Leading Out teachers had more than just Christmas holidays to celebrate! We are now off for summer holidays for the next 6 weeks! That’s right, 6 weeks in summer, and 2 weeks after every term throughout the year!

With the footy season complete, Term 4 commencing, and the Spring Carnival beginning, we decided to meet in Melbourne to catch up. It is a fun term for the teachers with great weather, free festivals, and free schools trips to look forward to!

The footy game in July was fantastic with a record attendance at the Etihad Stadium of 49,373 (near capacity!). The Leading Out teachers enjoyed a fantastic game that ended up in a tie – which is a rare game to see! The energy inside the stadium was awesome and I think we are going to have a few hard core fans of footy!

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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has been there the entire way! If you need someone to support you, you can count on Leading Out. Before departing Canada I was more than prepared thanks to their services. They realize that it is difficult to come half way around the world so they are willing to do whatever it takes for you to settle down and get comfortable. There is always someone there for you and their service is very reliable. Frequent emails and events will keep you up to date on what to do around the city. Mentoring and other programs are available for extra support and cash flow. Social gatherings occur to meet new people and to share your experiences. They are there to help and support you and to make things stress free.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Before I left Canada I hadn’t done a whole lot of research about what to do in Australia, let alone places to visit while being here, but let’s just say that so far my experience has been a huge eye opener! I have only been abroad for just over three months now and there are heaps to do out here. Taking a drive down Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles was only one of the most spectacular things I have ever done thus far. The scenery is just so breath-taking and beautiful it feels as if you are in a dream. I also got a chance to do a quick weekend trip to Phillip Island where I saw the koala’s, the nobbies, and the penguin parade. Again the scenery was just spectacular! Cannot wait to take a trip up to the East Coast during the next break to experience more of Australia!

Tips for International Teachers?

If you are coming from a small city as I did be prepared to be amazed at how beautiful this country is, but at the same time feel a little overwhelmed with the adjustment. Settling down may be stressful at first, but once you get a chance to explore the city or the area which you are situated, you will realize that everything here is so convenient. I must admit the public transportation system here is pretty straight forward and the scheduling is fairly accurate. It is very easy to go from place to place, and over time the system will only get better with more trains, trams, and buses coming more frequently at your convenience. Melbourne is definitely a busy place so expect to see heaps of people roaming the streets wherever you go!

Keep in contact with your family and friends as often as possible. Being half way around the world can be a little bit tough if you haven’t been away from home like I have. The world of teaching is not perfect and things aren’t always going to go as planned so expect a lot of ups and downs, however take these good or bad experiences and learn from them. Talk to people back home or other teachers within your school, as someone will be there to support you the entire way. Take the time to vent your anger/frustration or wonderful times to your family and friends because everyday you will come home with a story to tell!

Be prepared to spend a little bit more money than expected, as things can be a bit pricey! Everything seems to cost a bit more around here, especially food and clothing, but remember…no tax! The prices you see are the prices you pay. Also another thing to remember when eating out is that you don’t have to tip the waiter/waitress as it is not expected. I suggest that you pack enough clothing/supplies to get by at first, but eventually you will end up buying if you want to be up to date with the latest styles and fashions here…Melbourne is regarded as the fashion capital of Australia.

Last but not least when teaching out here remember that kids are kids. You are a new teacher from a different country at the school so expect the kids to test you a little bit. They may crawl under your skin and try to get away with a lot until you get to know them so have patience and don’t stress! Get involved with as much as you can at your school and in no time the kids will open up and become so attached to you. I always keep in mind that the first few years of teaching are going to be the hardest, but remember it’s an experience that you are never going to forget! Stay positive and keep an open mind, and from there you will figure out what kind of teacher you want to be…

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I am happy to say that the one thing that I have enjoyed the most about teaching in Melbourne is getting to know the students and learning their sense of humour. Thanks to Leading Out I was fortunate enough to have landed a contract position within the first week of term 2. My first day of teaching was a little bit nerve racking, however the students here open up to you very quickly and are just so mesmerised by our Canadian accents! They have so many questions to ask and are super curious about what the similarities and differences are in Canada. Needless to say their sense of humour here is very entertaining, but it is the one thing that I look forward to when coming in to work each day. 

Seeing as this is my first year of teaching in my own classroom without an associate present, I do notice some similarities and differences when comparing it my experience back home. One main difference is that high school begins in year 7 here. This still tends to throw me off a bit because there is a mix of students between the ages of 12-16 who are in the same building…weird! I work in a multi campus school which splits up students from year 7-10 and year 11-12 at different campuses. Another difference here is that high school students get time for recess, whereas recess ended for me after grade 8. In terms of teaching you may be a little bit shocked with the student-teacher relationships here. Teacher’s tend to be a little bit more layed back compared to Canada. For one thing, students here may ask for your first name, and it is not unusual for students to be calling teachers by their first name.  There are also some differences in the curriculum here compared to back home, but all in all they cover most of the same topics and requirements needed for post secondary education.

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“I started with Leading Out long before I ever came to Australia.  It was highly recommended by other Australians I was working with in Canada.  They were extremely helpful in getting the process sorted for me and were very patient with the numerous VISA hiccups my wife and I had.  They got us into a great house with other wonderful business people and we loved it.  Leading Out found me a full time job long after the school year had started and it is the best staff I have ever worked with. 

