Teacher Profiles - South Africa
Arthee Rajkumar
- Age: 29
- Address: Dumfries, Scotland
- Qulaifications: BPaed, BEd (Hons), MEd (Sci)
- From: Kharwastan, Durban
Why did you decide to teach in the UK?
In South Africa, I was very frustrated with issues like large class numbers, discipline problems and lack of resources. Such issues made me turn to other options like teaching in the UK.
What kind of experience were you looking for in the UK and did you get it?
I wanted to teach in an environment where teachers were respected and one could get on with the job of teaching. As a Physics Teacher, I wanted to be in a classroom where pupils could have access to resources and where I could help individual with work related problems. I got all of this and more.
Teaching in a first world country is so different. This year my largest class has 18 pupils and my smallest has 5 pupils. My Physics Lab has all sorts of wonderful resources, including a Digital Smart Board Projector.
The pupils are very polite too, making this is an excellent working environment.
How was your transfer to the UK?
It was great. With the help of TimePlan, I was able to set up a bank account with ease. Once my job was confirmed, TimePlan put me in touch with the Principal Teacher of the school that I would be in. She was able to give me details about the Scottish Curriculum. This helped make my transition from easier.
What did you enjoy most while in the UK?
Travelling with TimePlan you earn more than enough to be able to travel and see the sights Britain. I was able to purchase a second hand car, which I used to travel through England and Scotland. Places that I had seen in pictures are so much more beautiful in reality.
Scottish people here are so friendly, kind and entertaining. They are always inviting me over to their home, or to do things with them over the weekend. When you are away from home, these friends become your family. There is never a dull moment.
What did you miss about being away from home?
I miss my parents, my two sisters and my nephew. If I could have them all over in Scotland with me it would be fantastic.
What will you miss when you leave the Scotland?
Hopefully I dont have to leave soon! I will miss everything. My friends, the sense of safety and being in a well organized school, with small classes of respectful children. And of course I will miss my Digital Smart Board and well-resourced Physics Lab, overlooking the beautiful sights of Scotland.
What helped you to settle into Scotland?
TimePlan played a significant role in helping me get settled as well as my Principal Teacher, who helped me find a flat. The staff at my school, were very supportive and helped me settle in quicker.
What are the major differences you encountered?
The teaching styles and the curriculum adjustment was the major change that I had to make. Assessments are carried out and done differently. But the Scottish Curriculum, unlike the South Africa Curriculum, has so much relevance to peoples lives here, which makes the adjustment that bit easier.
What advise would you offer other South African Teachers making this move?
Coming to teach in Scotland is the best decision that I have ever made. As a teacher in South Africa, my moral and self- esteem was at an all time low. My dignity as a teacher was restored in Scotland. I am treated as a professional which is so important to me.
Karen Swift
- Age: 26
- Address: London
- Qulaifications: Bachelor of Education (Primary) through Rhodes University, East London (now Fort Hare)
- From: Harare, Zimbabwe
Why did you decide to Teach in the UK?
Good friends of mine had travelled to the UK to teach, and did nothing but rave about the great life experiences and opportunities they enjoyed when they were there. They had come over with TimePlan, which is how I found out about TimePlan and its services.
What kind of experience were you looking for in the UK and did you get it?
I was looking for a change... a chance to live a FULL life... to try new things... to meet new people... to do things I would never been able to access in South Africa... and YES, I got what I was looking for! As that famous saying goes, "when a man gets tired of London, he is tired of life!"
How was your transfer to the UK?
Really easy! My aunt met me at the airport and gave me a crash course in buses, tubes and getting lost and then 10 days on, I moved into a house in an Eastern London borough with other teachers from TimePlan. Like a duck to water, really. I also came over in May (start of the British Summer) and so the cold was not as great a deterrent as it may have been at other times of the year.
What do you enjoy most about the UK?
Broader horizons, supply teaching, a great experience, no permanent ties and of course all the travel opportunities on your doorstep!
What do you miss about being away from home?
The food, sunshine, travelling in cars and driving, SPACE, friends and the peace and quiet.
What will you miss when you leave the UK?
Gregg’s Bakery (the best pie place), high speed internet (BROADBAND), shopping on Sundays, and good, reliable public transport.
What helped you to settle into the UK?
Moving into a house with other TimePlan teachers was the best thing. It instantly felt like a family. Also, I started teaching straight away and getting into a routine. Last but not least, the support of friends that were already here in the UK.
What are the major differences you have encountered?
Health and safety laws in teaching. Graffiti, foul language, spitting in streets and pregnant teenagers were a SHOCK to the system. You realise how conservative South Africa is ...
What advise would you offer other South African Teachers making this move
DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!! Just a few practical things ...
- Write your email address on your backpack
- Scan all your passport pages, drivers' licence etc and email them to yourself
- Buy an A to Z of London (or wherever you’re staying) ASAP
- Buy winter clothing in the UK ... all the stuff in South Africa won't be warm enough.
- DON'T bring any teaching resources with you... the schools are so well kitted out.
- Supply teachers will need: coloured pens, post its, stickers, whistle, a few story books and a note pad.
Wendy-Lee Birkholtz
- Age: 25
- Address: Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
- Qulaifications: Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase)
- From: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Why did you decide to Teach in the UK?
I wanted to travel and experience life in the UK. I have previously taught in a few other countries. I find that I learn a lot about people's cultures when I work and live in their country.
What kind of experience were you looking for in the UK and did you get it?
Before I came over, I had heard that it can sometimes be quite a challenge to teach in UK schools as the children are not as disciplined as back home. I haven't experienced much of this as I have been lucky enough to be placed in some great schools.
How was your transfer to the UK?
TimePlan is great! I didn’t have to worry about a thing. I was collected at the airport and dropped off right at my front door. My room was ready for me and an information pack was at my house with all necessary information. The day after my arrival, I was contacted by a TimePlan representative to ask if everything was okay. I started working within a few days of my arrival.
What helped you to settle into the UK?
The fact that TimePlan was so organised meant that I never felt lost or uncertain. I brought photos of friends and family and put them up in my room, which helped me to not feel so far away from them. A big box of Rooibos tea from home helped me settle in too!
What do you enjoy most in the UK?
I enjoy the travelling and meeting new people. At the TimePlan socials, you get to meet all the other TimePlanners. It's great to become friends with other teachers from all sorts of countries. I have already been invited to visit some of them back in their home countries for holidays.
What do you miss about being away from home?
Well, coming from South Africa, I would say... The SUNSHINE!!!!! I also missed speaking Afrikaans, my church, braais, biltong and some other SA foods. Luckily, if you live in or close to London, you can easily buy some of the foods from home and hear your home language all around you!
What will you miss when you leave the UK?
I will miss the pub lunches, the travelling, living with cool housemates and the British friends I have made.
What advice would you offer other South African Teachers making this move?
- Don't bring too much stuff with you as you will buy a lot here and you will want to take it back home!
- Don't just make friends from your own country.
- Buy an A to Z of London (or wherever you’re staying) ASAP
- If you need the internet, TimePlan and the libraries have it for free.
*Don't be shy to ask questions or to ask for help if you need it.
- Don't be shy to ask questions or to ask for help if you need it.
- Travel within the UK as well as to Europe - Often people only travel to Europe and they miss out on the beauty of the UK.
- When British people invite you for "tea" they actually mean the evening meal... I had to eat dinner twice in one evening because I thought I was invited for a cup of tea and not for dinner!...oops!
- Bring your camera!!!!!!!
- Have FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!