Australia, miles
of untouched beaches, surf and outback adventure, no wonder it's a popular
place for a year out. A year is how long a visa lasts, and they are most
readily available for the under 26's. I've heard it is possible for those
over the age of 26 to apply, if you go through a special agent.
However, looking recently at job sites and speaking to teachers already
based there, there seems to be an oversupply of TEFL teachers on the
Australian job's market. Only a matter of three to four years ago the
Australian government was listing TEFL teachers as a skill/profession
needed by the country, which opened up opportunities for teachers wishing
to immigrate on a full-time basis.
Unfortunately, this has all changed. Two contributing factors that keep
appearing on websites are the One Nation Party, which is inflaming racism
and putting off Asian students from studying in the country. The Asian
economic crisis isn't helping either. These two factors are said to be the
reason a significant number of language schools have closed.
When I was there four years ago, I found it was possible to pick up
casual part-time work. A temporary work visa only allows the maximum of
three months in one place so this was ideal. The best places to go are the
Gold Coast and Cairns on the east coast. Sydney has a greater number of
language schools but the cost of living is higher. Unless you're lucky,
you'll need to do two jobs to make the rent.
It is important to have a teaching certificate. Most Australian
teachers will have CELTA of ESL diplomas. MAs are, of course, recognised
and other EFL diplomas, while looked at quizzically, are accepted. You
are, after all, only with them for a short time.
Previous experience is often required and it's worth having a reference
or two in your employment dossier. Pay ranges from Australian $20 to $40
(£7 to £14) per hour.
Depending on the number of hours you have, it is possible to live on
this hourly rate. In comparison to the minimum wage, which is $11 (£3.90)
per hour it's not bad. The cost of living is a lot cheaper than the UK.
Some schools have more material than you'll have seen in a book shop,
others have none and expect the teacher to provide everything. If you find
yourself short on material, it's a great time to catch up with websites
offering free TEFL material and worksheets online, most schools have
internet access, but there are cyber cafes on almost every street corner.
Discipline in the classroom is another factor to be aware of. Many
schools have the policy "student pays, student says". This can leave a
teacher seriously undermined and at a loss at what to do. If young Charles
doesn't want to learn and prefers to listen to his CD player in class, you
can be left with criticism about your teaching rather than support. Too
much enforcement of discipline in the classroom will cause the student to
complain. Parents don't want their child's language holiday to be ruined.
At this point entertaining and watching videos becomes more of a priority
than grammar.
Being a backpackers haven, Australia is a great place for finding
casual work to supplement your teaching and travels. There are always
plenty of friendly people to meet and travel with, and Greyhound buses and
youth hostels offer exceptional rates. Casual and temporary work is,
however, as serious as it gets at the moment in the TEFL world down
under.
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