New Zealand

As English is the main language in New Zealand, it can be difficult for foreign teachers to gain access to any available TEFL jobs. The majority of the jobs in the industry are taken by local teachers, although there are some opportunities for foreign teachers who are willing to work hard to secure them. Due to New Zealand’s membership of the Commonwealth of Nations, citizens of other member states will probably have the best chance of securing a TEFL related job.

How to Find a TEFL Job in New Zealand

The majority of job opportunities are likely to be found in the country’s larger cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Any available positions in these areas should be easy to find as most employers advertise their vacant positions online. If you apply for any jobs from outside of the country it is advisable to do as much research as possible regarding the employer, the area and the particular job on offer.

Questions to Ask Employers

Firstly, you should make sure that you have precise details regarding your pay scale, the amount of hours you will be expected to work, as well as any benefits that you are entitled to. It is also a good idea to know what equipment and materials you will have access to when planning and carrying out your lessons. Finally, you should also enquire about the need for work permits or visas and whether the employer will help with the organisation and expense of any official paperwork you may require.

Visa Options New Zealand

One popular and quite straightforward option for some teachers is to visit New Zealand on a 12-month working holiday visa. This visa is quite restricted but it does offer those who qualify for it a chance to gain some classroom experience in a variety of unfamiliar environments, something that will certainly be beneficial when looking for future employment. The working holiday visa is restricted to certain nationalities under the age of 30. Another major restriction of this option is that you are not allowed to work in the same job for more than three months at a time. While the working holiday visa has clear limitations, it is still a popular option for many younger travellers who are looking to earn some spending money while exploring this beautiful country.