Leading Out

Jessica Home Town: Kingston, Canada 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 Home Town: Pembroke, Canada 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 Home Town: Kent, UKUniversity:  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.

DAVID Home Town: Calgary, AlbertaUniversity:  LethbridgeSubject Area: Physical Education

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

 Leading Out took care of my needs and answered all of my questions from day one. I raised every question imaginable regarding Australia and teaching here, and Leading Out answered them all promptly. Finding work is probably the most common concern but they will inform you of the current demands and work hard to send out resumes for possible positions. They set me up with an interview before I came so that was beyond doubt the biggest advantage that I have taken before my arrival. Having a social network has been an absolute asset for me here. Moving to a new country and working as a teacher can be daunting and without a social network, it can make life less enjoyable. Leading Out provides a great network of people who are in the same situation and it’s great to make friends and share stories with them.

Tips for International Teachers?

Bring a winter jacket! Melbourne gets quite cold in the winter so a warm coat is definitely required.  In terms of teaching, have your resources that you used back home easily accessible. Do a little research on AFL before you come. It’s like a religion here in Melbourne.

The best place travelled within Australia:

My favorite place is definitely the Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation area. The lush rainforests of Cape Tribulation provides a home to spectacular flora and fauna, while the beautiful little town of Port Douglas and its gorgeous beach is a prime starting location for the Great Barrier Reef tour. There is always something to do in Melbourne with unlimited places to eat. The food and café culture here is fantastic!!

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I found the whole system to be completely different from what I was used to. The uniforms and policies that the school had, the way students entered each room, to the vocabulary used were just a few of the new experiences for me. The teachers work as a team and really assist each other. It’s been very helpful for me as a beginning teacher in a new country with a system that I was not familiar with.

LISA Home Town: Oshawa, OntarioUniversity:  YorkSubject Area: French, primary

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

Leading out has been a very comforting support before and during my travels.  Again, having come half way across the world completely alone, knowing no one, it is a huge  relief to know I can call Leading Out and express concerns or share experiences.  While I made friends quickly, many through Leading Out, knowing that someone would greet me at the airport and help me to settle seemingly overwhelming tasks, like applying of a VISA and setting up a bank account – has been immeasurably helpful.  I am very pleased that I have had such a friendly reception and support here in Australia. This has been the experience of a lifetime, I’m so thrilled that I made the decision to come to Australia and that Leading Out was the agency I chose to put my trust in to assist in my transition and continue to support me as I prepare to return to Canada.  At no point have I been left to my own devices with noone to turn to.  It makes all the difference in the world to know there is someone looking out for you when you are miles away from family and friends in a new place! 

The best place travelled within Australia:

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Australia.  It’s so difficult to choose a ‘favourite thing so far’ as every new adventrue becomes my new favourite memory about my travels!  A particular highlight was sailing the whitsundays and spending time in Airlie Beach.  Nothing will ever compare to walking on Whitehaven beach.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The structure of Australian schools differs from Canadian schools, the reporting system is different, and the culture over all is quite different as well.  This is not necessarily a negative thing, but is definitely something to be aware of.  Its critical to keep in mind that while we all speak English there will still be significant cultural differences to adjust to.  Australians are very welcoming, proud and helpful.  But expect an adjustment in school culture, there is a far more laid back approach to the atmosphere which has its benefits and challenges.   

JAMES Home Town:  Halifax, Nova ScotiaUniversity:  AcadiaSubject Area: Science, Maths

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!

CHRISTIE Home Town:  London, OntarioUniversity:  UWOSubject Area: Chemistry, Maths

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

Leading Out has been a tremendous help to me. They helped me with obtaining a full-time teaching contract, accommodation, bank account set-up, airport pick-up and general inquires. I’ve also attended the monthly social events. It is great to meet other Canadian teachers so that we can share our experiences or even find a travel companion. I had so many questions before and after I arrived and Leading Out answered them all very quickly and effectively.

Tips for International Teachers?

It does get cold here in the winter so make sure you bring warm clothes. Make sure to fit in time to travel while you’re teaching.

Melbourne is a great place. The transit system is very efficient so it is easy to get from your home to your school. There are many places to shop, lots of excellent restaurants and numerous types of bars and nightclubs. Locals and overseas travellers that I have spoken to believe it is one of the best cities to live in Australia because has affordable accommodation, plenty of job opportunities as well as being a dynamic and trendy city. 

The best place travelled within Australia:

I went with friends for surfing lessons in Torquay (about an hour outside of Melbourne). The beach there is beautiful. I had never tried surfing before but I had a blast (when I wasn’t falling over!).