The information packages they offer you before and after you get to Australia have not only been priceless to me but my wife as well.  Their knowledge on things you need and ways to get the things you need are paramount. My wife and I have not travelled much because we have been seeing all the sites around Melbourne first but there is a lot!  We are going to Tasmania for a week and Sydney for a few days, it is very cheap to fly inside the country. 

Australia certainly pays you better than most schools in Canada, particularly with the job market.  Now Australia is more expensive to live in but if you shop wisely and look for sales you can save a ton of money.  I highly recommend Leading Out, and I have already recommended Leading Out.”

Do you know anyone who would be interested in completing their teacher practicum/internship in Australia? Let them know about Leading Out!

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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

The service that has assisted me the most is getting set up with casual relief work  before even arriving in Australia. When I arrived I started working as a CRT the very next week which is unbelievable.

I have also really enjoyed the Leading Out monthly activities that have been planned. They are a great way to meet new people, especially when you’ve come all on your own to Melbourne!

Before arriving in Australia, Leading Out helped me get my VIT card, set up a bank account for me, and registeration for casual work. On arrival I was picked up at the airport, dropped off at the front door of my building, and introduced to two other Canadians all at the same time.

During my stay here, Leading Out has been able to answer all the questions that I have asked. From what cell phone company to use to who to call to book a wine tour, Leading Out is there to help. I have also taken advantage of the monthly activities that Leading Out plans to meet new Canadians which is great.

The best place travelled within Australia:

I have really enjoyed travelling around the state of Victoria. I’ve rented a car on two separate occasions to drive along the Great Ocean Road, Grampian Mountains, Phillip Island, Gipplands Highway, and the Yarra Valley. I’ve got to see some breathtaking scenery such as the Twelve Apostles and coastlines along the Great Ocean Road and the views from the Grampians. I also got to see animals in the wild too, which was a highlight for me. I’ve seen koalas, penguins, emus, and even had to stop for a wallaby standing on the road. Definitely drive this country if you get the chance!

Tips for International Teachers?

The advice that I would give other teachers coming to Australia is to keep an open mind and remember that it will be different from Canada, so embrace that. There is so much to see and do, make sure you get some travelling in, not just work. Also, even though you don’t think it will be cold here, still pack some warm clothes because it’s the dampness that gets to you.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

There are definitely more similarities than differences between teaching in Victoria and teaching in Canada. When you walk into a classroom in Melbourne and see for example, the students divided into guided reading groups and the curriculum left for you to cover that day, you think to yourself that this could easily be a school in Canada.

However, I feel that the schools in Canada are more structured and have a greater emphasis on literacy and numeracy than the schools in Victoria. Also there are more specialised teachers here in Australia than back home. Not many classroom teachers also teach phys. ed and the arts to their students. I have also noticed that there are very few Educational Assistants working in schools, and very little mention of any sort of accommodations or modifications for students with exceptionalities.

I did CRT work in different primary schools during my time in Melbourne. I have really enjoyed getting to meet new students and learning about their lives in Australia, and answering all their questions about Canada as well. I had to pick up quickly on the different vocabulary used here though. There have been times when I haven’t known what they were talking about and they haven’t known what I’ve been talking about, but it all gets sorted out in the end.

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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has been a great help in terms of getting paperwork sorted quickly and efficiently. I was very busy teaching in Canada while I was making arrangements to come to Australia so it was great not having to waste precious time in doing all the groundwork myself. I was still responsible for gathering my end of information and filling in forms, but I was told exactly what needed to be done and by when, which kept the planning process smooth. Once I arrived in Australia, Leading Out picked me up from the airport, took me to the bank where they already had an account open for me, and then on to my new apartment which they had also helped arrange. Because I was coming on my own, it helped make a large and daunting transition much less stressful. At that house I met a lot of really good friends from all over the world, many of whom I still hang out with now.

After a few months of CRT work, an interview was arranged for me at a secondary school. Being a primary teacher I wasn’t sure if it would be right for me, but I figured that since I came to Australia to try new things I might as well give it a go. I attended the interview and felt good about the opportunity, so I chose to accept the position. I will be teaching at the highschool full time for the whole school year, and so far it has been a very positive experience. I’ve met lots of new, interesting, and friendly people, am doing work I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do at home, and am learning new ways of doing things. It’s good and I like it!

Since being in Australia Leading Out has helped with employment, accomodations, social events, and the inevitable paperwork. The most important role they’ve consistently provided has been to accurately answer questions pertaining to my specific situation. I’ve worked overseas before and often you are given very general answers or suggestions for where you can look to find your own information, but I’ve found that Leading Out can give me all the information I need in a quick e-mail or phone call. I came here to travel, work, and enjoy life, not spend hours tied up red tape!   

The best place travelled within Australia:

One of the best things about teaching in Australia is the way the school year is set up. 3 sets of 2 weeks of holidays is ideal for travelling. I did my teachers college in Australia several years ago, and so saw most of the major sights then. This time around I’m focussing on just living life within an Australian context and using my holidays to travel further afield.

