Teach Overseas FAQ

Transparency and integrity are founding principals at Leading Out. As teachers ourselves, we understand there are many questions and concerns when it comes to making the decision to teach overseas. We hope to answer many of those burning questions here, but look forward to connecting with you over e-mail or Zoom to personally address them in more detail!

GENERAL

Q: Where does Leading Out offer teaching jobs?

With the unprecedented demand for teachers in Australia and New Zealand, we are currently focusing our recruitment on these countries. However, once registered with us you will have access to positions across the globe, as available.

Q: Why should I sign up with Leading Out?

We are a network, not an agency! We’re just like you and we’ve been through this exact process ourselves. Travelling and teaching in many countries has helped us understand the changes you’ll experience when making the big move.

We are here for you. We aim to provide a very personalized support service to make sure your teach n’ travel experience will be as smooth and enjoyable as possible! Leading Out is the only agency endorsed by the Australian Federal Government. We do not just provide CRT (supply) work; you will have access to a variety of employment options, including State government contracts and permanent positions. We send more teachers per year to Australia than anyone else so you can be confident in making your big move with us!

Q: What type of teaching positions are offered through Leading Out?

Leading Out provides teachers with regular day-to-day relief (supply) work, short and long-term bookings, contracts and permanent positions. Many teachers begin with relief (supply) work and quickly receive contracts, if desired, through hard-work and strong relationships.

Q: What type of schools do you work with?

Leading Out has built relationships with various schools worldwide. We provide work in public/government, private/independent, single gender, urban, rural, and religious schools. Currently all schools require teachers so the opportunities are endless!

Q: Can I accept a permanent or contract teaching job on my own?

As long as we have not previously sent you to the school, you may accept any permanent or contract position offered to you. If we have sent you to a school before, you must wait 6 months prior to your last day of teaching there to accept such an offer. This is an industry standard. Should you wish to accept the offer immediately, Leading Out must facilitate the contract.

Q: How long is the average commute for relief (supply) teachers?

This can vary from day-to-day. However, depending on where you live, most people travel a maximum of 45 minutes by car or 75 minutes on public transport. Those that are open to traveling longer distances typically receive more work – of course, being an excellent teacher helps too.

RELOCATION

Q: Will I need to book and pay for my flights?

In most cases it will be the teachers’ responsibility to book and pay for their own flights, but never fear! Leading Out provides their teachers with personal travel agents that offer preferential service and discounted airfare.

Q: Is housing provided?

In most cases it will be the teachers’ responsibility to arrange and pay for their own housing and living expenses. However, with current wages teachers’ will still have plenty of funds left after to save, spend or travel with! Leading Out will happily help you arrange your personal housing and connect you with resources and information along the way!

BENEFITS AND PAY

Q: How much money can I expect to make and save?

As the cost of living varies from country to country and city to city, you can expect the wages to differ as well. However, teachers are paid well to comfortably live in the city, and spend about half their pay on essentials and use the other half for travelling, spending or saving. We find that teachers make a wage that’s not only liveable, but they are also able to travel often, if they want!

Q: Will I receive any benefits?

Quite similar to your income, the benefits depend on the location and school of assignment. Benefits may include some or none of the following: Paid airfare Accommodation Health plan Relocation allowances Bonuses

MEDICAL COVERAGE

Q: Do I need to purchase health insurance?

We always recommend that our teachers purchase private health insurance and medical care before departure. Safety is our number one concern, and it starts with choosing excellent coverage. Leading Out can assist you with this and connect you with different recommended options that best suit your needs.

Q: Do I need a medical check before I leave?

We recommend you have one for your own peace of mind before heading off to live and work abroad. Some schools may require a medical check. Additionally, depending on your teaching location, appropriate immunizations may also be recommended/required.

WORKING VISA

Q: How long does it take to receive my visa?

This really depends on the country of your teaching assignment. The process and can range anywhere from 1 day to 3 months depending on government processing times. We always recommend that teachers start this process as soon as they’ve decided on where they want to teach, to make sure everything is set in place before they leave. Leading Out staff will walk you through the process and ensure it is a seamless and easy process for you!

Q: Am I expected to pay for my working visa?

Yes, in most cases the teacher will be required to purchase their own working visa. Again, this is specific to the school and location, but most often teachers are expected to take care of their visa.

Q: How do I acquire my working visa?

Leading Out will help guide you through the process; most applications can be done quickly and easily online. No stress!

AUSTRALIA

Q: Which parts of Melbourne, Australia do you provide work in?

