Teacher Profiles - Canada

Isabelle Provencher

• Age: 26
• Address: Isle Of White
• Work: Secondary PE
• From: Quebec, Canada

Why did you choose to come to the UK?

I wanted to work and travel in Europe and the UK was the easiest place to get a great job and a visa.

What kind of experience were you looking for in the UK and did you get it?

Last year I was in Australia and all I did was personal training jobs (fitness). I then decided that I wanted to get more experience in teaching to see which career I would like to concentrate on in the near future. I am returning to Canada to renew my visa and I will be coming back to the UK for another 2 years. Then, we’ll see what the next destination will be: Asia, South America….

How was your transfer to the UK?

I came here by myself before my boyfriend came to meet me 3 weeks later. I live in a house with my boyfriend, a French girl and an Australian. I recommend that when you first come to the UK, you should have already looked at places to stay on the internet as well as booking a hostel or bed & breakfast for at least a few nights. I was actually offered work while I was in Canada but ended up not getting a teaching contract. It is at that point that I met another Canadian teacher who introduced me to TimePlan. They’ve been ready to help with anything.

How have you brought your own culture/ethnicity into the UK classroom?

I talk about my culture to the students and they love it, especially when I teach them some French words. Just be yourself and don’t be afraid to tell the children about where you are from.

What are you enjoying most?

I like to travel and to discover different cultures; that is the best part of all. I went to France twice, Ireland, Scotland and Morocco. You get to meet all these fantastic people, and…Go for it! You only have one life so make it special.