ESL
English as an additional language is used to refer to the learning of English by speakers of other languages. The term is commonly abbreviated to EAL and to many it is effectively synonymous with ESL -- English as a second language, or EFL -- English as a foreign language. To be precise, however, the former refers to the learning of English within an English-speaking region, while the latter indicates the learning of English in a non-English-speaking region. TESL is the study of the teaching of English as a second language, and TESOL Inc. is the international professional organization of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. TEFL is the teaching of English as a Foreign Language.
It's worth noting that ESL/EAL/EFL programs also differ depending on the variant of English being spoken; "English" is a term that can refer to various dialects, including British English, North American English, and other dialects. For example, students studying ESL/EFL in Hong Kong are more likely to learn British English, especially British idioms, which may make travel to the United States marginally more complex for them, as North American English uses very different idioms and slang.
See also