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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has helped us  all along the way in preparation for my arrival. They booked our flights, set up our bank account, found us a place to live, and regularly checked up on us to see how I am going. They even picked myself and my fiancée up in Melbourne and drove us 4 hours to our rual school. They have made all the difference in making this process as easy as possible.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Being in Australia has completely changed the way that I view the world. It was such an eye opener coming to a new country and not knowing anything as to what I was getting into. Working in a small rural community has made it somewhat difficult to travel too far in Australia. On Term 1 break I went on an amazing trip starting in Melbourne, all the way up The Great Ocean Road, to Adelaide. I saw so many beautiful coastal scenes, went surfing in Torquay, found Koalas in the wild, saw The 12 Apostles, a colony of white kangaroos in Bordertown, experienced Blue Lake in Mnt. Gambier, and the Giant Lobster in Kingston. It was absolutely amazing to see the beauty that is Australia.  One of my favourite things to do around where I am living is to go hiking in the Grampian Mountain Range. It is absolutely stunning with heaps of different hiking trails and fairly difficult climbs.

Tips for International Teachers?

For other teachers coming to Australia I would tell them to always keep an open mind. It is so important to try anything and everything while you are here to gain the full experience of such a wonderful country. You may only be here for a year and therefore all that you can fit, while also juggling teaching, is extremely important.

You’re going to miss Tim Hortons.  It is inevitable and the food here is quite different. I’ve tried Kangaroo and it is delicious when it is marinated. You’ll also find that there are always barbeques to go to where you bring your own food and drinks and everyone just cooks up their food and has a good time. Snags (sausages) are very popular and Australians rarely use buns on bbq burgers and sausages!

It is so important to keep strong contact with home. When school may seem rough or you’ve had a bad day, you need to make sure you do something for yourself and have that contact with home to keep you sensible and sane. Skype has been a saviour for me and I get to speak with my parents every weekend.

Everything is more expensive: food, makeup, clothing, internet, everything. Make sure you bring a lot of supplies that you use daily so that you do not have to spend so much more down the road. Despite what people think, it does get cold here. While winter is just rolling around here, I should have listened when they told me to bring my winter coat. I thought if anything it would be cheap enough to buy one here, but the prices are so much higher that it was not worth it. My parents are bringing me one when they come over instead. Also, it is extremely hot in summer, and even if you do not use it at home, always wear sunscreen!

Last but not least, become a well known member around your school. Volunteer for everything, excursions, sporting events, camps, staff events, student events, etc. This is your time to learn as much as possible and it is an easy way of seeing a lot more of the country. I was lucky enough to go on a year 11 Outdoor Education camp to Port Fairy and will be going on another one to the Grampians. I got to learn how to surf, learn how to rock-climb on a mountain, learn how to scuba dive and best of all, it was free for me to go.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

Teaching in Australia is both different and somewhat similar compared to Canada. Seeing as how this is my first full time position and I do not have much experience to compare it to, it is none the less a once in a lifetime opportunity in the field in which I have studied to work in. It has been quite interesting being a year 7 Co-ordinator and starting off each of my classes from Day 1, instead of picking up and teaching where my Associate Teacher would have left off, in Canada. I now have all the responsibility and flexibility of incorporating my own creativeness into each of my many classes and classrooms. Students here are very often spoken to about the importance of respect to teachers and fellow students, as well as about appearance in the school and community. I find that the schools really focus on ‘getting to know the student’ first, more than throwing a lot of curriculum at them right away. I’ve realized you cannot expect your students to learn from you if they do not respect you and do not think that you care about them and their wellbeing.

I am teaching in a rural community about 3.5 hours away from the city. It is quite interesting to be a part of such a small community setting as everyone quickly gets to know who ‘the Canadians’ are in town. There is no escaping students on a Saturday morning downtown, or anytime after school for that matter. I have been able to meet so many wonderful, helpful, and encouraging people being where I am. No one should be dissatisfied with being placed in a rural school. The towns itself, as small as they are, have quite a lot to offer.

The OC club got together in Melbourne to watch the Canadian Men’s Hockey team beat Slovakia in the semi-finals at the Vancouver Winter Olympics Games. The atmosphere was electric! So many Canadians turned out in Melbourne, it was fantastic!

We also met in February to watch a “Movie Under the Stars” in the Botanical Gardens but unfortunately it rained, so we met at the Crown Casino in Melbourne to watch a movie and out for drinks at the Sports Bar.

The OC club is looking forward to our Surfing day in Torquay on Sunday and then Moomba Festival next weekend.

Interested in seeing what we have done in 2009? Check out the Overseas Club.

Alison

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University: York

SubjectArea: Maths

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

I chose the full package with Leading Out because I wanted this experience to go smoothly and it was worth every cent. Before I came over, Leading Out set up my bank account and assisted me in finding accommodation. Upon my arrival, they picked me up from the airport and immediately told me I had an interview in two days. They have also helped me with my sponsorship questions and keeps up to date on my employment status. They even helped me when I had trouble with a landlord not fixing the plumbing. They have made sure I have been able to participate in my favourite sports here in Melbourne. I am very happy to have chosen Leading Out. I would not be able to travel unless I had money to travel. Leading Out helped me get an interview and I got a contract at a school and I have traveled heaps because of it.

The best place travelled within Australia:

I can’t choose a single place to be the best place I have traveled. The Great Ocean Road is phenomenal. I loved the penguins and koalas on Philip Island. Sydney is incredible for the Harbour, the Opera House, the Rocks, Chinatown, Bondi Beach (SURFING!!), the night life, and so much more. Byron Bay is great if you want the hippie experience and you want to watch whales and have a beautiful walk to a light house. Lamington National Park is incredible but expensive. I did a 17 km hike with 16 river crossings on Canada Day and it was beautiful and serene. Cairns is fabulous for the lagoon, the Great Barrier Reef, the night markets, and the night life.

Tips for International Teachers?

