TEFL Zorritos: July 2016

Thursday 28 July 2016

Teaching English in New Zealand

The TEFL industry in New Zealand is quite active and the greatest demand comes from a large number of Asian students who come to the country to learn English. There is also some demand for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) with Korean and Japanese high school students who are looking for exam preparation for high school. Enrollments appear to be increasing and demand is somewhat seasonal – so you will find more work between the months of February – May and July – October.

However there are very few EFL positions in New Zealand advertised online. If you wish to travel to New Zealand to look for work, the best idea would be to arrive with the February or July start dates in mind. Obviously you are in a stronger position if you are an Australian or NZ national, but there are still possibilities for those that aren’t. If you are in country and are a native English speaker, have a degree and TEFL certification then there is work available, with particular demand in Wellington and Auckland.

New Zealand and Australian residents can work in NZ without any visa documentation. Other nationalities can obtain a working visa, which last for 9 to 12 months, provided they are less than 30 years old.

Job prospects for those over 30 are not as good, as an employer has to be able to prove that there are no New Zealanders that could fulfil that position. For further details on work restrictions or conditions, see the New Zealand Immigration Service Website http://www.immigration.govt.nz/.

Teachers can earn reasonably good money in New Zealand, with around $25NZ being the basic hourly wage salary or more if you work privately. Accommodation is not difficult to find and is reasonably priced. Contracts are available but subject to the visa conditions mentioned above.

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Monday 25 July 2016

Teaching English in Canada

From fairy tale landscapes to cosmopolitan cities, there’s much more to Canada than maple leafs and Mounties. It’s long been overshadowed by its North American neighbor but it stands proud as a diverse country that’s packed full of experiences to tell your grandchildren about - whether it be getting drenched at Niagara Falls or spotting black bears in the Rockies.

The clinch is that there’s also a lot of leg room. It’s the world’s second largest country, but with a fraction of the population at around half that of the United Kingdom. It even has national parks bigger than some European countries.

Well-paid jobs for the well-qualified
Easy to get a working holiday visa if your country is part of the scheme
Newfoundland & Labrador – rarely visited, but beautiful. And it’s the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights
Montréal – brilliantly cosmopolitan city with a fantastic variety of food.
Dawson City – beautiful town set amongst some of Canada’s most stunning scenery

Things you might not know about Teaching English in Canada

The jail in Creemore, Ontario is considered to be one of the smallest in the world, measuring only 4.5m x 6m!
According to the UN, Canada has one of the best qualities of life in the world.
Newfoundland in Canada has some very bizarre place names, such as Blow-me-down, Nancy Oh, Run-by-guess and, er... Dildo!
Canada is just a huge as it seems – it’s the second largest country in the world with an area of almost 10 million square kilometres!

Summary

There are lots of teaching jobs in Canada, but there are also lots of TEFL schools, so you’ll have to compete with the thousands of locals who graduate as teachers each year.

Main TEFL regions

Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Winnipeg

Types of teaching

Private language schools: General English, Business English, TOEFL

In-company: General English, Business English

Government-sponsored immigrant programs: General English, English for Academic Purpose

Accommodation

You’ll usually be left to your own devices when it comes to finding accommodation. A small apartment in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver will cost about Cn$600 per month. Look in local newspapers or on craiglist if you’re trying to find a place.

Flight reimbursement

Not common

Salary

Cn$25-50 per hour in Public Sector Schools, but you will have to be very well qualified to work here.

Cn$12-40 per hour in Private Language Schools. Most newly-qualified TEFL teachers will earn around Cn$20 per hour.

Taxes

Most teachers will pay about 15% of their salary as tax.

