We are getting in to the busiest time for contract and supply work in Australia! July is a great time to arrive, but if that is too soon for you, August is also an excellent month to pick up supply work and possibility a contract for the rest of the year!
Here is an idea of the types of contracts that we have available:
English Teacher, East Melbourne
Job Type: Contract 2.5 days a week
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Start Date: July 16
Humanities Teacher, West Melbourne
Job Type: Contract
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Start Date: Immediately
Commerce Teacher, West Melbourne
Job Type: Contract
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Start Date: Immediately
Maths Teacher, Rural Victoria
Job Type: Contract
Location: Victoria, Australia
Start Date: July 16
When most teachers are thinking about working in Australia they typically have a city setting in mind. Rural Victoria has so much to offer new or experienced teachers and is worth considering! Here is what a Leading Out teacher had to say about her experience teaching in a rural Victoria.
Living and teaching in rural Victoria has some great benefits. The small town atmosphere was a great introduction to the country, and I felt incredibly welcomed when I arrived at my town.
Coming from a large city in Canada, I was a bit concerned about how I was going to adjust to a small town, but the people and the school were fantastic in making me feel comfortable and eager to teach.
The school that I taught at was relatively small, but the students were great and the technology available made it easy to find resources! I felt very supported and encouraged during my stay at the school, and I’m glad to have started teaching in a rural setting.
Allison – Fine Arts teacher, rural Victoria
All interested candidates must have a Bachelor of Education and overseas teachers must be eligible for the 417 Working Holiday Visa. Please visit www.immi.gov.au for complete information.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Tags: accommodation, Canadian teachers, culture shock, living in Australia, move to australia, moving in melbourne, moving to australia, Teacher Talk, teaching in Australia, Working Holiday Visa
When you have decided that moving abroad is what you want to do, often time half the battle is easing your family’s anxieties surrounding your decision. Here are 5 tips to show that your parents and family that just because you are out of the country doesn’t mean you are out of touch.
1.) Let them know where you will be staying. Provide an address and if you can a phone number. Your family just wants to know that they can contact you.
2.) Introduce them to World Clock. This will allow them to quickly check the local time where you are and give them an idea what you might be up to –working, sleeping etc
3.) Share your thought and decision making process with them. Help them understand where you are coming from. Share links and contacts you used to help make your decision.
4.) Treat them to an international phone card or do a little research on phone plans that will allow you to connect with each other.
5.) If you parents are not already computer savvy, hook them up with skype. Show them how easy it is and just how much you can do with it!
Moving abroad is exciting for you and can be nerve racking for your family. Consider them in the process and keep every one updated on all the great things you will do and see in Australia!
As the school year gets underway in Australia, use some of that new energy and make a conscience effort to reflect on your first week of teaching. Here are a few tips to get your started:
1. How much of an effort did I make to get to know my students?
2. What do my students know about me?
3. What did I learn from my students this week?
4. Did I set my classroom rules and have I been clear in communicating them?
5. Did I spent some time getting to know new colleagues?
6. Have I asked for help when I needed it or offered to help a new teacher?
7. What is my plan to communicate with the parents? When do I want to do this?
8. What are some new teaching techniques that I want to try this year?
9. How do I want my students to remember this year?
New and experienced teachers may have different things to reflect on, but for anyone starting in a new role there are a number of practical things everyone should check off to ensure a smooth transition . As the school year continues and things get busy take the time reflect on who you are as a teacher and what are the most important lessons you want your students to learn.
Being prepared will significantly reduce the stress surrounding your move to another country. You need to make a list and carry with you in your phone or on piece of paper with your passport and keep it close during your travels. Here are some small but helpful tips to help you stay organized avoid unnecessary hassles.
1.) Check and double check your flight departure, arrival times and connections. Remember the airline ticket will list the arrival time according to the country you are going. Understanding your itinerary will let you prepare accordingly for layovers and how much time you can expect to be in the air.
2.) If there is a time difference set your watch or phone to the time of the country. This way you once you are there and needing to sort out public transit schedules, business hours etc you will not be trying to convert the time difference as you go.
3.) Have the address handy of the location you need to go once you have arrived. This is essential. A neighbourhood or general directions will not cut it.
4.) Go with the local currency in your wallet and avoid the hassle of finding an ATM and paying fees in foreign currencies.
