Job Discussion Forums

JSJR · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 6 Location: New Hampshire, USA

Hi,
I'm an American looking into teaching English in NZ or Australia. Originally I was going to try teaching in Spain or Italy, but with EU-citizen laws I'm not certain how easily I could get a teaching job in Spain or Italy. I figured teaching in NZ or Australia would be a worthwhile or perhaps better experience.

Do TEFL schools in NZ and Australia provide good career assistance, and if so, how difficult is it for an American to gain employment provided he is well-educated and has some experience?

Thank you,

John

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Hi, I've looked in to teaching in NZ and work with two people who have taught in OZ and NZ.

Go to the teachnz.govt website there is tons of info. I think that you're best bet is go to go through placement agencies that are approved by the government. There is info on the website.

Or, consider going through a language school. As an foreigner, you can only work in certain cities. You have to find out which cities don't have enough ESL teachers. I know that Auckland is one of them. Then start seding out your CV. You should arrange a job beforehand as well, As you need a work visa and then a work permit.

Hope that this helps. BTW, I've heard that you can work in the EU, but just not legally.

JSJR · Joined: 09 Jun 2003 Posts: 6 Location: New Hampshire, USA

Thanks, I'll definitely check that site out. And I'm probably just gonna stick with vacationing in Europe and forget about trying to work there.
I'm sort of surprised that Auckland needs teachers, but I know New Zealand has a lot of immigrants from neighboring countries...

Kereru · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 32 Location: Christchurch NZ

I think your information is out-of-date. Local newspapers have had headlines for the past month or so about the hundreds of ESL teachers being laid off in Auckland, due to SARS. Christchurch is not so bad. I was very lucky to get a full-time fixed term position shortly after completing CELTA earlier this year but very few of my classmates got jobs. Things may pick up next Summer. Where I work there are 2 Americans who got Visas earlier this year when TESOL was a desirable occupation in the eyes of Immigration. Try a website for Select Education (.co.nz) and also try the Dept of Immigration.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Hopefully, things will pick up soon. SARS is getting under control and things should, fingers crossed, get better then for jobs.

Kereru · Joined: 24 May 2003 Posts: 32 Location: Christchurch NZ

Trouble with EFL teaching in NZ is that it is very sensitive to Asian issues. Take SARS - many schools didn't send marketing people to Education Fairs in Asia this year because of the risk; many Chinese parents have suffered financial loss & can't afford to send their kids abroad this year. On top of that the NZ dollar is stronger than it was last year.

There can be a lag of up to 6 months between a student applying & the visa being granted - at present the number of applications to NZ D. Imig has halved on this time last year so we are not expecting student numbers to pick up for at least 6 months.

Expect to see more NZ EFL/ESL teachers travelling.