TEFL Courses in Australia

Since many Australians, young and old, are accustomed to taking gap years or career breaks, there are a number of teacher training programs to choose from. Most commonly, Australians will train to teach English at home before heading off abroad to seek a job. Though, you do not need to be an Australian citizen to take your course here, and there are a plenty of cities and programs that will teach all the basics of TEFL.

4 Week TEFL Courses:

The most common course type in Australia, the 4-week TEFL program offers a rigorous, but comprehensive, introduction to teaching English as a second language. Not only will you receive a certificate, widely recognized by schools worldwide, but you will also be provided with quality course materials, job assistance, and a rapid learning experience unlike any other out there. In addition to classroom instruction from trained professional, teacher trainees will also have the chance to practice their newfound skills with real students. You will have the chance to understand not only the material that you are teaching, but also how your students are digesting it!

Advanced/Speciality Courses:

If you are already a TEFL teacher, established in the field of English education, there are still ways for you to keep learning and improving your teaching styles. For those looking to teach specialized groups, there are courses that focus on teaching young learners, businesspeople, etc. In addition, there are classes for learning how to teach specific topics, such as reading, grammar, or writing. If there is an educational topic that you are looking to specialize in, there is a course for it!

When and Where to Look:

In Australia, many providers and TEFL courses are located in almost every major city. You must first decide which city is right for you, and then explore the number of TEFL courses in that location. The most popular cities are Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Additionally, since there are so many cities that are popular amongst teacher trainees, there are courses offered year-round. At any time of the year, you will be able to find a TEFL course in Australia.

Qualifications:

The majority of TEFL courses require that you are at least 20 years of age. In addition, since these courses are primarily preparing teachers to move abroad, they will require that you are a native English speaker. Note that if you are not a native speaker, you must be fluent in the English language. Generally Australian citizens will earn their TEFL in Australia, but there are a number of U.S. or UK citizens who do come here to train.

Post-TEFL Resources:

Upon completion of your TEFL course in Australia, you must decide whether you want to continue teaching down under or move overseas. For those who are planning to stay in Australia, you must have prior teaching experience, as well as a valid visa to work in the country. In Australia, teachers may choose to work at a public or private school, teaching ESL students from various countries.

If you decide to teach overseas, there are a number of great options and destinations for English teachers. Southeast Asia is a short plane ride away, with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia topping the lists for ESL teachers in the region. Though, no matter where you go, there will be opportunities for a TEFL-trained teacher like yourself. Keep in mind that every country has varying requirements for its foreign teachers, whether that means applying for a work visa beforehand or having some prior experience in the classroom.

Cost of Living:

The costs of living in Australia is comparable to those in the United States. Unless you are a teacher already living in an Australian city, it is unlikely that you will save money. However, your TEFL program may include housing in course fees, allowing you to hold onto that rent money. If you are also coming from abroad, your biggest cost will be the airfare.