5.) Research the tipping customs of the country. This help will avoid awkward moments especially if you are traveling by taxi, grabbing a quick bite to eat at a restaurant, dealing with hotel staff etc.
6.) Once you arrive at your accommodations, ask for a local convenient store to buy some small essentials and snacks. Having something nutritious to eat the first morning you wake up in a new place is settling. You may want to bring food on the plane- but please research the customs and border control.
7.) Contact your family to let them know you arrived safely. It is easy to get caught up when you first arrive in a new place, but remember your family needs to know that you are settled and OK!
Tags: culture shock, trip planning
Finding a teaching job has never been tougher. A recent article by University Affairs is reporting the reality of the teaching job market in Canada. It is discouraging for new teachers and the school boards who interview great candidates but are frustrated that they cannot guarantee new teachers more than part time work.
In Canada, the growing number of unemployed teachers is highest in Ontario. Coastal provinces are experiencing similar circumstances, but Ontario’s numbers speak for themselves as nearly 68% of new teachers are not getting full time work or even related employment.
A survey done by the Ontario College of Teachers provided grim evidence that things do not seem to be looking up for the next several years. If an applicant is able to get on a supply list, they will likely stay in this position for several years. One teacher described her on again off again work as ‘putting her life on hold’. Many frustrated, keen and talented teachers share this view.
The trend for teacher shortages and oversupply has been up and down over the decades. A retirement boom from 1998 – 2008 did not guarantee more jobs because of the number of retired teachers coming back to fill supply positions. There is still a mismatch though between the annual average number of retiring teachers of about 4, 500 compared to the 12,000 new certified teachers entering the job market.
Despite the realistic picture of what a future holds for teachers, many are still pursuing their passion – no matter what. Visit the article and post your comment. http://www.universityaffairs.
Tags: Canadian teachers, Teaching
For some of you fellow Canadians teachers abroad who may be out of the loop on our nation’s top stories, let us apprise you of the gripping topic up for debate that is, our national animal: Beaver vs Polar Bear
Our dentally defective friend the beaver is under review as our national animal and could be replaced by the polar bear. One argument made in support of this change is that many people abroad do not even know what a beaver is when asked. Another point raised was that the polar bear is a more appropriate symbol of our northern land. What about the rest of Canada! Beavers can be seen in almost all part of Canada, but most of Canadians have never seen a polar bear!
The extremely hard working rodent sporting a snuggy coat of shinny fur (which had a huge impact on the trade and colonization North America) begs the question: What has the beaver done to deserve this scrutiny? Or is there something to this argument? How many times abroad have you found yourself explaining at length over a pint what a beaver is and why they are awesome? It is always good fun learning about other countries and getting the chance educating those who feel the Canadian icons of culture are ice hockey, great beer and Celine Dion. While these are things to be proud of, expand your repertoire of Canadian facts and play a round of Canada-opoly: The Ultimate Board Game. Even some Canadians are stumped with asked “What is our national animal”.
Without the beaver, Canada would not have come up the culinary magic of The Beaver Tail, aka the Canadian donut. Share a piece of the beaver love abroad and cook up a batch for your friends (because as cute as polar bears are, their tails just don’t measure up).
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/canadian-fried-dough-from-a-real-canadian/detail.aspx
There are plenty of books and online materials to walk you through the steps of writing a winning resume. Since we cannot possibly cram it all in here, consider the following to be helpful and simple reminders to help your resume stand out. If you have crafted a resume and consider it an inspiring piece of art that’s great! Remember it’s never a waste of time to keep it fresh in your mind and revisit it from time to time. Keep it current and recheck for those sneaky grammatical and spelling errors. These mistakes happen to all of us if we are not careful.
Edt! eidt! Edit!
It is not enough to read over it yourself. A second and third set of eyes will be invaluable to catching errors that you may have overlooked. Read it out loud. This is the best way to see how it will read to someone else.
Design
Be consistent with the format you use and how you list your information. Choose one and stick with it. Be mindful that you are not changing the format from one section to the other (spacing and margin alignment).
ridemcowboy_69@
When including your personal contact information, be sure to include the most up to date and appropriate data. Your contact phone numbers should have voice mail, preferably a message that does not include “what up” or ” leave a message okie dokie!” Stating your name is always helpful.