Choose the full package so that your travels and work are stress-free. Save up before you come over for a bit of a start-up fund so that you are able to explore right away. Don’t say no to anything unless it costs way too much or is dangerous because you are here to try new experiences.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I started on a contract and my school offered me sponsorship so I have only worked at one school in Melbourne. I really enjoy the staff, the location of the school (right on the bay), and the students are very fun. Australians have a great sense of humour. The mathematics in Australia is basically the exact same as in Ontario, Canada but they teach everything one year earlier in Australia. Students take standardized tests in Australia on a regular basis (year 7, year 9, and then in VCE) and schools are very competitive when it comes to their results and Canada has standardized tests in mathematics in one year only. Math is called Maths in Australia. They will laugh at you if you don’t add an “s.” I found it to be a pretty smooth transition between teaching mathematics in Canada to teaching it in Australia. My staff is phenomenal in Melbourne, just as in Canada, and were very helpful. There really is not much streaming in Australia compared to Ontario.

Nicole Middleton, NS Home: University: St.Francis Xavier Subject Area: PE (P-12)

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The best place travelled within Australia:

I have only been here a few month but over the school holidays I travelled the Great Ocean Road and it was amazing! For Christmas I am off to Cairns and further into the new year New Zealand and Figi hopefully!

Lia Sidney, BC Home: University: Victoria Subject Area: Primary

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has helped me connect with other teachers, and build those friendships that are crucial when you first arrive in a big city. Leading Out made me feel supported, and it was nice to know I have someone to call for any problem I come across big or small. It was helpful having a network that was there to “show me the ropes”.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast has been my favourite small town in Australia, after that Melbourne is definitely my favourite city.

Tips for International Teachers?

My biggest tip would be… feel the fear and do it anyways! Come with an open mind, and always smile. Have a few activities that you love doing with kids, and just remember to have a good time.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I have been working as a CRT, as well as coordinating a kid’s camp over the holidays. I love teaching in Melbourne because the staff are so welcoming, and being from overseas is a novelty for them. The students love to hear my accent!

The differences are subtle, but I was surprised that Australia still has uniforms. Another big difference is that Australia doesn’t use textbooks. In my opinion Australia and Canada have very similar standards for education, which made the transition easy for me as a teacher.

Nicole Toronto, Canada Home: University: Western Subject Area: Primary

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out was very helpful when I moved to Australia by answering any questions big or small that came up before I left Canada and when I arrived in Melbourne. When I had questions about banking, schools, and problems dealing with landlords Leading Out was quick to respond and help with all the situations. One of the things I enjoyed most about the service was getting to know different teachers through the activities that Leading Out organised such as learning to play footy, surfing trip and bright and tight pub night. It is a great service for people who are trying to do something new and exciting overseas and need some vital information to get started. It was always nice to know that if there were any problems there was someone you could call.

Moving to Australia has proven to be one of the best experiences of my life! I know that one of the reasons the transition from Canadian to Australian life was so easy was due to Leading Out. I would recommend their services to anyone coming over to Melbourne.

Tips for International Teachers?

Knowing what I know now I would have come to Australia at a different time. Leading Out had warned us that first term was not as busy as term 2 and 3, and they were right. If I was to come over again I would come at the end of term one to get set up and go from there. Also pack light! You will be buying things over here and don’t want to be travelling around with as much stuff as I have! It also gets pretty chilly in the winter months. Nothing like back home, but bring a rain jacket.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I was blown away about how friendly and helpful the staff were at the different schools. The students were great and always had something funny to say about our accent! The athletic culture of Melbourne was amazing and was one of the things that I enjoyed most about the city and the schools. I was able to teach at both Primary and Secondary schools during my time in Melbourne and this has given me the idea to try different types of teaching when I return to Canada.

Katie Toronto, Canada Home: University: Western Subject Area: Primary

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has provided more than just teaching opportunities. Leading Out gives trustworthy advice on daily life in Australia, for example what to do when your landlord is not treating you fairly. Leading Out also has some great social events that provide an excellent opportunity to meet people in the same shoes as yourself. My two friends and I came to Australia together, excited for a new adventure; we never thought we would meet such amazing lifelong friends along the way at Leading Out events.

Tips for International Teachers?

Listen to the advice that is given by Leading Out, they know what they are talking about. Be prepared for colder weather in Melbourne than you might expect. Do as many exciting things as you can while in Melbourne, there is so much to take advantage of.

The best place travelled within Australia:

It is very difficult to choose just one place that I would consider to be the best. I have heaps of travelling to do still, but so far the most memorable and breathtaking place I have been would be Bondi Beach in New South Wales. The atmosphere, the weather, the beach are all exactly what I expected when coming to Australia. It is just a short bus ride from Sydney’s city centre and a great way to spend a couple days at a white sandy beach and crystal clear blue water.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I did CRT work my entire stay in Melbourne. I loved having the flexibility of choosing which days during the week I would like to work. I loved not having to worry about planning lessons, perform assessment, or write reports. My only job was to show up with a smile on my face and a few “back-pocket” activities in case a teacher did not leave any work. The most enjoyable part of CRT teaching is the excitement of heading into a new school to experience just a little of what happens in their daily lives.

There are many similarities between teaching in Canada and Victoria. The grade levels coincide with the ages of the students at home, primary school students learn all the same subjects with a focus on maths and language skills, and the school administration has a similar set up.

All public schools have uniforms, wearing hats at recess are mandatory in some terms, some terminology for everyday items is different, and generally the demeanour of Australian students and teachers is much more laidback.

