[Carey]

Well, we've tried Plan A, applying for primary teaching jobs from here, no go so far. EOI is in but with only 100 points we need a job offer to proceed.

Plan B is to study for a one year graduate diploma qual. on LTSSL BUT means alot of money to study as an international student and no absolute guarantee of a job at the end of it. And the jobs are very poorly paid even after first degree and grad. diploma.

Plan C is for me to come out to NZ in the hope I can secure a teaching job while there before moving the rest of the family out. But this means resigning from my job here in Uk and is it right to leave OH in charge of 3 kids plus he's working full time? Am I brave enough to up sticks and come to NZ by myself, apply for jobs, travel around etc? (yes probably). Would I get a job? (no way of knowing but surely being available for interview in person must hold some weight?)

How do we decide? I know folks will say only we can make the decision for ourselves but advice, suggestions would be very welcome!

All I want is one teaching job! I'm a good teacher and can really see myself working in the NZ system; we've spent 13 and a half months in NZ already so we know we have a pretty good picture of the country ......

[ellenmelon]

as far as i know, if you're studying in NZ and have PR you pay residents fees, not international students fees.

[ourquest]

How do we decide? I know folks will say only we can make the decision for ourselves but advice, suggestions would be very welcome!


I guess at some point you have to take a leap of faith. And this leap would be a calculated one; you obviously know NZ well and everyone agrees that being available for an interview is far more likely to get you an offer of work. There aren't any guarantees, but then that can be applied to most of life and as long as you enjoy the ride through it your doing ok.

You will still need to make the decision yourself of course as only you will know how well you'll cope without your family whilst in NZ, and them without you. Letting go of the outcome is often key to being able to cope, so somehow you need to be prepared to not get an offer and still see the value in your trip, however unlikely it would be for you not to find employment. But ultimately you are so much more likely to find a job if you are there.

As the old proverb goes..."trust in God, but tie your camel first". Not unlike "God helps those who help themselves". Either of these might provide you with some "Nike - just do it" inspiration. Good luck.

[JandM]

I have the impression you're leaning towards Plan C. So, how do OH and children feel about Plan C? And how do you feel about what they feel?

[5kings]

HI

I am also thinking of studying for one year to get the Early Years teaching qualification, do you have any idea how much this is, either with PR or as an international student?
We are prepared to spend some of our house equity on it, but not loads!

Thanks

Helen

PS, Im sorry I can't offer any words of wisdom, don't think plan C would work for us though, hubby stresses having kids for a few hours!!;)

[blearyjane]

Hi -

I can't really advise but we are in a similar position and are considering your plan if our 'plan A' doesn't work. We have also considered all going out together (less stress for the job hunter?) and then, if OH gets a job, my returning with the kids for a short period to get everything organised and shipped over.

Whatever you decide to do good luck!

[Carey]

[QUOTE=5kings;182223]HI

I am also thinking of studying for one year to get the Early Years teaching qualification, do you have any idea how much this is, either with PR or as an international student?
We are prepared to spend some of our house equity on it, but not loads!


If a domestic student, ie. you already have PR the cost of the one year course is $5847 but for international students it's $24,767. For both of these theres also $383 student services and building levy. So you're looking at £10,000 without any text books etc, a fair whack in my opinion! There are scholarships for anyone with PR but not for international students, understandably enough except that ECE is on LTSSL and looking at the number of vacancies, there are simply not enough NZ'ers to fill them.

[vixxann]

Is it possible to do a plan D? - you all go out on tourist visas while you look for work then secure yourself PR with job offer, OH isn't left with kids on other side of world and he could also look for work for him?

Just a thought :)
I hope you can figure something out in end, I understand the torture of uncertainty of it all.
Good luck

[Nick88]

The jobs that you didn't get, was that because you weren't in the country with PR?

That little school I told you about had one of the four new teachers starting this year pull out at the last minute and they have been struggling to find a replacement at such short notice. Opportunities like this may come up at any time.

Have you been approved by NZQA yet? It could be worth getting that sorted out before you start anything else. What does anyone else think?

[Carey]

Nick88 Yes, got NZQA assessment, got Provisional Registration from Teachers Council, have had replies back from Principals saying they had 60 or so high quality applicants for jobs! Not from your school but didn't hear anything. Presume they've filled the vacancy now though? I guess it's not surprising they won't take a chance on an over-seas applicant, if enough Kiwis there and maybe we just have to accept that. Hence the considering the expensive ECE option.

Vixanne, it just seems SO risky to both resign here, sell house and hope to get a job, where would we base ourselves? How many jobs come up each term? I know you're being brave and taking the plunge but......need time to mull it over me thinks.

Thanks people for offering advice......who knows what's round the corner?

[castleclan]

I'm not sure I understand all the processes yet, but what would you do if you were selected? At some point there does have to be a leap of faith in this move in my opinion.
There is the problem with us teachers of the length of notice we have to give tho! If we proceed we, will be in exactly the same boat but had kind of thought we would go and then get jobs. I would not only like to see the school operating before accepting a job, but also know that I feel I could show my abilities better face to face.
What area are you looking at?

[Carey]

Castleclan, have pm'd you

[tea drinker]

Don't know if this helps but I've read somewhere on a forum that Auckland is desperately short of experienced Primary teachers. They have lots of 'beginner' teachers but the experienced ones appear to have English as a second language. As one Principal was quoted ' the kids can't understand them'
Don't know it Auckland schools would be willing to appoint whilst you are still in UK?