Job Discussion Forums

Ozcanuck · Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

I've read the Working in Australia: Qualifications thread and it looks like I won't be getting a job working in a proper ESL school but reference was made to language centers which wouldn't have such strict hiring practices. I have a university degree from UBC but no TESL certification and I'm on a working holiday VISA. So, my questions are:

1. Is there any chance to get a job teaching English at one of these less reputable schools with just my degree and charming good looks?

2. Is it at all worthwhile (for my prospects of getting a job ASAP) to take one of these online TEFL courses that I'm looking at on the web? I realize they're far from the best, not even being the desired qualification for Australia, but I'm extremely presseed for time and money.

3. Should I give up on this idea and delay the start of my English-teaching career (until I'm not in Australia)? I understand that there are still plenty of teachers without full qualifications but is the money/prospects of finding a job not going to be worth the effort?

Thanks so much. I'm moving into Sydney today so I'll be able to go around to schools or call and ask very shortly but it's a great help to get preliminary answers from experts in the field.

maxiewawa · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 5

Good luck! Please let me know how you go. I'm going to be in the job market soon, so would appreciate all the info I can get.

Would have written this as a PM, but: "You must have written a minimum of 25 posts before you can initiate contact with other members by email or private message (PM). Sorry!"

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

I think schools can have a small percentage of teachers without the correct quals under the proviso that they are guided by qualified teacher. Email some of the private language schools listed on elicos.com and ask them.

Ozcanuck · Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 2

Is "Language Centre" what my search should be for?

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS). You would have to email individual schools to find out whether they�re interested. They sometimes are because the pay scale is lower.

krayola · Joined: 23 Jun 2009 Posts: 38

Where in Oz are you?

Is your degree at all related to teaching?

If you're in Sydney and you have a little experience or can fabricate some experience I know Ezi English college in the CBD used to hire people in a position like yourself

They hired me and all I've got is a Primary Teaching degree and good work ethic

Work's a bit inconsistent though - still, give them a try