Australian job market

What is the TEFL job market in Australia like? Will I have trouble getting a job?

The TESOL job market in Australia is good, as long as you have a recognised degree and some experience along with your TESOL certificate, and finding employment is a fairly straight forward matter. It is probably best to investigate the school or college you would like to teach at and find what their requirements are before registering, if you plan to teach in Australia.

When do I need to start looking for work? Where do I start?

We suggest you begin setting up interviews and sending resumes in the fourth week of the course after we have covered job related matters during input sessions. There are dozens of TEFL employers in Sydney alone, and hundreds elsewhere in Australia. Of course, you’re certainly not limited to working in Australia – where to teach is up to you!

What will TEFL International in Sydney do to help me secure employment?

We can give you a list of available jobs in Sydney and other cities in Australia if needed, and provide schools lists for most countries worldwide. We will also help you with resume and interview preparation. We guarantee job placement assistance. This job placement assistance is an integral part of the course, and is available for the duration of your teaching career.

What is the average salary like?

The average TESOL salary in Australia is about AU $35,000 to AU $50,000 per year, though of course this varies depending on what type of school or company you work for, and whether you work full- or part-time. Very experienced TESOL teachers can earn anywhere between AUD $35 to AUD $65 per hour for classroom teaching and about AUD $20 to AUD $30 per hour for teaching privately, less tax.

Do most schools provide accommodation for their teachers?

Some employers in rural areas provide accommodation as part of an employment package, those that do not may offer assistance in finding suitable accommodation. Accommodation is generally easy to find and inexpensive.

How many of the TEFL graduates actually find work in Australia?

Most of our course graduates who have wanted to work in Australia have been able to secure teaching positions.

Do schools provide health insurance?

Generally, no. However, if you pay Australian income tax, you are entitled to a medicare card, which gives you limited medical cover. Visit http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/ to find out more.

Do schools provide work permits?

Generally, no. It would be expected that you would already have an Australian worker’s visa to be able to work at the school. Visit http://www.immi.gov.au/ to find out more.

What is a typical teaching position like?

Teaching positions vary greatly and a good deal of choice is available. There are teaching positions available in schools, language centres, businesses, hotels and resorts and more besides.

Can I return to my own country and teach with my certificate?

Yes, though the requirements for working in ESL or TEFL in many western countries are different, and sometimes need graduate education in ESL or TEFL.