Karolina-Sweden Jönköping, Sweden Home: University: Jönköping Subject Area: French

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

From the very beginning Leading Out has given me all the support and information I needed to dare taking the step to move and work in Australia. I got a lot of information about life in Australia: school system, accommodation, travelling etc. Also an interview was set up with the school, which gave me my current job. Furthermore, I got help with the questions I had for my VISA application. Once I arrived in Australia, I’ve taking part in many of the activities Leading Out offers to overseas teachers. I like that I can always contact Leading Out if I have any questions or concerns. It’s nice to feel that you have the support when you’re far away from home.

The best place travelled within Australia:

As a teacher you have the advantage of having a lot of breaks to use for travelling, and so far I’ve been to Mornington Peninsula, Philip Island and The Great Ocean Road. I’ve also been to Sydney where I stayed at a really nice hostel just by Bondi Beach. I found Sydney to be a really beautiful city with a lot to see and do, for example climbing the Harbour Bridge!

I also travelled to New Zealand which is definitely my highlight so far when it comes to my travelling during my stay in Australia. There are cheap flights and easy to find good hostels. It’s the perfect place for someone who loves beautiful nature and adventure! Kayaking, bungy jumping, swimming with dolphins, horse back riding and rafting were activities that I experienced while being here.

My next plans are to discover more of Australia and travel up north and experience the Great Barrier Reef.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I had contract work before leaving Sweden through a phone interview that Leading Out set up for me. Now the school is sponsoring me to be here on a longer term visa . To have a long term contract at the same school has really given me the possibility to get involved with the school, get to know the students and the staff, the culture and the school system.

From the very beginning I was impressed by all the extra curriculum activities that the school offers the students. All the sport activities and the camps that the school organizes creates a good unity among students at school. As a teacher I’ve been offered to be involved with this and I’ve got to see new places in Australia thanks to the school. It’s also a great way to get to know students outside the classroom.

Also the school uniform is an obvious difference, but I honestly think it’s positive for the students (even though they are very quick to complain about it). It takes away the pressure of having the newest clothes and the most fashionable, and it is easier for everyone to fit in.

Compared to Swedish students it’s a bit harder to motivate them to learn French. Most of them will not continue with the subject after year 9 and their final grade won’t really matter for their future studies. This has forced me as a teacher to adapt my lessons to the different levels in the classroom and the different level of motivation. It’s sometimes a big challenge but it has sure made me develop as a language teacher!

Sara Toronto, Canada Home: University: York Subject Area: Primary

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out was really good about answering the little questions that I had before arriving in Australia. It’s always the small things that you need answers to and it was helpful to have someone who could help. There are some things that you need to figure out on your own, but many things were set up and ready for me when I got off the plane. During my stay, Leading Out was there to be a support system in a sense. When things don’t go quite as you planned, they’re there to help get you back on track or offer suggestions to help you navigate a system that you’re unfamiliar with.

Tips for International Teachers?

- Bring plug adapters

- Be prepared to spend a bit of cash when you first arrive on things like douvets, sheets, towels, etc.

- Come with clothes for EVERY type of weather. Melbourne has four seasons in 1 day. You’ll wake up and think it’s going to be grey and rainy, then midday it’s blue skies, sunny and hot, then on your way home it’s freezing cold. Layers, layers, layers.

- Write down directions before you leave the house in the morning of how to get where you need to go. Your memory isn’t as good as you think it is, and when you’re somewhere different every day you’ll likely forget where you’re going.

- Bus drivers don’t know where the buses go. This is not news to anyone who lives here, and even though I’ve said it, it’ll still shock you when you figure it out for yourself.

The best place travelled within Australia:

When I visited Australia on a tourist visa in 2006 the best place that I visited was this Kangaroo rescue shelter in Alice Springs. It happened that we found it by chance one afternoon killing time before our flight out, it was the cheapest thing we paid for on our whole trip only costing $5 and was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. You walk in and there are about 20 baby Kangaroos hopping around your feet in these small little paddocks. The amazing part is that you actually get to hold and cuddle these Joeys. I’ll never forget it.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I enjoyed CRT work because every day was like an adventure. You’d wake up in the morning not knowing where you were headed and then the phone rings with your mission, should you choose to accept it, and then once you’ve checked Metlink you’re off to meet new people, see a different classroom, learn a new tram route. The transportation system, although not always reliable, does go to most places so Melbourne is great in that sense. Being a CRT without a car just means you have to plan in advance for the inevitable Connex message on the loud speaker announcing that “the 7.54 am train to Greensborough will not run today” in which case you’re happy you left yourself plenty of time to catch the next one, which won’t be along for another 15 minutes or more!

Jessica Kingston, Canada Home: University: Queen’s Subject Area: English/PE

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Overall, my experience with Leading Out and our time so far in Australia has been phenomenal and I would recommend this opportunity to all those who have ever dreamed of living up a year down under! Leading Out is incredibly supportive and assisted us not only with teaching questions, but also gave us advice about landlord dilemmas, tax information, gave travel advice and was basically available if we had any problems or concerns. Leading Out provides a service necessary for international teachers in order to help them get started, find your feet after that long plane ride and provide continued assistance with day-to-day teaching and life queries.

Deciding to come to Australia is a huge decision and one that two of my friends and myself made coming out of the UWO Teacher’s College program. It has proven to be the best decision we could have ever made! We are having a blast in Melbourne, Australia and have had the opportunity to gain some teaching experience while we’re here. Leading Out has been a big part of our positive experience down under.

