Teach English in Oceania

Oceania is split across four different regions: Australia, Melanesia (from Papua New Guinea in the southwest of the Pacific to Fiji); Micronesia (consisting of over 600 islands, such as the Marshall Islands and Micronesia); and Polynesia (consisting of over 1,000 islands including New Zealand, Samoa and Hawaii.)

The mysteries behind how humans even managed to navigate their way to settling in Oceania continue to baffle scientists to this day, but you’ll find from Australia to Hawaii the affinity the locals have with the water is as strong as ever! 

Here are some of the biggest appeals of teaching English in Oceania:

• Growing demand: Oceania’s reliance on tourism has led to a boom in the region’s TEFL market. Job opportunities are plentiful, which is always a big enticer!
• Adrenaline-pumping: From intense water sports to the local tradition of Gol (aka. Land diving), Oceania is the perfect destination for the adrenaline junkies out there. Whether it’s by land or by sea, there are unforgettable experiences here you cannot find anywhere else. 
• Personal growth: Teaching English in Oceania presents an incredible opportunity for being immersed in a new culture a fresh perspective on the world. With so many ancient traditions and customs, it’s a huge opportunity for growth both professionally and personally.

Oceania remains an adrenaline-pumping and personally enriching region for teaching English abroad. By getting TEFL qualified, you too can tackle all that the continent has to offer! 

Oceania is one of the most diverse continents on the planet, with each one of its islands states housing a wide array of different cultures and customs that should appeal to different types of TEFL teachers. Here are some of the best countries to teach abroad in Oceania: 

New Zealand

Best for a bit of tranquillity

New Zealand is a striking land where time stood still, and its ancient mountain landscapes fjords, forests and beaches serve as a constant reminder of nature’s true beauty. With just 4.5 million residents, New Zealand is the ultimate destination for those looking for more tranquillity in their lives. 

Papua New Guinea

Best for cultural immersion

With over 800 languages spoken and an arsenal of different ethnicities and religions, Papua New Guinea is the go-to for a truly cross-cultural experience. Housing nearly 5% of the Earth’s entire biodiversity, it also serves as an adventurous destination for those who want to see the full scope of nature. 

Australia 

Best for the beach lovers 

Alongside the friendly welcomes from the locals, Australia has become world-renowned for its stretches of beaches that make for a real surfer’s paradise. Australia also houses some of the most accessible teaching programmes for those looking for a rewarding experience in Oceania. 

English teaching jobs are in hot demand across Oceania. However, with the population more limited than elsewhere in the world, we recommend picking up these essentials before jetting off:

• A Bachelor’s degree: Some positions may ask for a degree at Bachelor’s level.  A degree in education, or linguistics is the best qualification for employers to see.
• A TEFL/TESOL certification: TEFL or TESOL certification is absolutely essential for most teaching positions. 
• Prior teaching experience: Prior teaching experience can be a huge advantage, but it isn’t always essential. 
• Native or near-native proficiency in English: A high level of proficiency in English is vital for a position teaching English abroad. Some may even ask that you be a native English speaker.
• Visa requirements: To work legally as an English teacher across Oceania, you will need a work visa. The requirements and costs behind these visas can vary, so make sure to see if your employer will help you out! 

Teaching English in Oceania gives TEFL teachers the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes and the most vibrant cultures in the entire Pacific. Here are some of the most common types of positions you are likely to find across the continent:

• Language schools: classroom opportunities can be with young learners or adults looking to improve their English skills.
• Private language schools: the bulk of job opportunities for teaching English in Oceania come from private language schools or academies. These institutions tend to be located in urban areas and provide intensive learning courses for foreign learners. 
• Government programmes: some countries in Oceania such as the Marshall Islands have launched government programmes designed to entice ESL teachers. The Australian Government has numerous exchange programmes open to American students, and the US’ Fulbright programme gives Americans the opportunity to teach in both Australia and New Zealand.
• Volunteering: Volunteering can be a great way to teach English in Oceania for those without a degree or TEFL certification. Volunteer programmes in Oceania tend to be centred in lesser-developed and often overlooked parts of the world. WorldTeach runs two programmes for TEFL teachers in American Samoa and Micronesia. 

Oceania might be a somewhat overlooked destination for TEFL teaching jobs abroad, but its lush and diverse geography, proud heritage and welcoming locals all make teaching English an unforgettable experience.

All sounds pretty good so far, right? Well, here are some of the steps you absolutely need to take before packing your bags in preparation for your next adventure:

1. Research: Start by researching the types of TEFL teaching jobs in the countries that interest you. Job boards, networking sites, online directories and social media are great places to start. 
2. Application: Make sure to personalise each application you send out, and make sure you’re really selling your passion to teach! 
3. Applying: Once you have submitted your application, you are more than entitled to reach out to your employer and ask for an update, if they haven’t given you one. 
4. Documents: Always make sure you are fully on top of your visa requirements and any other documents you need. 

Want to get ahead of the competition? Our 168 hour TEFL course is the perfect guide through the skills and qualifications you need to begin your English teaching career in Oceania

The average TEFL salary in Oceania ranges from $1,400 – $2,500 (USD) a month depending on the position and country you are based in. Some TEFL jobs in Oceania may reimburse you for your flight or provide additional support for housing and accommodation. Here are some rough guides on the average salary across Oceania: 

• Australia: $1,670 – $2,600
• New Zealand: $2,000 – $3,000
• Papua New Guinea: $1,100 – $2,800

The cost of living across Oceania can be higher than what you might be expecting. Australia and New Zealand have some of the highest standards of living rates in the world, so make sure your TEFL salary comfortably supports your expenditure when teaching abroad. The average cost of living in Oceania is roughly $970 a month. Other countries might offer cheaper places in Oceania to live. 

Here are some of the average monthly costs of living in Oceania

• Australia: $1,000 – $1,335
• New Zealand: $800 – $1,000
• Papua New Guinea: $1,100 – $1,400