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5 Places to Work in Australia to Improve Your English

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Australia is one of the best countries to live, learn and improve your English.

Finding employment while you are studying will help you earn money, make friends and practice everything you have been learning at school.

You are allowed to work a total of 20 hours per week while studying full-time on your student visa. Finding casual employment isn’t hard and it can often provide you with a wage of $18 – $22 per hour, depending on where you work and your level of expertise.

Before looking for work, you should first apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). It is not necessary, though having a TFN means that you will be able to claim the tax-free threshold. Claiming the tax-free threshold allows you to pay less in tax and receive more money in your bank account each week.

To get the biggest benefit out of your time in Australia, it is important that you find work where you can speak and listen to as much as English as possible.

Working in the following five industries will make your study a lot easier, speed up your progress and increase your confidence with the English language.

1. Cafés, Restaurants and Bars

The food & hospitality industry is one of the easiest places to find work in Australia and there are many roles available, including:

• Chef
• Kitchen hand
• Barista
• Bar staff
• Waiter/waitress
• Dish washer

These places offer casual employment that fit perfectly within your 20-hour work per week allowance.

This type of work is great for meeting new people and speaking with the locals. It may be easier to find work in a restaurant that is based on your country of origin, but don’t feel that you have to be stuck speaking your native language. You will be able to practice your English with all the customers that walk through the door. Be confident and try as much as you can to use your new skills.

Cafés generally open during the day, while bars and restaurants operate during the night. It is important that you apply for work in these places based on your availability and class schedule.

2. Work as an Instructor based on your skills

Are you great at deep sea diving? Are you a skilled surfer or a top-notch rock climber?

Using your skills and working in an area you are passionate about is a great way to earn a little cash, practice your English and have a lot of fun at the same time.

Search for schools or sporting teams that require a:

• Surf coach
• Martial arts instructor
• Rock climbing coach
• Swimming coach
• Soccer coach
• Diving instructor
• Yoga teacher
• Personal trainer

There are many opportunities available and people are always looking for expert help. Use this opportunity to teach the locals how to do the things you love, as this is truly an amazing way to improve your speaking skills.

3. Demi-pair/AuPair

Working as a demi-pair is a great opportunity. It will allow you to live with an Australian family, surrounding you with the English language at all times. You will be responsible for looking after the family’s children and assisting with the housework in exchange for your accommodation and meals.

While this work does not provide you with an income, you will be rewarded with a place to stay, experience with the local culture and regular practice of the English language.

4. Hostels, Student Accomodation and Hotels

Depending which hostel or hotels you apply for, you may be able to receive accommodation in exchange for your work.

Working in rural hotels during the break between courses is a great way to earn money and see the Australian Outback. This experience may differ from your time in the city, as rural Australians are known for their sense of humour and use of Australian slang.

If you wish to stay in the city, and you feel that your English is at a level where you can speak well with people from other countries, why not look for work in a hostel? Hostel work may include roles like:

• Helping people find banks, libraries, cafés etc.
• Providing advice on public transport
• Acting as a guide of the city
• Helping to organise party cruises and other recreational activities
• General cleaning

5. Beauty Therapy

If you have experience in the beauty industry you may be able to find work in:

• Hair styling
• Nail care
• Facial treatment
• Make up
• Massage therapy

This work will enable you to spend time one-on-one with each customer. This is a great way to practice your listening and speaking skills, as conversations between customer and staff are a must.

Want to Learn English Faster?

If you want to achieve your desired results fast, why not come to our IELTS Course in Brisbane and see how quickly your English skills can improve. Whether you’re studying abroad or on a working visa, this 8 week course helps prepare you for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Exam.

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