Tips for International Teachers?

We arrived in late January during some of the hottest weather I’ve ever experienced – walking down the street we felt like we had just stepped inside an oven! I would definitely recommend coming during the busier times of year for CRT work as there is not much work at the start of the school year.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I was lucky enough to score a contract position for term two (thanks to Leading Out) and absolutely loved it! The schools that I did CRT work at were very welcoming, the staff were incredibly friendly and the students always had something hilarious to say about your “Canadian” accent. One of the biggest differences that I have found between the Victorian education system and the Ontario Education system is the organization. Overall, my impression of the Victorian system is that Australians are incredibly easy-going, and for this reason things are often not as organized and well managed as they are at home. However, this style has it’s benefits as well – the students adapt well, the curriculum allows for a lot of flex, and the staff and admin never seem to be bothered by this lack of direction.

Quinn Pembroke, Canada Home: University: Queen’s Subject Area: English & French

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

For someone who took the chance and came to Australia to teach, it might strike you as odd that I am a person who doesn’t like the unfamiliar and unknown. Because of this, I took advantage of everything Leading Out had to offer; they found me an apartment before I got here, they set up a bank account for me, they organised my interviews and found me a job. Seeing as I started work the day after I landed in Melbourne, knowing everything was in order really put me at ease and allowed to jump head first into my adventure!

After my contract ended, Leading Out immediately helped me get the ball rolling on CRT work. I’ve also taken advantage of their travel discounts to help me book trips. And if it wasn’t for all the different activities organised by the social committee (trips to Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road, learning to play footy, surfing lessons, etc.) I might not have experienced my own city or met other Canadian and Leading Out teachers.

Tips for International Teachers?

DO EVERYTHING!!! At school, volunteer for everything; take advantage of field trips, camps or sport days. If an activity comes up on the weekend, take part in it! If you’re travelling and you have the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, try it! Whether your teaching experience is good or bad, if you dive head first into anything that is presented to you, you will have the most amazing and rewarding experience possible!

The best place travelled within Australia:

How can I narrow it down?!? I have been to some of the most amazing places since I arrived that I don’t think I can pinpoint one that is the “best”. Some highlights include camping at Mt. Sterling, hiking up to the top in the rain and seeing the peaks of the surrounding mountains shrouded in mist; driving around Fraser Island and visiting Lake Mackenzie with its crystal waters and sand like baby powder; sleeping under the stars at Kroombit Cattle station, eating fire grilled steak and drinking billy tea after a day of rounding up goats on horseback; also at Kroombit, riding quad bikes through the outback as the sun sets; sailing the Whitsundays and finding Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The first and most obvious difference I saw between teaching in Victoria and teaching in Canada was the role of the teacher; back home it was the teacher who had immediate contact with parents if a child was performing poorly in class, or if there were constant discipline problems. Here in Victoria, that role is passed on to pastoral team leaders and junior and senior school heads. The teacher can then focus on delivering the lesson instead of who they have to contact after the lesson is done, who they have to chase for homework, etc. This was certainly a big help to a new teacher still trying to learn the ropes of a different evaluation system. Speaking of which, that is the other major difference I noticed; there is a lot of material packed into the curriculum that must be covered as well as a high number of evaluations to be completed. It seemed like there was some sort of evaluation task, test, or essay every week. The content of the material covered was very similar to what I was teaching in Canada, but it seemed to me that, back home, I had more time to cover it.

During both my contract and CRT work, I have been blown away by the support given by the school’s staff. Coming to an unfamiliar country with a totally unfamiliar system can be extremely overwhelming, but when there is someone there to answer every question, big or small, to provide teaching ideas and activities, or even just to ask if everything is going well makes that transition so much smoother (and more enjoyable!).

Jamie Kent, UK Home: University: Brighton Subject Area: Physical Education

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

I have enjoyed the social events that Leading Out have organised and it has been a great way to make friends with others new to Australia. When I first arrived to Australia the company arranged for me to stay in shared accommodation with others from all over the world and this was a great way to make new friends instantly. Leading Out has been a huge help to me both before I arrived and since I have been in Australia. The company is very professional and has dealt with my many questions quickly and efficiently. You know a quick phone call to them will clear up any uncertainty and its very reassuring to have such a reliable service available.

Tips for International Teachers?

Make the most of your time here by using weekends and breaks between terms to travel around Australia. Dont forget that its supposed to be a working ‘holiday’ so give yourself enough time to travel. Be prepared for the changing weather conditions! They say you can experience all 4 seasons in one day in Melbourne and trust me its true! My advice would be to pack each day for all possible weather conditions and you’ll be just fine! Research Aussie Rules Football! It’s like a religion here and you won’t be accepted until your supporting an AFL team.

The best place travelled within Australia:

The best place i have been to so far has to be Fraser Island. It’s the largest sand island in the world with amazing lakes and scenery. I did a 3 day/2 night self drive safari trip and along with 8 others, travelled across the island on a 4 x 4 jeep stopping at amazing places including Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie and Indian Heads.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I have enjoyed the challenge of teaching in another country and Melbourne has been a great place to gain this experience. I have been to lots of different schools in my time here and all have been both challenging and rewarding. I have particularly enjoyed teaching PE in the primary schools and working with the younger children has been very enjoyable. It has certainly made me consider whether or not I want to teach at primary or secondary level when I return to England.

James Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Home: University: Acadia Subject Area: Science & Mathematics

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

The Leading Out services are first class services that every traveling teacher should take advantage of. All the services have assisted me in a stress free transition, from being picked up at the airport, to having a network of Canadian teachers to make me feel at home, everything about this program has exceeded my expectations and would recommend this program to anyone wanting to travel and teach.

My girlfriend and I were very nervous about leaving Canada and teaching in a new country. Leading out made this transition pain free. We e-mailed They were extremely helpful and would reply almost immediately. We were picked up at the airport, then set us up with our banking information and cell phones all within one hour of being in Australia. what service!! All the tedious things that must be done will get done right away. We also took advantage of the accommodation that is great, new, clean, everything’s included and have its own gym. My girlfriend and I have enjoyed living in house so much we have signed a lease until we leave. The excursions that Leading Out plans are a great way to meet people so go on them.

Tips for International Teachers?

If you are coming to teach in Australia go through the Leading Out program. You get to relax and enjoy your holiday and they help you with everything. Do not panic if you get here and want to go home in the first couple days. Melbourne is a great city but takes a couple weeks to warm up to. Once you are settled and recovered from jet lag you will begin to love the city and the things to do. Take advantage of your time off and travel. If you do not have a car get a month public transportation pass right away, it will save you money. Be prepared for the Melbourne weather. It is not always hot like you may believe. In the summer it is hot in Melbourne and can get up to 40 degrees but in the winter it is cold and you will need sweaters and jackets. Buy an umbrella it can be sunny in Melbourne and then two seconds later it can be raining so be prepared. There are so many festivals and events going on in Melbourne make sure you stay informed.

The best place travelled within Australia:

The best trip I have been on so far has been the Leading Out excursion to the Yarra Valley for wine tasting. This was a great experience that was cheap, fun and a great way to meet the Leading Out crew. I would also recommend going to Jan Juc beach which is just a little more than an hours drive away or a two hour train / bus ride. This beach is nice and has the biggest waves I have ever seen! You must try surfing, you can get a lesson for $55 and this will get you all the gear and 3 to 4 hours of surfing. So fun, it’s a must do!! Rent a car and take two or three days and drive the great ocean road. You will not be disappointed!! Melbourne is a great city and I recommend spending a couple days just walking around the city and alley ways, there are so many neat and cool places hidden away. There is always something going on in Melbourne so it is impossible to get bored or run out of new things to try.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I have enjoyed the whole experience of teaching in Melbourne. The schools are great, the staff is great, and the pay is better than in Canada. The transition has been stress free.

Victorian schools offer you more freedom in the classroom compared to Canadian schools. It’s a much more laid back atmosphere and I find the material you teach or your methods of teaching are not monitored as closely. I have enjoyed this and have tried lessons that I never would have had the courage to do in Canada. There is great support for graduate teachers and they have a mentor programs. The biggest change would not be with the school or structure but with the personality of the students and staff. Australians I find are very easy going and stress free people (for the most part). As a result, the classrooms are not as structured but no less productive. Report writing is completely different so make sure to start it early and ask questions. Another change, for the better is the amount of time off you get when teaching here. You get two weeks off after every three months and then a month holiday at Christmas time. This is a great way to break up terms and travel. Teaching in Victorian has been an enjoyable experience and I would recommend it!

Jen Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Home: University: Maine Subject Area: Primary

What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

One service that I am very happy with is the accommodation Leading Out suggested. It is a great opportunity to quickly make friends and have that sense of “family” that you might find comfort in while being so far from home. Currently, there are about 7 different nationalities within our house and we are very much enjoying learning about customs, and trying foods from other countries! We have just signed a lease to stay for the rest of the time we will be in Australia. They also offer 3 month leases so you don’t have to commit to a whole year right away! It’s so easy!

Leading Out has provided me with tremendous support, guidance, advice and valuable information since the very first day I inquired about the network, many months before I actually came to Australia – and still continues to, now. Before committing to Leading Out, I literally wrote dozens of emails (sometimes three or four in one day) anytime I thought of a question. Each and every email was treated with equal importance and it was apparent right from the beginning that there was a real person behind the emails who actually cared and wanted to assist you as much as she possibly could, not thinking of you as a dollar sign, but a person. Leading Out was super quick and efficient in answering even the most petty queries I had. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! In addition there are also many services that they provide to make the transition to the other side of the world easier than you can imagine. I can’t explain how simple it was to pack up and relocate to Melbourne. It’s hard to believe, at times, really.

The Leading Out network has gone above and beyond in thinking of all the little things that can make your transition as smooth as possible. Even now, Leading Out continues to ask current teachers in the network what they think might help make the transition even smoother for prospective teachers. Leading Out treats you like a family member; always looking out for you and making you feel at home.

Tips for International Teachers?

• Go to every OC event scheduled so you can get to know the other teachers right away and form friendships and support groups.

• While doing CRT (Casual Relief Teaching), be prepared with a number of lessons/activities for a variety of grade levels in the quite common instance that nothing is left for you.

• Become familiar with the public transport system and purchase a monthly MET Card if you need to use public transport each day. This gives you unlimited access to trams, buses and trains for one whole month and you don’t have to worry about fares and tickets each day.

• Familiarize yourself with the common phrases and words used here in Australia. You can find a great list to get you started on the Leading Out blog website.

• Take every opportunity you can to travel while you are here – on the weekends and during the holidays.