If you have not already created a separate professional email address, may we suggest you do it. While hotpants or cuppycake may be a well earned and fun nickname, this is not the best way to set you apart from the rest of the candidates. A simple combination of first initial and last name will do and look far more professional!
Know Yourself
Don’t shy away from the great qualities you have to share. As you already know, this is the point of a resume, and it doesn’t hurt to add more and or refresh some of your strengths. Spending one-on-one time with your resume and rewording it also helps you keep the language fresh in your mind. You want to be able to recall your assets and strengths during the interview. Your work ethic, quiet confidence, sense of humour, flexibility, adaptability, positive outlook, initiative, leadership qualities, efficiency, open-mindedness, resourcefulness etc. will shine through.
Helpful Tip: Applying for a position overseas suggests that you have an adventurous spirit and that is half the battle. Experienced and inexperienced travelers are prone to encountering some “culture shock” and it doesn’t hurt to read how others worked through it. Our article on culture shock in Australia may help you generate a few qualities to include in your resume. Qualities that highlight your willingness to learn from a new culture and share your own. These will go a long way. http://leadingout.net/blog/classroom-culture-shock-in-australia-and-tips-on-aussie-speak/.
Think of your resume as your introduction and first impression. Take the time to review and revise. We already know you are awesome teachers, let your resume reflect that.
Tags: Australasia Travel, Canadian teachers, culture shock, Life in Melbourne, resume writing, teach in Australia, Teacher Talk, Teaching Employment in Australia, teaching in Australia, working in Australia
It’s that time of year again in Canada; students are back at school, the days are getting shorter and you are remembering those summer strolls on the beach, camping or hanging on a patio. If you are not currently a Leading Out teacher and kicking back in Australia, this might tempt you to join our southern hemisphere teachers who are now gearing up for spring. Trust us, they are not looking for winter jacket sales and de-icer for their locks.
There’s no time like the present to start picturing yourself living abroad, meeting new and interesting people, and building on your skills in a new classroom environment. If you are already well seasoned traveler teaching abroad, or a new educator, here are a few reasons why you should consider Melbourne. For the first time in nearly 10 years Vancouver has been bumped from the number one spot as the top city to live. By a two point lead Melbourne has taken over and come out on top. A recent article by the Economist has ranked cities according to their live-ability which is defined by a number of factors. Check it out: at http://www.economist.com/blogs/gulliver/2011/08/liveability-ranking.
If you are looking for variety, unique experiences and immersing yourself in a laid back culture start the search for a teaching job or travel experience that Leading Out can offer! For those who have recently arrived, don’t forget the city of Melbourne’s public transportation makes it easy for you to visit new metropolitan destinations. Before planning an adventure, visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au to make transit simple and hassle free. There’s plenty to discover. For the most recent happenings in Melbourne we suggest visiting the City of Melbourne web page to read up on dining and nightlife, festivals, art and culture etc. It’s easy to see why Melbourne is the new number one city to live!
Tags: Canadian teachers, Life in Melbourne, living in Australia
The most important factor for us when assisting teachers to work in Australia, is that they are happy before, during and after their stay. We pride ourselves on giving honest advice and feedback to our teachers even if it isn’t always the best news. The last thing we want is an unhappy teacher half way across the world and we do try our very best to avoid this.
With the surplus of teachers in most parts of Canada, America and even in the UK, primary teachers contact us with the hopes of securing a full-time job in Australia.
Things have changes in Australia for Primary Teachers
Primary teachers are no longer in a shortage in Australia, in fact in most parts there is a surplus. This is not good news because it does mean that it is highly unlikely you will get a full-time short-term or long-term contract before you venture over the Australia.
What Can Primary Teachers Rely On?
Australian schools like to see primary teachers in the classroom with the kids, working with the curriculum and this can be done through casual relief/supply work (CRT). After seeing you in the classroom and with some experience under your belt, you will find that contract positions might come up. So April to November is a great time to plan on working as a teacher in Australia.
When to come for Casual Relief Teaching?
We always tell our teachers the same thing…the beginning of the year (aka Feb & March) are very slow since schools have only started the year and the sun is still shining. Once sports have started, professional development for teachers and other meetings, and when the sun is no longer warming everyone up (aka winter), this becomes the busiest time for casual relief teachers (tips for Australian winters). BUT, the end of the year also slows down as schools wind down and the sun starts warming everyone up and the end is near.
