COUNTRY GUIDES: AUSTRALIA

Similar in size to the USA, Australia has only a fraction of the population and all the wild-roaming space you could possibly need, complete with stunning scenery and all manner of wildlife. Its coastal cities are also part of its pulling power, as is the fascination with its ancient past. Long before European explorers trail blazed their way through the country, the Aboriginal people, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, thrived and there has been a concentrated effort in recent years to preserve their culture. Meanwhile, a cultural mix has penetrated the cities which are enriched with people from across the globe, including Chinese and Greek communities.

TEFL in Australia (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Finding Work

• How to find work

• Can I find work in-country?

• What is the Usual Hiring Process?

Work Visas

• Is a work visa needed to find paid work?

• Work Visa Requirements

Before you go

• Read this

• Watch this

Demand for teachers

High, Competitive

Main TEFL regions

Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne

Busiest TEFL periods

September - June

Contract lengths

Casual - most teachers work on a 13-week contract.

Types of teaching

• ELICOS language schools: General English, Cambridge (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), Business English, EAP, IELTS, TOEIC

• University ELICOS centers: General English, EAP, IELTS

• Private non-ELICOS language schools: General English, Cambridge (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), Business English, EAP, IELTS, TOEIC

• TAFE colleges: General English, ESP

• AMES: General English, EAP, ESP

Accommodation

You will usually have to arrange this yourself.

A room in a shared apartment starts at about A$300 (€170) per month, while an apartment of your own will be at least A$800 (€440) per month.

Flight reimbursement

No

Currency

Australian Dollars (AUD)

Symbol: $

Salary

A$2,400 -A$4,600 (€1,300 - €2,500) per month, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Taxes

At the lower end of the salary range, you’ll pay about 11% of your salary as tax; at the higher end, it’ll be more like 18%.

Cost of living

The cost of living is on a par with other western countries. A weekly travel pass for Sydney city centre will cost A$35 (€19), a beer in a bar is about A$4 (€2), while a cinema ticket is about A$9 (€5).

Potential to save money

On a starter’s salary, you’re unlikely to save any money; but as your earnings increase with your experience, you should be able to put some money in the bank.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

As the market is so competitive, you should get as much training as possible. Our 120-hour Combined Course should be enough to get you a job in a small private language institute; but to work in an ELICOS program, you’ll need a CELTA or a master’s degree.

Common teaching conditions

You’ll usually be teaching for 25 hours each week. Your students will be immigrants from across the globe.

How do I find work?

If you’re suitably qualified, try applying to the schools listed on the ELICOS website. This is the only way you’re likely to be able to get a job without actually being in Australia.

Can I find work while in-country?

As most teachers work on short contracts, this is your best option. You can still use the ELICOS list, or you could simply pick up the local yellow pages – there are hundreds of language schools across the country.

What is the usual hiring process?

The best way is to take your CV into the school and they’ll arrange an interview if you’re up to their standards.

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Australia?

Yes. Most overseas teachers work on a 12-month Working Holiday Visa. It’s available to 18-30 year olds from the UK, Canada, the USA, Ireland and several other countries.

If you’re not from one of the countries participating in the scheme, it will be difficult to obtain a visa. New Zealand Citizens, however, do not need a visa.

Work Visa requirements:

• Aged 18-30

• From one of the participating countries

• You can only work for each employer for six months

• Copies of birth certificate and valid passport

• Copies of qualifications

• Health Insurance

• Evidence of at least A$5,000 (€2,800) in the bank

Why Choose Australia?

• Massive country with lots to see and do

• Amazing, varied flora and fauna

• Lots of job opportunities

• Better salaries than many western countries

Be Aware…

If you’re a native English speaker who hails from outside of Australia, be aware that some words have slightly different meanings in here, which can lead to some embarrassing situations!

Before you go

Read this…

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton – excellent book about two rural families who move from the country to share a run-down house in the city.

Watch this…

The Castle – classic comedy about a Melbourne family’s fight against an airport development

A Few Fun Facts

• Australia’s highest-ever recorded temperature was a scorching 50.5°C!

• Australia’s wildlife is notorious: its crocodiles can grow to be 20ft long!

• Australians love having a burger on the bar-b! The average Australian will consume the equivalent of 18 whole cows in their life!

• There are actually four types of boomerang, and only one will return to the thrower!