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Isangedige - Nigeria
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Isangedige, Nigeria Teacher
Hi Isangedige, how many years experience do you have teaching in Nigeria?
About 10 years.
What made you want to teach in the UK?
I had no choice, wanted to do Inspections, but when I went for my papers, they told me that teaching was my best option.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
Yes. Right of Abode. It was very, very difficult to get. They messed me around up and down. The usual.
When you arrived did you have friends/family to stay with?
Yes, obviously, I am a refugee so I stayed with my church friends.
If not, how did you arrange your accommodation? What sources did you use? How difficult was it?
I have not found accommodation. It is very difficult and very, very expensive, so I have stayed on with my friends from the church.
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
It's very difficult. It is just difficult enough finding employment. Don’t know why it is such a problem. I have been moving around to very bad schools, because I need to live. Behaviour is a major problem, but what must I do, I have a family to feed. The best school for refugees to teach is the Ghana school, but you can’t get in cause the people do not want to leave their jobs, cause they can’t find other teaching positions.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
Everything. The UK is a very difficult place for Nigerian refugees to live and settle down. Even if you are an experienced teacher in Nigeria , or experienced in your trade, it does not help. Professionals do not want to help and hire you. I don’t know why.
Have you any regrets?
Yes of course. I think I should have rather gone to the US. Don’t know if it would be any better, but whatever. It doesn’t matter. Just have to live that’s all.
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
No, there is not enough money for luxuries.
Would you recommend the London experience to other Nigerian teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
No! I would tell them to try to do something else. Not teaching.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It won’t help anyway. I guess Axcis is just trying their best. It’s a common problem across all agencies.
Thank you for your time Isangedige
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