Cost of living

Costs are slightly lower than in the USA’s big cities, and much lower than most of Western Europe. A cheap restaurant meal starts at Cn$10, going to see a movie will be about Cn$8.50, while a beer in a bar will set you back about Cn$5

Potential to save money

Unless you’re very well-qualified and thus well paid, you’re unlikely to be able to save any money.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

You will need a degree and a TEFL certificate at the very least. The job market in Canada is very competitive, so you should take comprehensive training - such as that provided in the 160-hour TEFL Zorritos onsite course, that includes 10 advanced TEFL certifications. If you want to work in the public sector, you’ll either need a TESL Canada approved course or you’ll have to pay TESL Canada to confirm that your MA course is sufficient (approx Cn$300).

Common teaching conditions

A full-time position will see you working for 25 hours per week. However, it can be difficult to find these positions, so many teachers end up working for more than one school. This will involve a fair bit of travelling between classes.

How do I find work?

If you want to find a job before you arrive, have a look at the main TEFL job sites. Employers will usually only take on well-qualified teachers before they leave their home country.

Can I find work while in-country?

If you qualify for a working holiday visa, this is the best option. Simply look for language schools in the Yellow Pages or ask around once you’ve arrived.

What is the usual hiring process?

It’s the usual process of applying for jobs and going for interviews.

Is a work visa required to find paid work?

Yes. If you’re from one of the scheme’s participating countries, your best option is a 12-month Working Holiday Visa. If you’re not from one of these countries, it will be very difficult to obtain a visa. Working holiday visa requirements:

From Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, Ukraine or the United States
Aged 30 or under
Have no children
Proof of funds (approx Cn$4,000)
Adequate travel insurance

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Friday 22 July 2016

Teaching English in Australia

Similar in size to the USA, Australia has only a fraction of the population and all the wild-roaming space you could possibly need, complete with stunning scenery and all manner of wildlife. Its coastal cities are also part of its pulling power, as is the fascination with its ancient past.

Long before European explorers blazed a trail through the country, the Aboriginal people, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, thrived and there has been a concentrated effort in recent years to preserve their culture. Meanwhile, a cultural mix has penetrated the cities which are enriched with people from across the globe, including Chinese and Greek communities.

Why you might want to teach in Australia:

The salaries are better than many western countries
Kangaroo Island – less-visited than Fraser Island, but with far more to see
Melbourne – vibrant, cosmopolitan city with excellent food and nightlife
Flinders Ranges – a camper’s and hiker’s paradise
The Whitsundays – serene sailing and some of the best snorkelling and diving anywhere

Things you might not know about Teaching English in Australia

Australia’s highest-ever recorded temperature was a scorching 123°F!
Australia’s wildlife is notorious: its crocodiles can to 20ft long!
Australians love having a burger on the bar-b! The average Australian will consume the equivalent of 18 whole cows in their life!
There are actually four types of boomerang, and only one will return to the thrower

Summary

The demand for teachers is high, but there's lots of competition for jobs

Main TEFL regions

Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne

Types of teaching

PELICOS language schools: General English, Cambridge (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), Business English, EAP, IELTS, TOEIC

University ELICOS centres: General English, EAP, IELTS

Private non-ELICOS language schools: General English, Cambridge (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE), Business English, EAP, IELTS, TOEIC

TAFE colleges: General English, ESP

AMES: General English, EAP, ESP

Accommodation

You will usually have to arrange this yourself. A room in a shared apartment starts at about A$300 per month, while an apartment of your own will be at least A$800 per month.

Flight reimbursement

Salary

A$2,400 -A$4,600 per month, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Taxes

At the lower end of the salary range, you’ll pay about 11% of your salary as tax; at the higher end, it’ll be more like 18%.

Cost of living

The cost of living is on a par with other western countries. A weekly travel pass for Sydney city centre will cost A$35, a beer in a bar is about A$4, while a cinema ticket is about A$9.

Potential to save money

On a starter’s salary, you’re unlikely to save any money; but as your earnings increase with your experience, you should be able to put some money in the bank.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

As the market is so competitive, you should get as much training as possible. TEFL Zorritos 160 hour on-site course will fully prepare you for teaching in Australia or anywhere else in the world. With the 10 advanced certifications included as part of the 160 hour course you will definitely have an advantage when looking for a job in Australia.

