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Anne
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Krissy
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New Zealand Teachers
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Cara
David
Erna
Marie
Maureen
Peta
Waynne
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Other Countries
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Interesting facts about London
Oyster Card
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Into your music?
Is London Expensive?
Primark
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Maureen, South African Teacher
Hi Maureen, how many years experience do you have teaching in South Africa?
I did all my training in South Africa and have over 30 years experience.
What made you want to teach in the UK?
Being a South African I hate to say it but it was purely for safety reasons.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
As I am on an ancestral visa there was no trouble at all.
When you arrived did you have friends/family to stay with?
No, I didn't.
If not, how did you arrange your accommodation? What sources did you use? How difficult was it?
At first we actually stayed in a Holiday Inn which was very strange after which we did our own house hunting and found a place in Charleton.
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
Teaching in London is really interesting for me as I’m used to the South African way. Here almost everything concerning curriculum is different, so I guess its good as it is a new challenge for me.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
I must stress the fact that the school terminology used here is extremely different to SA. It comes into play when going to interviews – my first few were a nightmare as I stumbled through them!
Have you any regrets?
No, except the fact that I didn’t study the relevant jargon to make my life easier.
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
Yes I have, mostly in and around the UK. We went to Scotland for a few weeks as well.
Would you recommend the London experience to other South African teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
Yes of course. As a teacher one should always strive to learn new things and coming to the UK has broadened my horizons!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Learn your school terminology!
Thank you for your time Maureen
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
