Teach ESL in Australia and New Zealand
Teaching English in Australia or New Zealand is a great option for those who want to teach locally. If you have commitments at home you cannot yet abandon, or one day hope to return to teach English after travelling the world, or are not interested in teaching English overseas, there are great opportunities for you to find employment and teach English in either Australia or New Zealand.
Language Schools
Opportunities to find paid work largely exist in private language schools in Australia and New Zealand, particularly in the state and country capital cities. Often you will be teaching international students visiting primarily to learn English either on a short-term or long-term basis or you will be teaching new immigrants. In both Australia and New Zealand this can be an extremely multicultural and worthwhile experience. English language learners often come from Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe, so really almost everywhere in the world. Your students will often be highly motivated to learn English and will have very practical needs for the language immediately.
The employment opportunities in the TESOL industry in Australia and New Zealand depend on different factors to the overseas markets. Factors like fluctuating exchange rates, perceptions about safety, changing visa regulations and political ideologies affect student numbers and, therefore, employment opportunities, so teaching jobs are often on a casual or part-time basis, but hourly rates can be high.
Private Tutoring
Private tutoring within Australia and New Zealand can also be a popular way to supplement your income and get valuable teaching experience. You can your advertise TESOL qualification and availability to tutor privately in local papers, notice boards and other outlets. Set rates that will make you competitive with other private tutors in your area but remember to advertise your TESOL skills to potential students!
Volunteer
Want to make a valued difference with your TESOL training? There are fantastic organisations permanently looking for volunteers to tutor migrants and refugees in Australia and New Zealand. Qualified TESOL teachers will be highly sought after, valued and appreciated by these volunteer organisations. Our students are able to access a list of organisations around Australia and New Zealand that offer volunteering work. Volunteering can also offer you great practical teaching experience to enhance your resume if you start looking for paid work.
Requirements
Requirements for teachers in Australia are currently set by NEAS (National ELT Accreditation Scheme) who provide accreditation and quality assurance services in English language teaching in Australia. NEAS currently require English language teachers teaching in Australia to hold a university degree (in any discipline) and a Certificate IV in TESOL (or equivalent). Similar qualifications are required for teachers in New Zealand, however there is more flexibility within the English language teaching industry to set their own standards.
Requirements for private tutors and volunteers are much more flexible.
Teach International is very keen to help bring both English language teachers and English language schools together!
