25 October 2007

Opportunities for English teachers with New Zealand visas

British teachers who can teach English as a second language (ESL) will find more opportunities than ever in New Zealand after the government announced changes to the New Zealand immigration laws to benefit foreign students.

The burgeoning ESL industry in New Zealand should receive a big boost from the easing of the New Zealand immigration rules for foreigners studying in New Zealand.

International education, including ESL teaching is one of New Zealand's biggest export industries, valued at nearly NZ$2 billion (£735 million) to the economy annually.

The sector has diversified in recent years, attracting students from China, Korea and even Saudi Arabia to learn English in its educational institutions. Education New Zealand spokesman Stuart Boug told the Press the industry is in good health.

New Zealand immigration minister David Cunliffe announced yesterday that from next month foreign graduate students will be able spend up to a year finding work in New Zealand instead of the current six months.

New Zealand needs teachers: anyone interested in New Zealand immigration should complete the New Zealand Visa Bureau's online New Zealand visa assessment to see if they qualify for a New Zealand visa.