TEFL stands for "Teaching English as a Foreign Language." It is an acronym used to refer to the practice of teaching the English language to non-native English speakers in countries where English is not the primary or dominant language.

TEFL is a field within the broader domain of English language teaching (ELT) and is focused on teaching English as a foreign language in countries where English is not widely spoken or used as the main means of communication.

The goal of TEFL is to help non-English speakers develop their English language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing, to communicate effectively in English for various purposes, such as social interactions, work, travel, or academic pursuits.

TEFL teachers may work in a variety of settings, including language schools, universities, private tutoring, corporate training programs, and public schools in non-English-speaking countries. They use various teaching methodologies, resources, and approaches to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for their students.

TEFL courses are designed to train and prepare individuals to become effective English language teachers. These courses cover topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language assessment, teaching methodologies, and language teaching theories. Completing a TEFL course typically leads to the award of a TEFL certificate, which can enhance employment opportunities for aspiring English teachers around the world.

It's important to note that "TEFL," "TESOL" (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and "TESL" (Teaching English as a Second Language) are often used interchangeably, though they can sometimes have slight differences in focus or context. Overall, they all pertain to the teaching of English to non-native speakers.