Differences between 120-hour TEFL and 180-hour TESOL courses

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) and teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) are typical qualifications for people who want to teach English as a second language. Both certifications are recognised and valued within the ELT industry, but there are distinctions between them that may influence which course is chosen by someone looking to teach abroad. What are the differences between a 120-Hour TEFL course and a 180-Hour TESOL course?

The length of time needed to finish

One of the main differences between TEFL and TESOL is the length of time required to finish the course. TEFL courses typically last 120 hours, whereas TESOL courses vary between 120 and 300 hours. 180-hour TESOL courses are gaining popularity among aspiring language teachers because of their comprehensive nature. Language schools around the world value a 180-hour TESOL course above a 120-hour TEFL, which is seen as the bare minimum. Choosing to study a 180-hour TESOL course will give you more tools and skills to offer schools and will give you a better start as a teacher.

This article will investigate the differences between 120-hour TEFL and 180-hour TESOL courses in terms of your career goals and finding higher-paid TEFL jobs.

In-depth curriculum

The curriculum of a 180-hour TESOL course is far more comprehensive compared to a 120-hour TEFL course. This means that you will possess more knowledge and skills to effectively teach English to language learners. The additional study hours provide the opportunity to learn more about teaching methodologies, planning lessons, classroom management, and the theories of language acquisition. These extra skills and knowledge can better prepare you for a career as an English teacher. It is smarter to choose a 180-hour TESOL.

Seeing real teaching in action

In a 180-hour online TESOL course, you will have greater opportunities to observe real TEFL teaching. Good 180-hour TESOL programs will have many hours of real teaching practice for you to watch over and over, with quality guided-observation tasks to complete so you can focus on particular teaching and classroom management points. You will learn how to create and deliver effective lesson plans, and you will receive feedback from experienced instructors on your learning. This practical experience is essential for developing the confidence and abilities necessary to be a successful English teacher. You will get fewer such opportunities with just a 120-hour TEFL certificate.

More job opportunities

TESOL certification is preferred by many employers over TEFL certification. A TESOL certification demonstrates that you have undergone a greater amount of language-teacher training and are better prepared to teach English to non-native speakers. You will be better positioned to apply for jobs demanding a higher level of training and expertise with a 180-hour TESOL certification. Earning a Level 4 TESOL certificate puts you at the top of the pile above other candidates. 

Greater earning potential

A 180-hour TESOL certification can also result in an increase in earnings potential. Employers often offer more for TESOL-certified teachers because they perceive them to have more professional experience and training. You will be able to negotiate for higher salaries with a 180-hour TESOL certification over a Level 3 TEFL certificate, especially in countries with a high-demand for English teachers. One of the differences between a 180-hour TESOL and a 120-hour TEFL is that you will stand out from the crowd.

Career promotion

A 180-hour TESOL certification can also provide better career advancement opportunities. With Level 4 TESOL certification, you can advance to more senior teaching positions faster or even teacher training positions. Additionally, a course like the 180-hour Higher Certificate in TESOL (Level 4), has a whole unit dedicated to the importance of continuous professional development and lifelong-learning, something a 120-hour TEFL certificate (Level 3) just doesn't have realistic space for. The additional training and support you receive on a 180-hour TESOL (Level 4) about how you can advance your career and which additional qualifications you can take puts you in the right headspace for promotion and career advancement.

Flexibility

Holders of a 180-hour online TESOL certification are more adaptable than holders of a 120-hour TEFL certification. The additional content in a TESOL course give you the know-how to teach English to a broader range of students than with a basic TEFL course, including young learners, business professionals, online students, large numbers in public schools, and students preparing for academic exams. This allows you to pursue a variety of teaching opportunities and develop a wider range of skills in language teaching. Selecting a longer online TESOL course over a shorter TEFL course gives you way more tools in the cupboard and you'll be able to teach in a much wider variety of contexts.

The 180-hour TESOL has many benefits over the 120-hour TEFL certification. The additional units, teaching experience, and complete curriculum provide a solid foundation for a successful career teaching English to non-native speakers. With TESOL certification, you will have access to more job opportunities, higher earning potential, and better career advancement opportunities. A 180-hour TESOL certification is an excellent decision if you are thinking about a career teaching English abroad or to language learners in your own country.

Win! 

by Stuart Allen

Owner, TEFL Lemon

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