What Can Primary Teachers Do?
Keep in mind that your Working Holiday Visa allows you to do as many jobs as you want (as well as the 2nd Working Holiday visa) so many of our primary teachers work as a tutor; work in a daycare; restaurant work etc.
We also recommend primary teachers get additional qualifications or something unique to their resume. Teaching French always helps, being an ICT specialist is an asset, having an intermediate qualification is a definite benefit.
We are sorry that we don’t have better news but we want to be straight up with our teachers and anyone who is thinking about coming to Australia. There is definitely work available during certain parts of the year for primary teachers, and contracts do come up, but you have to be prepared to go to Australia with casual work in mind, be open-minded and obtain unique experiences where you can.
Tags: Canadian teachers, moving in melbourne, moving to australia, Teaching, teaching in Australia, Working Holiday Visa, working in Australia
The chill is in the air and I bet for many of you Canadian teachers, all you can think about is Term 2 teaching holidays in Melbourne. Wondering where you should go?
1) Uluru – OISE student teachers and other Leading Out teachers just returned from a great 4 day camping trip to the Outback and they have said it was incredible!
2) Great Barrier Reef – don’t miss one of the 7 wonders of the world.
3) Tasmania – a secret haven not to be missed (although cold this time of year so may want to consider a summer visit!).
4) Fraser Island, Whitsundays – Warm, so many fun outdoor activities!
5) Vietnam – beautiful country, affordable and warm!
6) Thailand – relaxing, beautiful people, great shopping!
7) Japan – unbelievable country and although going through a hard time, really is worth a visit!
New Zealand – incredible and one of the islands can definitely be done in 2 weeks; fantastic skiing!
9) China - history, unique, worth a visit!
Tags: Australasia Travel, Canadian teachers, china, Fraser Island, Gold Coast, living in Australia, moving in melbourne, New Zealand, school holidays, teaching in Australia, Travel, Travelling to Australia, Uluru
We did talk quite a bit about how to find furniture in Melbourne in past posts, but what about when you leave Melbourne and want to sell all of your stuff.
Many people just give everything to an Opt Shop or worse, throw it all away! It is environmental to try and pass on all of your items to someone else. That way, they don’t have to buy everything brand new, but it also doesn’t fill up the landfill sites (and bonus, you can make a bit of money back!).
So how do you find people who would actually want your used couches, bed, fridge, kitchen utensils, desk, etc. Well we all know Ebay and for individual items, this works well but the best option for used items, we have found is Gumtree.
Gumtree Melbourne is fantastic to buy or sell the small things (utensils, plates, etc.), to bigger things (fridge, bed, desk), and you can even sell/buy cars for under $5000. Did you know you can look for work here too or a place to rent (just be careful for people who are scamming you)!
Tags: accommodation, Gumtree, Life in Melbourne, move to australia, moving in melbourne, teaching in Australia
So you are teaching in Australia and want to know where to stop in? Have you already checked out China? Vietnam? Other countries?
Don’t forget before you leave – Purchase the Japan Rail pass! You cannot get this once in Japan.
If going for 5 to 7 days, we recommend starting in Tokyo and heading down to Kyoto as well.
Day 1: Tokyo
Fish Market; Meiji-Jingu shrine, shopping for electronics in Akihabara, and that night, heading to Shibuya Crossing for all the lights, busy street corners etc.
Day 2: Road trip to Kyoto
You can stop to see Mt. Fuji but in the winter, you might not have much luck seeing it! Once in Kyoto, head to Nishiki Market; and the Ponto-cho (night market).
Day 3: Kyoto
Go to all the Temples in S.Higashiyama. Also go to the Imperial Palace and the Gion region for the Geisha dancing.
Day 4: Kinosaki
Head to Kinosaki from Kyoto for the Onsens (hot baths!). In this town, they have 5 hot baths in the village that anyone can go to, plus you can get a private hot bath in certain accommodation.
Day 5: Tokyo
Head back to Tokyo. Fit in any more temples, markets, museums, etc. that you can!
