Leading Out

Alison Midhurst, Ontario Home: 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.