English as a Second Language (ESL) is where English is not necessarily spoken socially but may be used for education, or officially in the government. This is often the case where there are different groups in one country or region who speak a variety of languages and need one language that they can all use. In countries where English is the first language, the term ESL also applies to Immigrants and other foreigners, living in that country, as they need to communicate in English (as their Second language) rather than their own mother tongue. ESL contries include countries like the Philippines, India and Singapore.

English to Speakers of Other Languages(ESOL) It is usually only in British language teaching contexts that a distinction is made between EFL and ESL. The term ESOL, derived from the United States, is a general term to describe the teaching of English to anyone who is not a native English speaker.

In simple term EFL learners do not get much exposure to English outside the classroom and will generally have limited confidence in using English and have a smaller vacabulary range than an ESL learner. Consequently their listening and speaking skills are likely to be weaker due to lack of exposure to the language. ESL students, however, have a larger vocalulary and are more confident in using English in their daily life