Nicole

Home: Toronto, Ontario

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.