Common teaching conditions

You’ll usually be teaching for 25 hours each week. Your students will be immigrants from across the globe.

Be aware…

If you’re a native English speaker who hails from outside of Australia, be aware that some words have slightly different meanings in here, which can lead to some embarrassing situations!k & Visas

How do I find work?

If you’re suitably qualified, try applying to the schools listed on the ELICOS website. This is the only way you’re likely to be able to get a job without being in Australia.

Can I find work while in-country?

As most teachers work on short contracts, this is your best option. You can still use the ELICOS list, or you could simply pick up the local yellow pages – there are hundreds of language schools across the country.

What is the usual hiring process?

The best way is to take your CV into the school and they’ll arrange an interview if you’re up to their standards.

Is a work visa required to find paid work?

Yes. Most overseas teachers work on a 12-month Working Holiday Visa. It’s available to 18-30 year olds from the UK, Canada, the USA, Ireland and several other countries. If you’re not from one of the countries participating in the scheme, it will be difficult to obtain a visa. New Zealand Citizens, however, do not need a visa.

Work visa requirements:

Aged 18-30
From one of the participating countries
You can only work for each employer for six months
Copies of birth certificate and valid passport
Copies of qualifications
Health Insurance
Evidence of at least A$5,000 in the bank

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Tuesday 19 July 2016

Teaching English in Uruguay

Uruguay is a great country for the adventurous. The level of demand for native speakers in Uruguay is moderately high and the crime rate is one of the lowest in Latin America. Unfortunately, TEFL salaries are relatively low and despite low living costs you certainly won’t be able to save much, if at all. As in most Latin American countries the students are lively and sociable and therefore a pleasure to teach. Employers at some language centres can be unreliable and have unreasonable demands such as the common one that you are effectively ‘on call’ from 8am to 8pm or similar. You are rarely paid for travelling from one location or class to another and this can take up a significant chunk of your daily schedule. If you are experienced and hard-working then you may be lucky to find one of the few well-paid positions, such as those at bilingual schools. For the majority, however, TEFL in Uruguay is a fun experience for a short period of time but only rarely a serious long-term career option.

Type of Institution	Typical salary (USD/month)	Typical hours	Typical annual leave
Language centres	500 – 1,000	Various split shifts and evenings and weekends	2 weeks plus national holidays
International schools and universities	2,500 upwards	9am – 4pm Monday to Friday plus some weekend work	10 weeks plus national holidays

Main places for jobs

Montevideo.

Typical requirements

Degree, TEFL preferred, local interview preferred.

Tips

A TEFL certificate is not strictly necessary, but you will find that if you have one you are eligible for better jobs and better pay. You’ll also be a more confident teacher.
Given the low salaries, you may need to supplement your income with extra, private one-to-one tuition. Contacts are essential and found via word of mouth and through local adverts and websites. Bear in mind that punctuality is less important in Uruguay than in the West so it is quite common for students to turn up late!
American and Canadian teachers may be at a slight advantage. Teachers with Spanish language skills will find settling in a lot easier.

Red tape

Your employer is responsible for obtaining your work permit. However, in reality, many work illegally. Despite the flexibility this allows, this is not recommended for obvious reasons. Most teachers arrive on a tourist visa which can be converted into a work visa without having to leave the country.

Cost of living

The cost of living is low but you will probably have to share accommodation with another teacher to begin with. Transport is especially cheap and efficient in Montevideo.

Tax and salary information

You should expect to be paid on a monthly basis. Make sure you actually have a contract or else you may have problems when it comes to payday.