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The subject content is similar and students have different categories in which they are assessed. The differences are there are six periods a day instead of four. Classes run all year long instead of in semesters and each day you have a different schedule. You do not have your own classroom. Senior level classes end earlier in the year than juniors. Students from year 7 to 12 attend high school. Reports are a lot more detailed than at home.

STEVENHome Town:  Montreal, QCUniversity:  McGillSubject Area: English, History

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

Leading Out has helped a lot with my move to Melbourne. Not only does Leading Out get you job leads and interviews, but after you have the job they are still in contact with you and your school to make sure everything is going well. Being in a new country with a new culture and curriculum is not easy, especially when you have left behind your familiar support systems. Leading Out gives you a community to which you belong, and a group of people who are experiencing the exact same obstacles, challenges, and adventures that you are.  With Leading Out you aren’t alone!

Tips for International Teachers?

Definitely explore as much as you can! Even though as a teacher, you will be overworked, you need to go out and see the city to make the most of your experience in Melbourne.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Melbourne is a fantastic city! Melbourne offers everything anyone could ever want in a place to live. The public transportation is convenient, the people are friendly, and the food is out of this world. With so much in one city, Melbourne would have to be the best place in Australia.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

Teaching in a different part of the world is a challenge. The students are different, the staff is different, and the curriculum is different. The Victorian Government puts a lot of care into its education system.  Teacher’s pay is competitive and the support services available to teachers are incredible.  

MEGHANHome Town: Windsor, ONT University:  WindsorSubject Area: Drama, Primary

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

Leading Out helped me set up my housing, banking, and CRT work before I even left the country. They took all the guess work out of moving to a new place and made the transition very smooth. Leading Out was a great support every step of the way, back when i was first considering joining and even now when I have a question about work or travel advice. I have really enjoyed being part of Leading Out’s “O.C.” because it allows us to not only network with fellow teachers but it gives us a chance to travel and experience various events in the area.

Tips for International Teachers?

Remember that you are on a “Working HOLIDAY”! Take advantage of every travel possibility and social event that you can to make the most out of your stay. Melbourne is such a lively city and there are interesting things to do in every suburb. The CBD has surprises around every corner! There are endless possibilities in terms of incredible restaurants and pubs, fantastic theatre, and various festivals and events.

The best place travelled within Australia:

Queensland. The scenery in Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation is especially gorgeous! There is so much to see and do in this area such as snorkeling/diving the Great Barrier Reef, spending time in the rainforest or just hanging on the beach.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

Australia is very multicultural much like Canada. I have found it to be quite interesting learning about teachers and students that have come from all over the world. I am currently a CRT in Melbourne and I really enjoy how I am able to experience a vast variety of classrooms in the city. I am a new teacher so it has been quite a learning experience teaching in different environments, age groups and subject areas.

JEN Home Town: Halifax, Nova ScotiaUniversity:  University of MaineSubject 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. 

JULIE Home Town: Alliston, OntarioUniversity:  Brock Subject Area: Geography

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

Leading Out knows the answer to everything!  They are very helpful with anything you need, and you really feel like you have their support all the time. They keep in touch regularly and cares about how you are getting along with both work and other experiences in Australia.  Leading out functions are also very fun to attend and are held regularily.

Tips for International Teachers?

Bring your bag of tricks for teaching. Bring hard copies and electronic copies of all your paperwork such as resume, teaching certificate etc.  

The best place travelled within Australia:

The best place I’ve travelled in Australia so far is to the Whitsundays.  I really enjoyed staying in the town of Airlie Beach where I met tons of great people. The islands are beautiful and snorkelling the reef was also very memorable.  Whitehaven beach was the highlight for me. 

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I’ve enjoyed working as a CRT because I learn something new each day and have the opportunity to see how other teachers run their classrooms and programs. There is also a lot of flexibility with CRT work. I’ve had the opportunity to work in almost all grade levels now and also to work with students with special needs.

JENNIFER  Home Town: Minnasota, USAUniversity:  HuntingtonSubject Area: Primary

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

The social events through Leading Out have been a great time to see different places, meet new people, and network a bit on what they have been doing in classes. 

Tips for International Teachers?

 Visiting Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef is definitely a highlight of Australia.  Cairns itself has a great holiday feel to it and plenty of activities to do around it. The reef itself was an amazing natural wonder. I could have just floated around on the surface for days staring down at the fish and coral below.  The colors can not be matched anywhere.