Leading Out provides work in every suburb of Melbourne. However, some suburbs require more teachers than others.

Q: Can I still teach with Leading Out if I have already arrived in Australia?

Definitely! As long as you have a work visa, we can assist you. You will need to be VIT (Victoria Institute of Teaching) certified, or have certification from another state before you can teach in the schools. Keep in mind that if you have not registered with VIT, this process can take three months and requires documentation from your home country (ex. Recent federal police check (with fingerprints), transcripts, etc.). Contact Leading Out and start teaching as soon as possible!

Q: When is the best time to teach in Australia and New Zealand?

The school year runs from the end of January until mid-December. Job opportunities are endless and teachers can arrive and often work at any point in the school year! Busiest times tend to be April-July for casual relief teachers and February for long term contract positions.

Q: How much work will I get and can I get a short-term contract?

This answer depends on the time of year, your qualifications, and the rapport the teacher (yes, you) has built at the local schools. Many of our teachers interested in contract work are placed in both short-term and long-term positions. The amount of work available also depends on your location in the city, your flexibility with travel and your teaching focus.

Eligible teachers may also qualify for guaranteed relief work (5 days per week). Contact Leading Out for more information!

Q: Do I need to be available to work everyday?

Working whenever requested helps build rapport with schools – that’s a good thing. However, you are welcome to book off any time you may want for vacation or personal reasons. We are currently offering guaranteed relief work (5 days per week) for eligible teachers. Contact us for more details!

Q: Can Leading Out assist me if I want to teach in other States?

Absolutely! Our network of schools and teachers is constantly growing, which means more opportunities for everyone. Please contact us to see other vacancies we have available.

Q: Can I work in Australia and for how long?

If you are under 31 (35 in eligible countries), then the Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462), will allow you to work and travel for one year. This visa allows you to work at as many jobs, for as many hours as you’d like in addition to travelling.

Department of Home Affairs:

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au

Working Holiday Visa – General Information:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/overview

Visa Costs:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/fees-and-charges

Online Application:

https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login

 

Countries eligible for the 417 Working Holiday Visa:

Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Countries eligible for the 462 Working Holiday Visa:

Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, United States of America, and Vietnam.

Q: If I am too old for the 417 or 462 Visa, can I still teach in Australia?

Yes you can! If you do not qualify for the Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462) you would need to be sponsored with a contract position by a school under the Temporary Business Sponsorship Visa (457) OR apply for a Skilled Worker Visa (189). Email Leading Out to assist you in the process!

If you are interested in obtaining more information, please go to:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/skill-occupation-list

Q: When my Working Holiday Visa expires after one year, can I stay longer and work?

Yes you can! Teachers often consider one of these two options:

1. If you have completed 3 months of specified work in regional Australia within the time constraints of your first Working Holiday visa.

2. Via Sponsorship Visa. This would require obtaining a full-time position with sponsorship. It’s more common than you might think! Contact Leading Out for more information.

Q: Do I need to be registered in order to teach in Melbourne, Australia?

Teachers who are coming to Melbourne must be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) to have all of their qualifications recognized (www.vit.vic.edu.au).

All teachers are required to have VIT certification in order to teach in the state of Victoria. The application process can take up to 3 months. This is something to consider early in your decision to teach in Australia. Leading Out is here to help with every step in the process and ensure you meet all requirements for certification.

Q: Can I apply for VIT registration before I graduate teachers college and receive my final transcripts?

Yes! In fact, VIT recommends that anyone completing their degree should send in all other registration forms and documentation to the department. Once you have received your final transcripts, a certified copy must be sent to them to process your application. Your Leading Out recruiter will help outline all documents and timelines so you are ready to submit right after graduation!

Q: Are there other international teachers in Melbourne?

Yes, there are many! Our Leading Out teachers are mainly from Canada, the UK, USA, and NZ. Leading Out has a fantastic network of teachers and there are many opportunities to engage with others. Join our Australian Facebook group to start connecting! https://www.facebook.com/groups/TeachingInAustraliaAndNewZealandLeadingOut/

Q: How much do teachers get paid?

This depends on your teaching experience and which state you decide to teach in. Casual Relief (supply) Teachers are currently paid at a daily rate of $401 AUD per day before taxes and deductions.

In addition to your pay, employers must also provide 10% superannuation compensation which is intended to help with retirement. You can apply for your DASP (Departing Australia Superannuation Payment) when you leave Australia. A nice little bonus when you return to home soil!