Explore career options in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL)
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles your studies in TESOL may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Opportunities
Study in TESOL and applied linguistics gives you the tools to deliver effective, evidence-based lessons to people learning English.
With a deeper understanding of the linguistic, cognitive, and pedagogical aspects of language learning—and knowledge about the various analytical tools used for the study of language learning and acquisition—you’ll be equipped to be a more effective language teacher.
Griffith's TESOL programs include a professional placement that allows students to develop and apply teaching skills in industry settings.
Career fields
- Language schools
- Teaching overseas—popular destinations include
Japan, South Korea and China
- TAFE or technical colleges
- Higher education institutions
- Government organisations
- Curriculum design
- Research
- Teacher training
Employment roles
- ESL (English as a second language) teacher in ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) centres helping students in Australia to learn English for different purposes including general English, exam preparation and tertiary study
- EFL (English as a foreign language) teacher in language centres overseas.
- AMEP (Adult Migrant English Program) teacher - AMEP is a Federal Government-funded program available throughout Australia
- *EAL/D (English as an additional language or dialect) teacher in private and public schools (primary/secondary teacher registration required)
- ESP (English for specific purposes) teacher - consultancies usually via specialised or government agencies or language schools e.g., Business English, Aviation English, English for Nursing
- Online English language teacher
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examiner
- Business English teacher—consultancies usually via specialised agencies and language schools
- TESOL trainer
- Leadership/management positions in language teaching institutions
*Denotes roles likely to require professional teacher registration through Queensland College of Teachers or equivalent professional bodies interstate/overseas
Occupation snapshot
Employed
2,800
Future demand
Stable
Weekly earnings
$2,053
Part-time share
87%
This data is based on the occupation profile for teachers of English to speakers of other languages, retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website and YourCareer website August 2024.
Your employability
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Vacancies
Information on relevant vacancies and career resources can be found in a wide range of sources:
- JET Programme
- Go Overseas—teach abroad
- Teach ESL Korea and China
- TES
- Teachaway
- ESL Cafe
- Jora
- CareerOne
- CareerHub
- Indeed
- Seek
- About the Adult Migrant English Program (AEMP)
- English language support in Queensland state schools
- TEFL
Notable alumnus: Judy Staggs
Griffith University alumnus Judy Staggs' teaching career continued into her seventies, teaching English to refugees trying to start new lives in Australia.
Job application resources
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Approach potential employers
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
- clarifying your specific career direction
- enhancing your professional network
- increasing your chances of being offered a job.
Industry outlook
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website has up-to-date information on graduate salaries, especially the Graduate Outlook Survey (GOS) National Report, which contains undergraduate salary figures.
More detailed information is available at the Labour Market Insights portal.
Professional associations
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities.
Relevant professional associations include:
- Queensland Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Adult Multicultural Education Services
- Australian Council of TESOL Associations
- Association for TESOL NSW
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
Mentoring
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
The program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Sustainable Development Goals
Griffith University is aligned to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to promoting decent work and economic growth, advancing the principles of responsible and sustainable consumption and production, and advocating for peace, justice, and resilient institutional frameworks.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Career planning
Our website has an array of career planning resources you can explore at any stage of your student journey.
Career Readiness
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Similar career options
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.