References

http://worldoftefl.com/teaching-english-in-uruguay/

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Saturday 16 July 2016

Teaching English in the Dominican Republic

As a popular tourist destination, the Dominican Republic has seen an increase in English speakers. Teachers are needed, especially in poorer towns, as inequality between the urban and rural areas increases. There are three types of English teaching jobs in the DR:

International schools

Most international schools follow an American curriculum, so typically American teachers are preferred. Primarily teachers are needed for elementary-aged children, learning beginner's English.

Volunteer work

EFL teachers are needed in low-income areas, as volunteers for primarily young students. These programs do not look solely for TEFL certification, but rather prior experience working with children and/or some knowledge of Spanish to help in the classroom. In addition, there are short-term opportunities to volunteers in summer camps, teaching not only English, but art, sports, or music for example.

Government sponsored jobs

The Ministry of Higher Education actively seeks English teachers for university-aged students at immersion schools. Many of these students have zero to little background in English language education. In addition to teaching EFL, teachers would help instruct a bit of computer literacy (i.e. basic computer competency).

When and Where to Look for Jobs

International schools are primarily located in the larger cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago. Though, volunteer programs are widespread in rural and low-income areas. These programs hire year-round.

Qualifications

Most schools and programs require some sort of teaching certification in order for instructors to teach English. However, if you are volunteering at a school or summer camp that offers arts or music classes, then you are not required to have TEFL certification.

Salary & Cost of Living

Volunteer teachers may receive a stipend of around $200-400/month, or expect around 200-400 Dominican Pesos per classroom hour (about $4-10/hour).

Aside from rent, cost of living in the Dominican Republic is quite affordable. If you eat locally, you will be able to save part of your stipend. Many people do not spend money on activities (e.g. movies, attractions), but prefer to use their free time to see friends and family. Keep in mind that imported items, such as clothing and gas, tend to be expensive.

Classroom & Work Culture

Some knowledge of Spanish might help in the classroom. Although, you may develop a slight Dominican accent! In addition, avoid speaking about Haiti. Even though conditions between the two nations have improved, it remains a touchy subject given the two countries' turbulent history and recent issues of illegal immigration (from Haiti to the D.R.).

Peak Hiring Times:year-round
Average Monthly Salary:$400-600
Average Cost of Living:$300-500
Save or Break Even?save a bit
Work Visa:Dominican Republic work visa needed for those staying in the country for over 1 year

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Friday 15 July 2016

Teaching English in Thailand

Learn, Understand and Embrace Thai Culture

This is not just a suggestion, but a requirement by the Teacher’s Council of Thailand for anybody who wants to teach in a Thai school. Thai culture is quite different from Western culture. Knowing a thing or two about Thai culture will not only help you build rapport with your students and Thai colleagues, it will also help you minimize the risk of putting your foot in your mouth. Get informed about the monarchy, religion, customs, and general beliefs. There is a lot of information available online and the mandatory 20-hour Culture course will ensure that you have a basic understanding of Thai culture.

Lesson Planning is Extremely Important

This one is especially important for people without much experience teaching in Thailand yet. It is recommended to print out a lesson plan, including a broad layout for your planned topic, even if you are a seasoned teacher. Your Thai colleagues highly appreciate it because you appear well prepared and they can learn from your lessons at a different level. You also will make it easy for any teacher who may need to substitute for you, since they know exactly what you intended to teach your students. Your lesson plan doesn’t have to be a literary work; a few simple bullet points outlining the topic and aim of your lesson, the new vocabulary taught, and the exercises and games used to reinforce the material will do the trick.

How You Dress is Very Important in Thailand

In Thailand, people care a lot about looks and this is especially important for a teacher. Teachers are held in very high respect and not dressing appropriately will have a negative impact on that perception. Teachers that don't look professional will almost always have more trouble managing the classroom than their peers who are dressed appropriately.

Do Not Speak Thai in the Classroom

If you are in the need of explaining something and can’t do it with pictures, drawings, and realia, you most likely are teaching something too complex and above the students’ comprehension level.

