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Cara
David
Erna
Marie
Maureen
Peta
Waynne
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Waynne, South African Teacher
Hi Waynne you trained in South Africa. How many years experience do you have teaching in South Africa?
About 1.5 years.
What made you want to teach in the UK?
The money. The pound is so much stronger than our rand, how can you even think twice.
Did you need a Visa? If so, what Visa are you on? How hard was it to get?
Yes. Working Holiday Visa. I got it through an agency and they were quite efficient so I had no problem at all.
When you arrived did you have friends/family to stay with?
Yah, My brother was here already but his Visa expired so I had to move out as well but I managed to find a place easily.
How have you found teaching in London? Good points?
Well it’s much easier teaching here than in SA.
What things should teachers be aware of when planning to come here?
Basically, most South Africans that come here really want or have the intention of staying on cause they get used to the lifestyle. So I’d say that it is very important getting into a school immediately. Just know and be surer of your intentions and really work hard at it.
Have you any regrets?
Well, I might say, not in terms of the UK, more in terms of teaching. Cause like I do SEN, not mainstream, so the school that I was at was really small and small schools have less posts. When I was placed I was lead to believe that I had the option of a permanent post and that went sour. So I resigned almost immediately cause ultimately I am looking for a permanent post. The school that I’m at now is a little bigger and there is that possibility, but I am still trying to get in anywhere that will secure a permanent position.
Have you done much travelling (if they have been here a while)? What destinations?
Yah. The surrounds of England mostly. I did this Fundraising thing,
which they call roaming here, so I got to see a lot of England and Scotland. I had the time of my life. Best experience ever. I'd do it all over again if I had to.
Would you recommend the London experience to other South African teachers? Why and what have you enjoyed?
Yah. The money is great. The classroom environment is good. Also the flexibility. I mean you can work like 3 days a week and still have enough to make a living, whereas in SA you have to work full-time to make ends meet and still still not enough to cover your overheads.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No. I’m happy and thanks for the outstanding service.
Thank you for your time Waynne
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