Tags: Australasia Travel, Canadian teachers, Japan, move to australia, moving to australia, teaching in Australia, working in Australia
| DAY 1-in the morning: | |
|
At Tiananmen Square you should see 1) the portrait of the “great” leader Mao on the wall of “Tiananmen” (which means Tian(sky) An(peace) Gate, the front gate of the Forbidden City); |
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| 2)The monument of people’s heroes in the middle of the square; | |
| 3) “The Great Hall of People” (the parliament) on the west side of the square; | |
| 4) The Chinese National Museum on the East side of the square and 5) Chairman Mao’s museum on the south where you can take a look at Mao’s corpse in a crystal coffin. The museums and the parliament will cost some money but not a lot in terms of AUD or CAD. |
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| In the Afternoon: | |
| Visit the Forbidden City (the Chinese imperial palace) on the same day you visit the Tiananmen Square, simply because they are close to each other and you can experience more “real & ancient” Chinese culture in the Forbidden City. | |
| DAY 2: | |
| The summer palace was the imperial gardens so in there you can see many ancient Chinese architectures and paintings on walls etc. and it’s a huge place. | |
| DAY 3: | |
| The Great Wall is about 60km north from the city, it’s in the mountains and pretty cold and windy in winter. We suggest going there with a group of tourists and it will definitely take you one day. | |
| DAY 4: | |
| Visit the Birds Nest (from the Olympics) and also see the “water cube” right next to it, which is the National Aquatics Center, and from there you can walk to the Olympic Park. | |
Tags: Australasia Travel, Beijing, Canadian teachers, china, moving to australia, the Great Wall, Travel, Travelling to Australia
We have found, if you have the time, it is well worth visiting other countries when you are on your way to teach in Australia from Canada or the UK. You have to fly across anyway, so why not stop?!
But where should you stop?
1) China – Beijing (will be discussed in detailed in our next post)
2) Japan…coming soon
3) Hawaii
4) Singapore
5) Europe
6) Vietnam – See our previous posts
7) Thailand
Not only does it break up the long trip to Australia but it’s lots of fun! Return here for more specific details on what to see!
Tags: Australasia Travel, Beijing, Canadian teachers, china, Japan, Kyoto, Life in Melbourne, moving to australia, Tokyo, Travel to Australia
Background:
“Beetroot” is not a familiar concept to Canadians. For one thing, we call the purple veggie “beet” full-stop. We tend not to eat our roots–probably because as a “new world country’ we have so few and instead choose to honour them with a clothing company.
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Asian cuisine, beetroot, Canadian, Coles, dip, ginger, horseradish, lemon, recipe
With Australia day fast approaching, I thought this would be a good time to discuss how you can become an Australian Citizen.
The Good News:
- If you are a Canadian teacher or UK teacher, you can get Australian citizenship and won’t have to give up your other citizenship.
All it takes is time, paperwork, a bit of money, and some patience.
- You are eligible for Medicare once you become a Permanent Resident (so you will finally benefit from paying all those tax dollars).
The Bad News:
- It will take a minimum of 4 years to get your Australian Citizenship.
- You have to take a Citizenship test (20 multiple choice done on a computer and they give you a book to study ahead of time).
- It will cost you at least a couple of thousands of dollars.
- You must continue to be sponsored by an employer until you are eleigble for Permanent Residency.
- You do need 120 points (and your professional really needs to be in the skilled shortage list in order to get 60 of the 120 points).
Timeline for Most:
- One year on the 417 Working Holiday Visa (you can obtain a 2nd Working Holiday visa so you can stay another year).
- Obtain full-time employment and get sponsorship on the 457 Business Sponsorship visa (this can last up to 4 years but is valid for the length of your contract).
- You can apply for a Skilled Migrant visa but must have the right points and takes a very long time to obtain and costs lots of money.
- After living in Australia for at least 3 years, you can apply for hte Permanent Residency Visa (this then gives you Medicare, but does costs quite a bit of money).
- After you have had your Permanent Residency in Australia for at least one year and have lived in Australia for at least 4 years, you can apply for Australian Citizenship. Within the past 12 months, you can only have left the country for no more than 2.9 months.
- Usually 3-9 months before your pledge (this includes paperwork, wait time, Citizenship test, Ceremony Date).
Good luck! And don’t forget, January 26th is Australia Day!
Have you ever thought about house sitting while travelling or teaching in Australia?
This is a fantastic way to see other parts of Australia, while saving some money! One of our teachers has decided to do this over the summer holidays and it is something you can do all over the world!
