| So massive that it's both a continent and a | | | | adult population completing higher education and a |
| country, Australia is the size of the USA but with | | | | 99% literacy rate. A hugely varied culture means |
| a rather smaller scale population. This lack of | | | | there isn't a specific national language but |
| human interferance has helped Australia maintain | | | | Australian English is the most widely spoken, so |
| its famous biodiversity, which combine with some | | | | it's important for speakers of other languages to |
| impressive man-made endeavours to create a | | | | master the basics. |
| sightseer's dream, with notable attractions such as | | | | The Australian Government and various education |
| Shark Bay, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek, Geikie | | | | and training providers have combined their efforts |
| Gorge, crocodile parks, Sydney Opera House, | | | | to establish the AIEF (Australian International |
| Purnululu National Park and the Great barrier reef | | | | Education Foundation). The purpose of the |
| on Australia's beautiful gold coast! | | | | foundation is to promote the high standard of |
| The landscape of this most diverse of continents | | | | education, training and research opportunities |
| can vary from the snowy Mountains of the oldest | | | | Australia has to offer to foreign students and |
| state, New South Wales, to the rainforests and | | | | immigrants, while also keeping standards high and |
| gorges of the North West. Nature enthusiasts will | | | | encouraging more students to study here... both |
| find plenty to explore in Canberra and the capital | | | | good things for TEFL teachers! |
| territory, where more than half of the land is | | | | Teaching opportunities |
| classified as nature reserves and parks; while | | | | With the high educational standard and bundles of |
| cosmopolitan travelers can head to the bustling | | | | fantastic travel opportunities, Australia is just as |
| cities of Adelaide and Sydney. Long stretches of | | | | exciting for people wishing to learn English as |
| coastline lend themselves to water sports, while | | | | those wanting to teach it! The most popular areas |
| rugged mountains are perfect for climbing. | | | | for English language teachers are Sydney, Perth, |
| With a mixture of aboriginal, European and | | | | Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne where students |
| indigenous Australian heritage, modern Australia is | | | | are mostly European and the cities have larger |
| full of fascinating traditions and cultures. Post-war | | | | populations. New South Wales is particularly good |
| immigration has also meant the presence of | | | | if you want to offer private tuition. |
| Asian, Greek and even Bulgarian influences have | | | | The strict immigration requirements mean that |
| enriched the current cultural mix, and the steady | | | | the majority of your students will be hoping to |
| influx of new citizens creates a healthy TEFL | | | | find employment after the completion of their |
| market. The arts form an important part of | | | | other studies. Australia is also a popular |
| Australian culture; from 2,000 year old aboriginal | | | | immigration destination and a large number of |
| wall paintings to the Sydney Opera House, the old | | | | pupils may be immigrants from non-English |
| and the new exist side by side and provide an | | | | speaking countries in Asia, South America and |
| endless selection of things to see and experience. | | | | Europe. |
| Culture | | | | Placements are usually fairly casual, running for an |
| A history of mixed nationalities and colonial power | | | | average of 13 weeks and usually paying between |
| has created a very unique social blend. It's | | | | A$2,400 and A$4,600 per month, depending on |
| estimated that there were between 200 and 300 | | | | your qualifications and experience. To obtain a visa |
| Australian Aboriginal languages at the time of first | | | | as a teacher you will need a 12-month Working |
| European contact, though there are now only | | | | Holiday Visa; available to 18-30 year olds from the |
| about 70 left throughout the continent. Traditions | | | | UK, Ireland, Canada, the USA and several other |
| and respect for ancient civilizations live on | | | | countries. Small private schools may take on |
| alongside a largely urbanized modern-day Australia, | | | | TEFL-qualified teachers but bigger schools will |
| one of the most conventionally recognisable | | | | require an ELICOS (English Language Intensive |
| elements of Australia culture is a love for sport. | | | | Courses for Overseas Students) certificate or |
| Cricket and football are subjects of heated and | | | | CELTA qualification; and most schools will also |
| patriotic passion; it's certainly a sight to behold and | | | | require a university degree. |
| a wonderful thing to feel part of! | | | | Facilities |
| Music is an important part of the culture, especially | | | | The standard and cost of living are quite high in |
| that of the aborigines, and living with the locals | | | | Australia so living on your own is expensive. |
| you'll doubtless get the chance to have a go! It | | | | Though the cost is on a par with most Western |
| really is a continent full of new and exciting | | | | countries, the cities are pricey and a small flat or |
| experiences: from swimming with dolphins on the | | | | townhouse can cost anything from A$200-300 |
| Adelaide coast to getting involved in with the | | | | per week; while living in shared accommodation |
| Bangarra Dance Theatre in Sydney Harbour, living | | | | can be as little as A$100 each week. Sharing is |
| and working in Australia gives you a taste of | | | | usually the best option and most accommodation |
| another world. | | | | is of a high standard, sharing a room can |
| Educational standard | | | | dramatically cut costs, but if you don't want to |
| Being a massively popular travel destination and | | | | sacrifice your space, a room on a guesthouse, a |
| following a period of economic growth in the | | | | homestay or a hostel might be best. Hostels are |
| 1990's, Australia's education system is top-notch. | | | | found in most cities and offer cheaper rates with |
| Composed of a mixture of public schools, private | | | | all the things you'll need at hand and homestays |
| schools and institutions it has amongst the highest | | | | can give you the chance to really become part of |
| participation rates in the world, with 31% of the | | | | the Australian way of life! |