Job Discussion Forums

[SteveStevenson]

It is my dream to one day live in Australia. I am currently looking into employment opportunities in Japan, as there seems to be a larger market for foreign teachers there.

Would it make more sense to get some experience in Japan (which I am interested in as well) and then try to transition to Australia? How would I go about finding employment, and what would the best opportunities be for a young college grad from the US?

Thanks

[keitepai]

Hi there,

I woud start in Japan and save enough to visit Oz and check out the job market.........presuming you are in the US it is a cheaper ticket that way.

Also, as Japan is not a native English speaking country there have to be more jobs there?? The more experience you have the better.

You should look at different areas as Australia is a vastly different country from state to state. People, climate, attitudes everything.

[SteveStevenson]

Thanks, I really appreciate the advice.

I'd ideally wind up in Queensland, but it's such an amazing country that I'd be happy wherever I end up (providing I end up on the coast and not in the outback),

[LinguRing]

A bit late, but my two cents worth. Likewise, the experience gained somewhere else would be really beneficial in landing a job in Australia. I've taught in Japan, and while the market isn't as good as it used to be, there's still a reasonable amount of opportunities. In Australia, qualifications and experience are a lot more important. A lot of friends have had both but still found it hard getting a decent full time position. Hope things work out.

[Insubordination]

I'll let others cover Japan because I have no idea but it sounds like a plan.

You don't have to teach in Australia. You could get a working holiday visa for a year and do any job. That way, you can see if you like the place.

The industry is not very good this year and you would need a CELTA. Once you have that, you would have an advantage. People without experience command a lower wage and are more in demand for cost-cutting private colleges.

QLD has quite a few private colleges but you would be a casual (paid by the hour). Most teachers are. Maybe you could email a few colleges and ask them what they require and how the market is. Here are a few QLD ones.

http://www.elicos.com/elicos-queensland.php

Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[SamDant]

Australia is one of the most livable countries