 Overview
Known as the land of the long white cloud in Maori, New
Zealand has earned itself a reputation for having one of
the highest standards of education in the developed world.
It’s also known for being one of the most geographically
diverse and beautiful countries in the world.
The ELT industry in New Zealand (ESOL as it is usually
known there) has been in the doldrums for the last few years,
but is now recovering. Schools are hiring teachers again,
and are feeling more optimistic in general. The main types
of schools are private language schools - watch out for
the ones that belong to English New Zealand - they have
the most rigorous quality assurance systems because they
have audits/inspections from both that organisation and
the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority), and those
attached to tertiary institutes such as universities and
polytechnics.
Schools range from the very 'boutique' schools in small,
gorgeous locations to large, downtown schools, some of which
are owner operated, and others branches of large groups
or chain schools.
Salary and hours
It is unlikely that newly qualified EFL teachers would be
offered a salaried position. Almost all new staff would
be hired on a 'casual' basis - i.e on temporary agreements
(contracts) for a fixed period (initially anyway). Wages
vary considerably between Auckland and the rest of the country.
Hourly rates range from around $25 - $35 per hour. In addition,
8% holiday pay is paid on gross earnings at the end of each
contract.
Teachers would be advised not to hold out for something
salaried and permanent or secure. These are rarely offered
and schools almost never have to advertise.
Teaching hours range between 15 - 25 hours a week of contact
time.
Type of teaching
The vast majority of teaching is likely to be General English
or Group Programmes.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not usually provided for teachers. Schools
in small places may be able to help with local knowledge
etc. but in the larger centres it is usually easy enough
to find accommodation (through 'flat-share' arrangements
etc). It is worth noting that furnished accommodation to
rent is rare in New Zealand.
Start of school year/ best time to look for work
There is no fixed school year start. Schools don't usually
close down apart from over the Christmas break. So, while
you could say that the school year starts in early January,
most of the students will be continuing from the previous
year. Schools usually have General English courses running
throughout the year. Exam courses (Cambridge) usually start
in January, March and September (leading up to the exams).
Many schools however host groups of high school or university
students during the northern hemisphere summer holidays,
so Group Programmes/Study Abroad programmes/holiday courses
are often where schools experience significant peaks. Some
of the boutique schools may be highly seasonal in this regard.
Peak times for Group Programmes are usually mid-July to
mid September, and schools will be recruiting for this period
in June. Other smaller peaks are seen from February to March.
Schools running EAP courses are usually busy in December/January
as universities start in February.
Red Tape
Many overseas teachers come on working holiday or working
visas. These are not difficult to get if you fit the criteria
etc (for Visa information, you can look at the New Zealand
Government's " Visiting New Zealand" site.) Schools
can sponsor teachers through the New Zealand Immigration
Service, and this is reasonably straightforward, but teachers
are no longer on the NZIS's list of 'skills shortage' areas.
Miscellaneous advice
t’s not advisable to wait for schools to
advertise vacancies. Send your CV around and follow up.
Don't expect to step into long-term secure work, but start
with something and prove yourself.
FCO
Lonely
Planet Guide - New Zealand
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