Housesitting is where you look after people’s homes while they are away. You need to be responsible and many require assistance with their pets. There are many sites you can find on this and the link below one that has been used by our teachers. It is also used for anywhere around the world. You set a profile up and apply for the houses.
https://www.housecarers.com
Couchsurfing?! – Yes it does exist!
Couchsurfing allows you to literally sleep on people’s couches for a night or a few nights. You can use this resource anywhere around the world and meet new people along the way. It’s not only meant for a place to stay but for just going out for coffee, or chats. You set a profile up of yourself and apply for where you would like to stay. http://www.couchsurfing.org/
The sun is shining, there are Christmas carols in the distance, and Melbourne becomes more alive than ever at this time of year!
1) Suzuki Night Markets at Queen Victoria Market starts on November 17th, 2010, every Wednesday night until March.
2) St. Kilda Night Market may not run this year due to lack of support fron the council. Please go to: http://www.stkildabeachnightmarket.com.au for more details.
3) Moonlight Cinema in Royal Botanical Gardens. A fantastic way to watch movie under the stars. You can even rent beanbag chairs! Starts Dec 16th.
4) Rooftop Cinema in the City. Starts Dec 1st right in the heart of Melbourne.
Are you spending Christmas in Melbourne?
Well don’t miss the beautifully decorated Crown Casino where they come 
alive every half an hour in the evenings over December. They also have a Christmas Choir that usually sings two times each night.
Christmas activities are always going on at Federation Square and the Docklands. Also don’t forget the famous Myer’s Christmas Display. Go to What’s on Melbourne for more details.
Oh and did you know there is a special “Jingle Bell’s Aussie Style” Christmas song!
Not sure what else is going on during the year in Melbourne?
See our Calendar of Events in Melbourne, Australia
Tags: Australian Christmas, Christmas in Melbourne, culture shock, December in Australia, Life in Melbourne, living in Australia, Night Markets
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Tags: accommodation, Airport pick-up at Tullamarine airport, Australasia Travel, Canadian teachers, flying to Australia, living in Australia, moving in melbourne, moving to australia
There is nothing like going to the market to pick up your fresh veggies, fruit, meat, etc. and all of us who are from the Northern Hemisphere, we don’t get to do this for about 4 months of the year.
Melbourne’s markets are open all year long!
Not only are the open all year, but there are markets across the city. Many people go to the touristy and very popular Queen Victoria Market, but have you gone somewhere more convenient to you? White Hat is a great website that gives details, addresses, etc. for all Markets in Melbourne and across Australia.
Stop going to the Grocery Store (Supermarket) in Australia!
As teachers in Australia, we are always looking to save money. Stop shopping at the expensive grocery stores and go to the market. Not only are you buying local produce and supporting small businesses, but it is cheaper! My favourite is Footscray Market. The fish, seafood, and meat are by far the cheapest I have found. Also it is surrounded by Vietnamese stores and restaurants so if you want a good feed, this is the place for you!
But how about Dandenong Market, South Melbourne Market, Prahran, St.Andrew’s etc… The list is never ending so there’s nothing stopping you from getting fresh produce for a fraction of the price.
Tags: Canadian teachers, Footscray Market, Life in Melbourne, living in Australia, melbourne groceries, move to australia, Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market
So far we have discussed 5 items that should not be forgotten when moving to Australia: a jacket, electronic documents, work clothes, toiletries, and photos.
6) A Backpack – so often when I pick up teachers at the airport, they show up with big refrigerator size suitcases. What you will find out quickly is that having a backpack when travelling in Australia is essential. It is not like Europe, most attractions in Australia are outdoors and require hiking, walking, swimming, etc. Not an easy thing to do with a rollie suitcase! Save yourself having to buy one, and make sure one of your bags you pack for Australia is a backpack.
7) Electric converter – If you didn’t know, Australia’s voltage is 220V but more importantly, the spokes are angled. You don’t need a large one if you already have an adapter on your laptop (which most do!). Also DO NOT bring a hair dryer or hair straightener. Doesn’t matter what you do, it will blow up! So leave it at home.
8.) Laptop – or any other technology. If you don’t know, electronics in Australia are super expensive so come prepared!
