Introduction: The Globalized TEFL Boom

Abstract

This first chapter comprises an overview of the evolutionary, rapid development of the teaching of English (to young learners) to a fundamental foreign language course in educational systems around the globe. The journey begins from Asia and continues westwards in the Middle East. From there, a visit is paid to Africa, followed by the cross-Atlantic passage to Latin America. The exploration finishes in Europe with short visits to EU and non-EU countries. The whole course highlights the paramount importance of English for the economic growth of countries and for the social, cultural, political, and educational progress of individuals. The chapter emphasizes the necessity for learners to receive, from very young ages, high-quality EFL tuition in instructional contexts where problems, such as learner indiscipline, should be seriously thought about, understood, successfully faced, and thus minimized.