Teaching English in New Zealand
New Zealand has dramatic and spectacular landscapes, forests, amazing wildlife and a pleasant climate that makes it a very popular choice for EFL travellers, especially for those keen on outdoor activities and extreme…
Travel and Teach
The TESOL industry in New Zealand is expected to become active again soon and the greatest demand comes will again come from the 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. Demand can be seasonal, so you will find more work between the months of February – May and July – October.
You'll find very few EFL positions in New Zealand advertised outside the country.
If you wish to travel to New Zealand to look for work on the spot, 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. We have heard from several freelance teachers who have travelled through the country and said that work is quite easy to come by, 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, and our understanding is that UK citizens can apply for a limited number of 12-month working visas, providing they are under 30. However, do check with the New Zealand High Consulate for current access arrangements and availability (see Useful Contacts).
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.
On applying for TESOL positions, it is generally advisable to send a passport-sized photograph along with a CV, covering letter and possibly copies of degree/EFL certificates. You can find more information here on TEFL interviews.
Our recommended course options for New Zealand are:
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the TESOL Professional 250-hour course for New Zealand
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the 30-hour Business TESOL specialism
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the 30-hour Teaching English to Young Learners course if you'd like to teach youngsters.