9) Mobile/Cell phone – If you have a phone with a SIM card, get your phone unlocked and bring it with you. It will save you from buying a phone and you will only need to buy a SIM card.
10) Bring half the stuff, double the money – this is usually the advice when going on holiday, but I think it is even more important when moving overseas. Although you want to make sure to have the critical things, there is no point bringing everything but the kitchen sink! There will always be things you will need as you get used to the climate and the type of activities you are doing.
We hope this has been helpful for you.
If you have other things that you found helpful when moving to Australia or something you know you won’t leave home without, let us know!
Tags: Canadian teachers, move to australia, moving in melbourne, moving to australia, teaching in Australia, working in Australia
Over the years we have had a lot of teachers ask us questions about Australia. One of the biggest is: What should I bring?
The Ten Most Important Things to Bring to Australia
1) A Jacket - not just a thin jacket, but a real winter jacket. Despite what people think about Australia, it does in fact get cold. So cold that those that don’t bring jackets, scarves and a hat, usually buy it or have their family send it over. Learn more about Winter in Australia or Tips to cope with Winter.
2) Electronic Copies of documents- since you will be travelling, you won’t want to carry original copies or photocopies of your documents. Not only as they could get ruined or lost, but also must easier to send to schools/agencies online.
3) A Variety of Clothing- remember not only will you be travelling but you will also need teaching clothes. We suggest packing a number of items that can be mixed and matched to make different outfits. Clothing is expensive in Australia so you don’t want to be relying on this to heavily especially over the first few months.
4) Toiletries- Deod0rants are mainly sprays so if you like stick, then stick with it and bring a few over! Sorry guys but this is an important one for the females you come over to Australia. If you have your favourite types, bring them as they are quite different or old school products in Australia. See Australian feminine products.
5) Photos of Family and Friends – Yes you will have your laptop but there is nothing better than having a few printed photos to put in frames up in your room. Just makes your new place homey and makes your home overseas feel a little less far away. Homesickness is quite common and the 3-month rule will help you see that you are not alone.
Come back here to find out what the next 5 Things that you should Bring to Australia when moving to teach in Australia.
Have you thought of anything that we haven’t said yet? Let us know!
Tags: Canadian teachers, move to australia, moving in melbourne, moving to australia, teaching in Australia, working in Australia
The Commonwealth Games in Delhi has begun and I wonder what the coverage will be like compared to Channel Nine’s coverage of the Winter Olympic Games in February. During the Vancouver Olympics there were a few complaints with the commentating, who ended up apologizing. Let just hope that Channel Ten has learned from those mistakes.
For our Canadian teachers and UK teachers in Australia, it is nice to be able to watch so many of our athletes even though the coverage has been geared towards the Aussie’s (which it would since we are in Australia!).
I think the biggest disappointment about the Commonwealth Games so far is the number of athletes and countries who are not participating in the Games and the number of athletes who are winning medals who seem rather non-plused about getting a medal. So many athletes who would give anything to be there so it is hard, as a past competitive athlete, to watch.
Let’s hope the Delhi belly, the misquote about Princess Diana, the lack-luster Commonwealth Games Delhi website, the poor sportmanship by the Aussie wrestler and cyclist doesn’t ruin the image of the Commonwealth Games. Looking forward to seeing more inspiring stories through the Games this week!
What do you think about Channel Ten/One’s Coverage of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi?
Tags: 2010, Australasia Travel, Canadian teachers, Channel Ten, Commonwealth Games, Delhi, Delhi belly
I am not sure many ex-pats knew that when the Grand AFL final happened 
last week, that when it was tied with no time left, we had to wait an entire week to see who would win! Crazy to think really – it would be like replaying the Australian equivalent of the Super Bowl the next week!
So here we are, the St.Kilda Saints vs the Collingwood Pies, playing off once again on Saturday for the ultimate Premiership trophy. If you haven’t guessed it by now, I am a Saints fan (for real – have been a member!) but I know some of you out there are “Just not Collingwood” fans, so well done for cheering the Saints on.
The great thing about last weeks final, is it was played cleanly and the guys all played with heart. Let’s hope we see the same kind of competition on Saturday at 2:30pm (for anyone in North America, that will be around Friday just after midnight!).
Go SAINTERS!!
Tags: AFL, Aussie Rules Football, Grand Final, living in Australia
