move abroad or obtain a certificate here to teach in person there. Alternatively, you can also offer private online lessons independently on platforms like Preply or italki.
If you want to study or work abroad (outside the TEFL field), you can take either the TOEFL or one of the two IELTS tests, depending on your personal preferences and the respective requirements. Now you know the meaning of the abbreviations and the differences between both test options, so you can definitely make the best choice for yourself personally.
I hope this list has definitely helped shed some light on the matter. It should have become clear what TEFL, IELTS, and TOEFL stand for. If you have any further questions or suggestions, I look forward to your comment below.