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Anne
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Cara
David
Erna
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Peta
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Cara, South African Teacher
Hi Cara, you trained in South Africa, how many years experience do you have teaching in South Africa?
Two and a half years.
What made you want to teach in the UK?
Honestly? Money! Hah, ha, but it was not only money. My boyfriend was in the UK, so I saw it as a wonderful opportunity.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
Well, I had to get a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa. I had no problems getting it though. It’s just such a long process. There is so much documentation involved.
You said your boyfriend was already here so easy to find accomodation?
Yes, I lived with my boyfriend who was already quite established in the UK.
Work was a bit difficult in the beginning though, as I arrived here in June, in the middle of the school holidays, so cash was tight. I must say that I did not do enough research or I would have known that it was the middle of the holidays and prepared for it.
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
I have been to a few schools that are really challenging, but other than that. It’s alright now that I’m with Axcis.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
As I said earlier, I have been to a few really challenging schools here. I’m only here for two months now, but my one day here and there has taught me so much. There is a real problem with behavioural management. I wish I could have taken some sort of course to prepare me to deal with this. I mean the first time I walked into a classroom here it was a classroom of students who are about the equivalent to our grade seven in SA. The kids really had major behavioural problems. I did not know whether to walk out, run or hide. It was the first time I was placed with a challenge like this. They called me a racist and threw things at me and I did not know how to deal with it. I would have preferred to know how to deal with it and what to expect. I would advise other SA teachers to try and do some observations first. Like sit in on a classroom just to get the vibe and the feeling as it is very different to home, even if you just volunteer for it and don’t get compensated. Everything is more grouped and there is no one overall. It’s very different to SA. All the children in one classroom have different needs, so it’s very grouped. Now that I am with Axcis and I am teaching KS1, I am so happy. I think that I can learn a lot from my children and grow with them. I am so happy. It’s very different teaching KS1.
Have you any regrets?
No, not at all. I am loving it. I love teaching and it won’t matter to me which country I get to teach in as long as I am teaching.
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
No. My short time here and money constraints have not been in my favour yet in order to travel, but I really want to.
Would you recommend the London experience to other teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
Yes I would. The money is really great. I know that it sounds like I just keep saying the words money, money, money, but I’m not really sick, it’s just that when you earning R8,000 in SA it cannot compare to the money you earn here. Not only is it a good experience, it’s could also be seen as an investment.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes. I love Axcis. I don’t know if you know Emily. She is such a fantastic person. She and Jessica Lim have been so good to me. Emily even offered to borrow me travel money if I needed it. I just love her and Axcis.
Thank you for your time Cara
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