The best place travelled within Australia:

I have enjoyed getting to know the cultural of Australia. I am continually amazed at the many cultures found here and all the good food that they have to offer. I really love the variety of fresh food available and how much time people take advantage of the outdoors here.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

Take advantage of your time here and get to know the people. People here are very friendly and genuinely interested in what you are up to.

ELODIE   Home Town: Barrie, OntarioUniversity: Queen’s Subject Area: Primary

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

Leading Out service that has assisted me the most is the number of employment opportunities. Being able to ask Leading Out about things (like internet providers, superannuation, etc) has been extremely helpful!

Tips for International Teachers:

Make sure you bring a jump drive or something with scanned copies of your teaching certificate, your resume, etc. Also, ideas/lessons for all age groups that you can do in a pinch because the teachers don’t always leave work for you and you may find you need to plan a whole day when you arrive in the morning. Be open and flexible and don’t come with the idea that you are here to score a contract because that can distract you from your primary reason for being here which is to TRAVEL (or at least mine was)! You can learn just as much from day to day supply teaching or short term contracts and it leaves you with more time (and money!) to explore this great country.

The best place travelled within Australia:

The best place I have visited so far is a toss up between Melbourne and Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. Melbourne I love because it is big, bold and beautiful. There are so many interesting things to do in all the little suburbs and the people are so friendly. Airlie Beach I loved because it was a laid back backpacker place. And then there are the islands themselves, gorgeous and natural, and the reefs around them which are so interesting to explore.                                                                       

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria? 

I like learning different teaching methods and the teachers here are all very organized, so I have been able to learn a lot about classroom management and unit planning. I really like talking with the students here and having them teach me new games and things that I can bring home and share with Canadian children. Plus they are generally pretty hilarious (as most young kids are). 

ANNA   Home Town: Ottawa, OntarioUniversity: Queen’s Subject Area: Primary & French

“I have been provided with the most top notch service imaginable with Leading Out. Leading Out is experienced,organized and highly efficient when it comes to finding teaching jobs, living accommodation and other essentials for Canadians interested in teaching in Australia. Their expertise in all relevant areas has made this process unimaginably easy. I highly recommend “Leading Out” and have full confidence that my future experiences with this organization will continue to surpass my expectations.”

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

I found that the shared housing accommodation arranged by Leading Out provided me with an immediate social network which was invaluable when first arriving in the country. I have taken advantage of the “OC” events (ex. a wine tour of the Yarra Valley wine region) which provides inexpensive, fun ways of seeing the city and surrounding areas. 

Tips for International Teachers?

Teachers should come to Melbourne with an open mind and a very flexible attitude.  Teachers should also come realizing that despite Australia being an English speaking country, there are cultural differences which means there will be an adjustment period.

The best place travelled within Australia:

My favourite place in Australia is Margaret River in Western Australia. It’s a great place to go if you are a wine lover! Melbourne is a fantastic city with so much to offer and it’s been a treat after work going to the heart of the city for dinner.”

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I went from teaching grade 2 in Ottawa to teaching French in a highschool. Therefore, many of the differences I experienced were a result of the different types of assignments I had in each country.  I think in general though, Australia’s laid-back culture means that schools are less structured then in Canada.

KAREN   Home Town: St. John’s, NewfoundlandUniversity: Memorial UniversitySubject Area: Primary

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

Leading Out has provided me with tremendous support and advice. It can be a very frightening experience to move to a different country but Leading Out has been wonderful in making me feel welcome and needed. The services offered by Leading Out such as accommodation, the Overseas Club(The OC)has provided me with an opportunity to meet many other teachers throughout teaching and travelling. Overall, Leading Out has continued to act professionally in all areas and has truly made this adventure a positive experience for me.

Tips for International Teachers?

I recommend that teachers take advantage of the term breaks because it’s a great opportunity to do some travelling. Most importantly, I recommend that teachers embrace the culture and enjoy every moment because it’s an experience that you’ll never forget!

The best place travelled within Australia:

Sydney! Darling Harbour is absolutely beautiful. The scenery at the Blue Mountains is also worth checking out.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

I have enjoyed knowing that teachers here are very welcoming and always offering to assist you with any concerns or issues that you are experiencing. When doing CRT, you can explore the many schools and observe the similarities and differences between each school.

OKSANA   Home Town: Windsor, Ontario University: Windsor Subject Area: Primary

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

From the moment I started planning my adventure to Australia, I had Leading Out guiding my way. Everything was very well oganized and planned to make the transition smooth. Leading Out was there to answer any of my endless questions and concerns. With detailed lists and information packages, I was prepared for the next step along the way. A lot of the stressing from coming to a new country was lifted off my shoulders with the help of Leading Out. From opening bank accounts to help finding suitable accommodation, I was left with little to worry about. After two days of traveling it was nice to meet the person behind all the e-mails. I was taken to my place and shown around the area.

