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AUSTRALASIA |
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Australasia is a unique geographic region in that it is quite a large area, yet population and countries are sparse. Nevertheless, we feel that it shouldn’t be left out. Obviously, Australia and New Zealand dominate here but there are other opportunities that abound in some of the island nations, strictly on a lower paying or voluntary level. More nations will be added here as information becomes available.
To view a map of Australasia as well as current job listings for this region
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 Australia |
Area: 7,682,300 sq km
Pop: 20,090,437 |
| Capital city |
Canberra |
| Languages |
English |
| Currency |
Australian Dollar |
| Climate |
Arid to semi-arid; temperate in S and E; tropical in N |
| Typical teacher salary |
A$18,000 - A$30,000 yr |
| Major teaching locations |
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide |
Job Prospects:
The EFL industry in Australia has changed considerably in recent years. Previously many Asian students of English would go there for intensive English courses but the economic problems in Asia in the 90's led to a marked decline in the number of fee-paying students. This has resulted in a loss of job opportunities for both Australian and foreign English language teachers.
The outlook is not totally bleak and some opportunities still do exist but as competition for positions is tough, schools are able to demand higher qualifications and more experience from teachers.
One option that may be appealing for Britons, Irish and Canadians less than 30 years of age, is the possibility of a working holiday visa. This is a 12-month non-renewable visa that allows you to work in any one job for a maximum of three months. This can be quite convenient for the 'teacher traveler' who would like short-term contracts while traveling around the country. |
 New Zealand |
Area: 270,534 sq km
Pop: 4,035,061 |
| Capital city |
Wellington |
| Languages |
English, Maori |
| Currency |
NZ Dollar |
| Climate |
Temperate, with sharp regional contrasts |
| Typical teacher salary |
Unknown, most likely similar to Australia |
| Major teaching locations |
Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch |
Job Prospects:
New Zealand is a lot like Australia in that there are not as many opportunities as one would think and it is heavily focused on the Asian community restrictive to the major cities and urban areas.
Competition is tough and if one doesn’t land a job in the public school system with one of their ESL programs, then it becomes even harder. Some language schools exist as well. You really have to look. |
 Papua New Guinea |
Area: 462,840 sq km
Pop: 5,545,268 |
| Capital city |
Port Moresby |
| Languages |
English, Pidgin, Motu |
| Currency |
Kina |
| Climate |
Tropical; NW + SE monsoons; slight seasonal temperature variation |
| Typical teacher salary |
Volunteer, low-paying |
| Major teaching locations |
Lae, Madang, Pt Moresby |
Job Prospects:
In the past, people felt that teaching English was useless because it was not an asset in a country where people mainly raised food for their own survival and not trade. Australia felt it was necessary for Papua New Guinea's independence and really pushed the English language.
Today, we are starting to see a move to more interest in youth to learn English and therefore that will open up spots for teachers. Unfortunately, pay will not be high. For those wishing to go on an experience and trade English lessons for free room and board or on a volunteer basis, there are opportunities. |
 Solomon Islands |
Area: 28,896 sq km
Pop: 538,032 |
| Capital city |
Honiara |
| Languages |
English, Melanesian Languages |
| Currency |
Solomon Islands Dollar |
| Climate |
Tropical monsoon; few extremes of temperature and weather |
| Typical teacher salary |
Volunteer, low-paying |
| Major teaching locations |
Honiara, outlying areas |
Job Prospects:
Much like Papua New Guinea, job opportunities are few and far between but it is a destination people have chosen in the past and have had success and great experiences there. Volunteer and charitable orgs such as the Peace Corps can help in your quest as they have operations there that involve various activities, including teaching English.
Some work can be had as a technical English consultant, like in Papua New Guinea for business purposes yet, like anything, you really have to look. |
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