Australia is a great location for teaching English as a Foreign Language. There has been a perception though that native speaker countries such as Australia are not ideal locations for newly qualified TEFL teachers. The fact of the matter is that NQTs in TEFL are welcome as they are seen to inject fresh energy and dynamism into a school. Furthermore, the nature of the Australian Working Holiday Visa is such that teachers can only stay for 12 weeks in any one job. This, coupled with Australia's fantastic climate and welcoming people makes TEFL in Australia the perfect Gap Year option!

With so many people looking to head to Australia to learn English, the sector for TEFL teachers is particularly strong. The CELTA and the Trinity Cert.TESOL are by far the most widely recognized qualifications in the Private sector, while TESOL degrees and diplomas (invariably obtained from an Australian university) are particularly relevant in the State sector. Due to the strong demand for TEFL qualified teachers in Sydney, job-seekers with the CELTA but without a degree have still been offered positions by schools.

Australia’s TESOL industry is divided into two sectors, the Private and the State sector. The Private (ELICOS*) sector is dominated by almost 200 language schools. Many Australian universities also have their own ELICOS departments. The State sector is split into two: English courses are run through the Adult Migrant Education Program (AMES) and the Department of Technical & Further Education (TAFE) colleges. These courses are aimed primarily at permanent Australian residents from non-English speaking backgrounds.

ESL/EFL teachers from overseas - particularly those from the UK, Ireland and Canada - usually secure work on arrival in Australia. [Information based on Teaching English Abroad by Susan Griffith]

Cactus Spoke to Tim Eckenfels, Director of Marketing and Judy Durham, School Director, of International House Sydney, to gauge the opportunities for newly qualified CELTA & CertTESOL trainees to find secure work in Australia.

CACTUS: Firstly, let’s check - which qualifications are accepted by your school as the minimum requirement to teach English? Is it limited to the Cambridge CELTA and Trinity CertTESOL, or do you also accept qualifications such as the Irish MEI RELSA CertTEFL?

International House Sydney: Teachers for International House Sydney must have a university degree AND an appropriate TESOL qualification. Our preference is the RSA-UCLES CELTA, but we will accept other appropriate TESOL qualifications. The above qualifications are acceptable.

CACTUS: We understand that teachers from outside Australia can be employed on a Working Holidays Visa. How do schools react to the fact that overseas teachers can only teach for 12 weeks before having to move on to a different school?

International House Sydney: This fits in well with the seasonality of the school. As schools nearly double in size from December til March, many schools welcome the arrival of teachers who are seeking employment for a limited period.

CACTUS: How easy is it to pick up work initially, and after moving on from another school?

International House Sydney: It’s not difficult. In the busy months, when teachers arrive and present their CV, they are often offered casual employment, which may lead to a longer contract. Teachers who choose to work in Sydney, Perth or Brisbane - the most popular cities for English language education - generally find work more easily than those in smaller cities or towns. Telephone referees from a school are also important and can secure a position at another Sydney school.

CACTUS: Are there good times and bad times to find work, or is there a constant flow of teachers circulating around Australia looking for work?

International House Sydney: No, the flow of teachers is not constant. We receive more CVs from teachers during the high season, and fewer in the low season (June thru August).

CACTUS: What do you think is the main attraction of Sydney to overseas teachers?

International House Sydney: Sydney is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia, offering recent arrivals an opportunity to explore its beautiful beaches, nightlife and live among friendly and welcoming Aussies.

CACTUS Do you take on newly qualified teachers at IH Sydney for 12-week contracts?

International House Sydney: Absolutely! Since International House is known worldwide for its language instruction and teacher training, we mentor all of our new teachers and provide ample professional development to ensure their success in the classroom.

CACTUS: Would you say there are other schools in Sydney, which do employ NQTs?

International House Sydney: Yes. Especially during the high season.

CACTUS: Is the situation similar across the whole of Australia, would you say?

International House Sydney: Overall, yes. Even though the state capitals are the major centers for pedagogical employment, there is ample opportunity in Cairns and the Gold Coast. New ELICOS centers have recently opened in the Sunshine Coast (Noosa), Airlie Beach and Byron Bay.

CACTUS: Do you think these schools are also prepared to hire non-native teachers who have native level English and the relevant qualification?

International House Sydney: Absolutely! We have hired such people in the past and, because of their success in the classroom, we would certainly be open to hiring non-native teachers in the future.

CACTUS: What is a typical rate of pay for new teachers of English?
International House Sydney: Generally A$32 - A$35.00 casual hourly. (approx. £12 - £15.00, US$22-24.00)

If you're planning to teach in Australia, you might want to consider taking your course there, so that as you finish you're well placed to start sourcing your first job.

Cambridge CELTA in Perth
Cambridge CELTA in Sydney
Cambridge CELTA in Brisbane

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