• Buy groceries at Safeway, Coles or ALDI. You get the most for your money at these stores.

The best place travelled within Australia:

So far, my favorite place is Yarra Valley; a beautiful, green countryside, filled with breathtaking views and quaint wineries (where tasting is free!) It is hard to believe you can find as much tranquility and natural beauty just an hour outside of the city as you do here! I thoroughly enjoyed the day I spent here with the Overseas Club; traveling around Yarra Valley from winery to winery, taking in all the lovely views and sipping on delectable wine!

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

So far my favorite part about teaching in Melbourne is the fact that I’m always learning something new from the students – whether it be a word or phrase, a sport/game or even just general information about Australia. It is quite enjoyable getting to know the students and learning from them at the same time. They are very interested in hearing all about Canada, as well, so it goes both ways and we relish the opportunities to share things with each other. The studeIt didn’t take long for me to get used to the way of life here in Melbourne. I thank my students for that!

Despite the fact that Australia, like Canada, is an English speaking country, it still took me about a month to get used to the different phrases, terms and slang used by the students and teachers. There are even some different spellings to get used to! I felt a minor “culture shock” in this respect.

With six weeks of summer holidays approaching and Christmas around the corner, Leading Out teachers have been celebrating the 2009 school year’s end. At our December OC event, sharing travels, teaching job lessons and Australian life experiences gave closure to leaving teachers and ‘revved up’ newly arrived teachers!

Want to know who won the costume party? Leading Out teachers celebrated Halloween in style: costumes, a few drinks, and lots of laughter!

The new Canadian teachers who had just arrived in Melbourne, Australia enjoyed a weekend packed with activities. The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island were the destinations. It was windy but considering it was the middle of winter, they lucked out on the weather!

We had a fantastic turn out to “Hardrock” rockclimbing gym in Melbourne! With 15 teachers learning to rock climb, there was a lot of concentration and definitely some laughs! They worked up an appetite after climbing for 2 hours, so headed for some lunch together in the city. A great day to start of the Spring season!

Alison          
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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

I chose the full package with Leading Out because I wanted this experience to go smoothly and it was worth every cent. Before I came over, Leading Out set up my bank account and assisted me in finding accommodation. Upon my arrival, they picked me up from the airport and immediately told me I had an interview in two days. They have also helped me with my sponsorship questions and keeps up to date on my employment status. They even helped me when I had trouble with a landlord not fixing the plumbing. They have made sure I have been able to participate in my favourite sports here in Melbourne. I am very happy to have chosen Leading Out. I would not be able to travel unless I had money to travel. Leading Out helped me get an interview and I got a contract at a school and I have traveled heaps because of it.

The best place travelled within Australia:

I can’t choose a single place to be the best place I have traveled. The Great Ocean Road is phenomenal. I loved the penguins and koalas on Philip Island. Sydney is incredible for the Harbour, the Opera House, the Rocks, Chinatown, Bondi Beach (SURFING!!), the night life, and so much more. Byron Bay is great if you want the hippie experience and you want to watch whales and have a beautiful walk to a light house. Lamington National Park is incredible but expensive. I did a 17 km hike with 16 river crossings on Canada Day and it was beautiful and serene. Cairns is fabulous for the lagoon, the Great Barrier Reef, the night markets, and the night life.

Tips for International Teachers?

Choose the full package so that your travels and work are stress-free.  Save up before you come over for a bit of a start-up fund so that you are able to explore right away.  Don’t say no to anything unless it costs way too much or is dangerous because you are here to try new experiences.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I started on a contract and my school offered me sponsorship so I have only worked at one school in Melbourne. I really enjoy the staff, the location of the school (right on the bay), and the students are very fun. Australians have a great sense of humour. The mathematics in Australia is basically the exact same as in Ontario, Canada but they teach everything one year earlier in Australia. Students take standardized tests in Australia on a regular basis (year 7, year 9, and then in VCE) and schools are very competitive when it comes to their results and Canada has standardized tests in mathematics in one year only. Math is called Maths in Australia. They will laugh at you if you don’t add an “s.” I found it to be a pretty smooth transition between teaching mathematics in Canada to teaching it in Australia. My staff is phenomenal in Melbourne, just as in Canada, and were very helpful. There really is not much streaming in Australia compared to Ontario.

Nicole          
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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The best place travelled within Australia:

I have only been here a few month but over the school holidays I travelled the Great Ocean Road and it was amazing! For Christmas I am off to Cairns and further into the new year New Zealand and Figi hopefully!

Lia          
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What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?

Leading Out has helped me connect with other teachers, and build those friendships that are crucial when you first arrive in a big city. Leading Out made me feel supported, and it was nice to know I have someone to call for any problem I come across big or small. It was helpful having a network that was there to “show me the ropes”.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast has been my favourite small town in Australia, after that Melbourne is definitely my favourite city.

Tips for International Teachers?

My biggest tip would be… feel the fear and do it anyways! Come with an open mind, and always smile. Have a few activities that you love doing with kids, and just remember to have a good time.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I have been working as a CRT, as well as coordinating a kid’s camp over the holidays. I love teaching in Melbourne because the staff are so welcoming, and being from overseas is a novelty for them. The students love to hear my accent!

The differences are subtle, but I was surprised that Australia still has uniforms. Another big difference is that Australia doesn’t use textbooks. In my opinion Australia and Canada have very similar standards for education, which made the transition easy for me as a teacher.