Aloha WORLD.
I am so excited to be newly a part of the "TEFL" community. Yesterday I signed up for a 120-hour course. Yes, I was bright-eyed! Finally, everything was about to start falling into place. When I called the "Job Placement" line that evening, however, I was crushed. I joined "TEFL" in the hopes that it would make finding a position in Brisbane, Australia (QLD) easier for me. Unfortunately, the job placement team doesn't have that kind of relationship with Australia, I was later told.
Luckily, the "TEFL" employees are super friendly and supportive and after a good conversation with them this morning, I'm back to feeling revived. I know it's not going to be easy, but I am determined NOT to give up. I have always wanted to travel abroad - I've always wanted to live abroad. I watched my youngest brother take on New Zealand this past spring. My brother Marty is preparing to leave for Ireland in late August, and my youngest sister is preparing for a spring in Rome. Now I feel like it's my turn.
After the best, most lovely, sweet summer, I am NOT prepared to say good-bye to my closest friend forever. In October, Charlie leaves for Brisbane. Now before I go any further, don't get me wrong, teaching is an immensely rewarding experience. Helping students has brought me great joy. But after the end of teaching year 2, I was exhausted and empty of life (it felt). A lot of that had to do with the setting - a suburb in Tejas is just not the easiest place for a 24-year-old to find her niche. And then summer rolled around and Charlie came along and I remembered what it was like to smile, laugh, and feel great about who I WAS. His Australian way was exactly what I needed to lift me out of that dark spot we all sometimes fall into. (THANK YOU, CHAZ!)
Now it's my turn to go abroad and I don't want to give up on the opportunity to get to and work in Brisbane! I am very nervous after paying the money I did ... but I know if I stay positive and motivated, things will work out. I know in Australia I will continue to better myself as a person, and I know also, that I will be able to contribute positively to the lives of Brisbane students in language schools.
If anyone knows of any opportunities or contacts that I could be put into touch with, I would be greatly appreciative. I am contracted through the 2010-2011 school year here with Humble Independent School District which may create some complications with regards to when I can get to Aussie-LAND, but I am determined to make it work. June 2011 at the latest - Australia, I'm working hard to get to YOU! :)
Peace, peace, peace.
Aloha.
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Hey!
just read your post, and as im hopin to teach in Brisbane too, I thought you might be able to give me some advice on job hunting:) im guessin you're either there or will be soon?
Hi Brittany,
I think you spoke to my colleague Amy here in our Melbourne office yesterday.
Australia normally requires that you have a degree (in any subject) plus a CELTA to be able to work as a TEFL teacher here. Most Australian's that complete our course are looking to travel overseas and teach in a non-native English speaking country rather than in Australia.
If you are already a qualified teacher though you may find more doors open to you. You may find it easiest contacting schools and language institues directly, that way you will be able to find out what their individual requirements are and put your personality and skills over to them.
Good Luck!
CELTA is decent. As I've thought about it since it is more recognized. I have one TEFL certification from an American based institute and I'm finishing up i-to-i which is British based. However, the work I did in my first TEFL is pretty much the same as CELTA and I had longer practicum hours than CELTA requires. CELTA is still mostly a name unfortunatley with a big price tag. I would not worry about CELTA unless you plan on making this a life long career. I'd email schools first. But I won't lie.. you'll have a hard time in general finding a job since it's an English speaking country. They will normally recruit natives first and normally English speaking countries prefer people with degrees in English, Linguistics, etc. But definitely just try to talk to the schools. Here are the locations in Texas:
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Thank you, thank you so much for the welcome and for the advice! I know it's going to be a challenge, but I just hope that I can make it work! I've start looking into CELTA too - that's what the Australian office told me I should consider. Have a beautiful day!
Australia is a little harder as it is already an English speaking country. Most English speaking countries require things like CELTA, also.
I can't help you on Australia as I've never seen a listing on any job board for Australia, but definitely don't give up! You'd be amazed what can happen with a bit of work.
GOOD LUCK! And if you need help on your course, let me know!
OH! And welcome to the Chalkboard!
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