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
Sue, New Zealand Teacher
Hi Sue, how many years experience do you have teaching in?
Yes, I trained in NZ and have over 30 years experience in education with most years in teaching.
What made you want to teach in the UK?
My profession and keen to learn another curriculum.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
No. I have Dual Nationality. I think that speaks for itself.
When you arrived did you have friends/family to stay with?
Yes we have our children living here.
If not, how did you arrange your accommodation? What sources did you use? How difficult was it?
Still with my children, we live very happily together. One big happy family!
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
I find the teaching OK with supply work but often teachers' planning can be difficult to follow accurately so have to think on one's feet and quickly. Not a problem though. However, I find most schools very unfriendly towards Supply teachers and often do not get spoken to in the staffroom.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
Bring originals of all documents. Get police clearance before leaving NZ. Bring stickers for rewards, NZ story books in order to share a slice of culture with UK children. Sense of humour and willingness to learn a new curriculum, and often a new style of teaching without comparing it to our own. Setting up, a bank account can take a very long and arduous time. Prepare for many days without the sun, even in summer. Teaching in the UK isn't just for the young I'm in my 50's and cope and enjoy it as well as others.
Have you any regrets?
No regrets.
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
Yes we travel extensively. Mainly in Europe. We’ve bought a camper van so just spent 1 month travelling in France and plan half term in Belgium. Naturally travel the UK at weekends. I’m following the All Blacks around their tour of Scotland, Ireland, Wales. Always go to the Greek Islands (our favourite) and Turkey. Morocco is calling this summer.
Would you recommend the London experience to other Australian teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
Never get sick of London. Westend theatre is a must. Tennis at Wimbledon, cricket at Lords, rugby at Twickenham and a football match at one of the many London teams. We have cruised in a long boat on Avon/Kennet canals, Oxford and river whey. Also cycling along the towpaths along the river Thames is a fun thing to do, and cycling trips from London to Oxford/Brighton etc. Suggest people register with TNT magazine and London tourism website. Keeps you up to date with upcoming activities etc.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Get the most out of London. Plan well ahead and always look for the free activities as there are plenty. Cheap air flights and package trips and holidays are available often.
Thank you for your time Sue
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