Unless you’re speaking Thai perfectly, you will most likely make a fool of yourself with wrong pronunciation and perhaps even wrong usage of some words. Students will at the very least laugh at you (even if just silently) and at worst will be confused about what exactly you are trying to explain to them.

Make it FUN!

Thai students and Thai people in general like things to be fun. No matter how important the material you are teaching to Thai students, if it is not fun they will not pay attention for very long. The Thai culture is in a lot of ways about "sanook" - a Thai word that means FUN! So think of activities that will be fun for your students, while still providing the information they need to be successful for the objectives of your lesson.

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Monday 11 July 2016

Teaching English in Spain

Reputable schools

There are around 6,000 private language schools in Spain, but only about 5 percent are registered. If you don’t want your salary to arrive in a “brown paper” envelope at the end of each month (if it arrives at all), do your best to ensure the school is a reputable school. Some of the people running schools don’t know anything about teaching but will place very high demands on their teachers to be everything to everyone, so it is always best to work for a registered school.

Qualifications

The days when simply being a native speaker of English was enough to get you a TEFL job are long gone. Nowadays you almost always need to be trained and qualified. Good schools in Spain will now ask for teachers to be a native speaker of English, have a university degree and possess some kind of English teaching qualification. Ideally, they will also want you to have some experience and to speak some Spanish.

Workload

Most Spanish contracts involve working 24 to 26 contact or teaching hours a week. The actual contract will, however, be for 34 hours a week. The extra time will be given over to preparation, marking, exam marking, parent meetings and training. So if you sign on to 30 hours a week, you won’t have much of a life. 25 hours is the maximum workload recommended for a new teacher.

Pay

Most good schools in Spain will offer a monthly salary of around €1,200 to €1,350 a month before tax. That’s for about 25 contact hours per week. Madrid and Barcelona are quite different. The vast majority of people in those cities are working as freelancers and getting paid an hourly wage. Many of these people will be travelling around and giving in-company classes and perhaps working for two or three different schools.

Consider jobs outside of Madrid and Barcelona

Some people who think about teaching in Spain end up in Madrid or Barcelona just because they've heard of these places. Choosing to live in a small place can have its advantages. Small schools can offer a lot more support. If you need resources, you can go straight to the source and cut out the middle man. There's also the satisfaction that comes with getting off the beaten track and immersing yourself in Spanish culture. You might find a Spain you never knew existed.

Apply early

The academic year at most of Spain's private language schools runs from late September through to the end of June the following year. But don't get caught napping. Many schools are already advertising for the 2014–2015 school year. May and June are the right time to start applying for jobs. But if you want to boost your chances, start sending out those resumes now.

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Saturday 9 July 2016

Teaching English in Singapore

English teachers in Singapore can expect to find jobs throughout the year, as this is a wealthy nation with a high need for qualified native English speaking teachers. Interviews here are conducted well in advance, both over the phone and via e-mail. Instructors are responsible for airfare and housing expenses.

A solid hourly wage affords English teachers a comfortable lifestyle, with the possibility to save up to 500 USD per month above the cost of living. English language schools in Singapore typically offer around 20 to 25 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time for you to take advantage of your location and explore. English teachers need to have a Bachelor’s degree to teach in Singapore, and TEFL certification is required.

English Teaching Requirements in Singapore

Education: BA/BS is required; TEFL TESOL Certification is required.
Citizenship Requirements: USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa.
Typical hiring process:via phone in advance
Average teaching hours per week:20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time
Type of students:Business professionals, children in public schools and private language schools
Cost of living per month:2,100–2,500 USD; 3,000–3,500 SGD
Average monthly pay:2,400–3,000 USD; 3,300–4,200 SGD
Start-up cost:2,100–2,500 USD
Potential to save or break even:Save 300 - 500 USD/month
Accommodation/housing benefits paid:no, employer will assist to find
Vacation: Paid 2 weeks
Flight reimbursement: no

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