For many years, people from all walks of life have dreamed of seeking a new life Down Under. Even today, going to teach English abroad is still an important part of that dream. Working as a TEFL professional is a great way to discover the world, travelling while you earn. It’s also the perfect career path to follow if you want to move to Australia. Recent statistics show that there are more than 600,000 English as an Additional Language learners in Australian schools. So, if you’ve ever yearned to see famous sights like Sydney Harbour or relax on Bondi Beach while bringing in an income from a rewarding job, teaching English in Australia is a fantastic solution.
However, if you’re keen to embark on a TEFL career in Australia, there are some key factors to keep in mind. Here are some things you should consider before you move to your exciting new role Down Under.
Are You Qualified To Teach?
The first thing to bear in mind before you jet off to Australia to teach English is whether or not you have the appropriate qualifications. You’ll need a TEFL qualification if you’re going to find a job in a language academy. While you may not need official certification to give private lessons, having an official TEFL qualification will make you stand out from the crowd. It’ll also help to equip you with the key skills you need to teach successfully.
Can You Get A Visa?
You’ll need to obtain a visa to legally relocate to Australia and find work as a TEFL educator. While sponsorship is one way that immigrants can obtain their long-term visa, this is rarely an option for English teachers. The best and simplest solution is often to obtain a working holiday visa which permits you to live and work in Australia for a period of up to two years. You should check with the Australian Visa Bureau before making an application to ensure that you’re applying for the correct kind of visa to suit your needs and situation. Make sure, too, that you give yourself plenty of time to make your visa application. The process can be quite time-consuming, so don’t leave it until the last minute!
Bear Your Costs In Mind
Moving to another country to teach involves certain expenses that you’ll need to plan ahead to cover. You’re going to need a passport and a visa, both of which you’ll need to pay for. Then, of course, you’re going to need to pay for your flight and accommodation once you arrive.
It’s worth remembering that the cost of living in Australia is quite high, especially if you’re relocating to a major city like Melbourne, Sydney or Perth. If you want to reduce your costs, you may want to consider relocating to one of the less expensive cities such as Adelaide or Hobart.
When To Apply
The good news is that there are opportunities for TEFL professionals available in Australia all through the year. Nevertheless, if you’re planning to find a job in a school or academy the best time for you to make an application will be between September and October. That is because this is the period during which schools prepare to take on new staff for the academic year beginning in January.
Another option to consider is teaching English online from your new base in Australia. This will give you the freedom to work at a time and place that suits you. It’ll also open up more work opportunities to you since you won’t be limited to solely Australian companies. You’ll be able to work for any number of online language schools.
Bearing in mind that many online English teaching jobs involve working with Asian students, relocating to Australia is a great idea. There will only be around an hour’s time difference between you and your students – far more convenient than the seven or eight hours’ difference between Asia and the UK!
Decide Where You’ll Live
Australia is an enormous country, divided into different states, each with its own regulations and rules. The weather can vary greatly between different areas and lifestyles can differ too. You need to spend some time considering what kind of experience you want to have when you relocate to Australia. Are you looking for a fast-paced city environment? A relaxing beachside setting? A rural location? There are so many options available that you’re going to need to spend some serious time researching all of the possibilities.
If you opt for online English teaching, of course, you needn’t restrict yourself to a single location. You can spend some time travelling around the country and discovering everything that Oz has to offer. Many TEFL professionals who move to Australia find this the best way to make the most of their overseas English teaching experience. They can earn a living, enjoy a rewarding job, and explore a new country at the same time!
Preparing For Interview
If you’re applying for a job in an academy or school, you’ll need to have an interview. To pass this successfully, you’ll need to be well-prepared. Make sure your application is detailed and includes all of your qualifications. Think ahead, too, about the answers you may give to questions about why you want to move to Australia, your plans for relocation, and your aspirations for your career. Any prospective employer will want to be convinced you have a concrete plan for the future.
Is A Move Down Under Right For You?
If you’re trying to decide whether moving to Australia as an overseas English teacher is right for you, these key factors to consider may help you make your mind up. It can certainly be rewarding and exciting, but planning and preparation is crucial if you want to make the most of your experience.
Posted By Deborah
Updated : 9th October 2023 | Words : 969 | Views : 199
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