Tips for International Teachers? 

When coming to Australia to teach, come prepared to teach an array of subjects and age groups for CRT work. Try to get in travelling whenever you can, there really is so much to see here. And of course, chose a great recruiting company such as Leading Out to assist you along the way.

The best place travelled within Australia:

The best place that I have gone to so far would have to be Tasmania. It was definitely an escape from the big city life. The roads were unpredictable and was edge of your seat driving. I have never seen such gorgeous scenery and landscape. Another great thing was I got to hand feed kangaroos and see Tasmania Devils.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria? 

Being able to share my passion for teaching with another country. I find that a lot of my conversations with my students lead to sharing our differences and similarities from our own countries. It is exciting to grow in the profession with the support of your fellow collegues. I also enjoy seeing how different countries have their curriculum set up and brought forth to the students.

JEN         Home Town: Banff, Alberta University: Lakehead Subject Area: English, History

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

The services provided by Leading Out go beyond the working day hours to ensure all clients are satisfied with their employers and their professional development. By offering monthly outings for all recruited teachers, it gives a sense of ease and companionship and has allowed the overseas journey to be less stressful and more fulfilling.Leading Out have offered many useful services that have made the transition a smooth and stress less event. From being picked up at the airport, accommodation arrangements, and bank accounts set-up, Leading Out has gone above and beyond my expectations.

Tips for International Teachers?

Upon arriving in Australia to teach I recommend that you first start out by living in a shared accommodation which will allow you to meet other people quickly and easily.  Bring some unit plans on disk or computer as you never know what you are going to teach. Also remember you are on a working holiday visa so have fun and don’t work the whole time!

The best place travelled within Australia: 

My favourite place to travel to thus far is Tasmania. From 7 Mile Beach, The Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, to the coastal mountains, Tasmania has a little of everything for the adventurer. Built on its convict past, Van Diemen’s Land offers an amazing full day exploration of Port Author, concluding with an opportunity of a ghost tour. Highly recommended for all travelers seeking a truly unique and unforgettable holiday.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria? 

Teaching in Victoria has opened my eyes to a wide range of learning experiences. The enjoyment that I have experienced here in Victoria has come from the achievements of my students, and that look of accomplishment on their faces as they succeed in developing vital skills to further their personal growth. There is easy access to curriculum documents online and a strong bond between teachers and the Union. The Union here is a strong organization that will support you regardless of the extent of your visit and I highly recommended becoming a member.
 

JEFF   Home Town: Toronto, Ontario University: OISE (student teacher) Subject Area: Music

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

Leading Out provided me with a great location for living as well as social activities outside of teaching such as opportunities to attend footy games, wine tours, and local zoo’s. Furthermore, they have introduced me to other Canadian teachers to socialize with while here in Melbourne. They have also organized my visitation to different schools as a student-teacher in the Melbourne area so I can have a diverse experience investigating a variety of schools.

Tips for International Teachers?

Know the temperatures when you come here. I was blown away with how cold it can get in Winter. Have a coffee on Acland street!

The best place travelled within Australia: 

I did a two week tour down the East coast and my favourite spot was Byron Ba due to its small town mentality, its friendly people, and the lovely beach and surf culture. Other highlights were the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island and Great Ocean Road.

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

The most enjoyable part of my teaching tenure has been making a small difference in the lives of some of my students at school. Many of the students don’t get to see much of the outside world or know anything about my country, so enlightening them about Canadian lifestyle and answering there questions was one of my favourite moments.

JULIE   Home Town: Toronto, Ontario University: Medaille Subject Area: Primary

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

Leading Out has been on top of finding me work and keeping me well informed.

Tips for International Teachers?

Take advantage of the two weeks off after every term. Be prepared to go into classrooms with work because more often than not, there won’t be work left for you.

The best place travelled within Australia:

The Great Ocean Road and the Grampians Great scenice views driving up the Great Ocean road, the water looked amazing! The hikes up to the Pinnacle and the MacKenzie Falls in the Grampians was beautiful. I loved staying in the cabin way up in the mountains. I got to see my first kangaroo up close!

What have you enjoyed most about teaching in Victoria?

There are a lot of split classrooms within the state schools. Smartboards appear to be used widely and are great for interactive lessions with the children. The schools in Victoria don’t seem to like using worksheets, lots of hands on activities instead.