Three simple steps to get
you to the UK
Read about other peoples experiences teaching in London
Australian Teachers
Bradley
Anne
Catherine
Jayde
Krissy
Linda
New Zealand Teachers
Gabriel
Sue
Suzanne
Bronwyn
South African Teachers
Peta
Cara
David
Erna
Marie
Maureen
Peta
Waynne
North American Teachers
Christopher
Jennifer
Maya
Other Countries
Ciara - Ireland
Strephania - Malta
Paula - Uruguay
Isangedige - Nigeria
Events in Australia / NZ
Career Fairs in Australia
Interesting facts about London
Oyster Card
The Tube
Free stuff on the Tube
Things you must see in London
Into your music?
Is London Expensive?
Primark
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Postcodes
Phones
London Map
Catherine, Australian Teacher
Hi Catherine how many years experience do you have teaching in Australia?
9 years
What made you want to teach in the UK?
I wanted to experience a variety of educational environments and travel of course.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
I have a Dual Nationality Visa. I had no problems getting the Visa at all.
When you arrived did you have friends/family to stay with?
Yeh, I had friends here.
If not, how did you arrange your accommodation? What sources did you use? How difficult was it?
I don’t like renting. I have looked and I think it’s really difficult to find accommodation here. Luckily, my sister was moving out so I managed to get her place. I am sharing with a colleague of hers and I love it.
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
I really like it. It’s different. I don’t know if you know that I’m in special needs? I have learnt so much. You get to network and share ideas, unlike Australia where you get stuck in your classroom with the same kids so you get kind of used to your own methods of teaching. Here it’s so much different. You get to learn from your colleagues. It’s real valuable.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
I would warn them to be prepared for the paperwork, because the paperwork here is huge as opposed to Oz. I think if you fresh out of varsity there is so much paper work to do, but once you are working and living they tend to see you as more professional or something so the paper work is a lot less. I guess it’s because you paying taxes or something like that. I know because it’s my second time here.
Have you any regrets?
No!
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
Yes. I’ve been to Spain, Croatia, Italy, Denmark, Sweden and I’m on
my way to South America for Christmas. I can’t wait. I’m really looking forward to it.
Would you recommend the London experience to other Australian teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
Yes. I’ve enjoyed the experience of different educational environments. You learn a lot. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the travelling.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’m really just pleased with Axcis, especially with Jean.
Thank you for your time Catherine
Interviewed November 2008
Interesting facts about London
Oyster Card
The Tube
Free stuff on the Tube
Things you must see in London
Into your music?
Is London Expensive?
Primark
Cockney Rhyming Slang
Postcodes
Phones
