UK-bound?

As mentioned in my previous post, I am planning to go to England to teach for one year. Before I continue, a quick warning to my girlfriend (in case she opens this post): YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ THIS! I'll talk a bit more later about why I added that.

It all started when I received an email from the Smart Teachers agency in February, informing me that England was suffering from a shortage of teachers, and that there was guaranteed work for international qualified teachers, particularly Australian ones. At the time I didn't think much of it, other than that it would be something nice to do.

The real catalyst came later in the week that Sunday morning at church. Before the service, I had a brief chat with one of the aunties whose daughter, a long-time friend of mine, is moving to England from Spain later in the year to teach. She told me that I should also consider going since I am still eligible to apply for a work visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme.

When I got home, I looked at the email again, and then, just to be sceptical, I googled "teacher shortage UK" and sure enough, a whole range of articles came up about how in certain areas the problem is at "crisis" level. With my mind now set at ease, I registered for the information session held in Melbourne. I then set about asking for advice and information from people living / who have lived in England and those who had experience teaching there.

While the information session with Smart Teachers didn't convince me to go, it did convince me that if I were to go, it would be with them. They seem quite a professional organization, composed mainly of ex-teachers who know how the system works there. I've been to Europe twice now, but not yet to England, which is a must on my to-visit list.

The circumstances seem right to go. I'm not yet tied down to any schools in Melbourne, and finding ongoing work has been difficult. I've already mentioned the Youth Mobility Scheme, and many whom I've talked to have said it will be great for my career development and look good on my CV.

My parents haven't said no, but being who they are, they've asked me to consider things carefully, especially when it comes to finances, accommodation and future work prospects here.

For me, the biggest downside of going is that I would have to leave Vanessa behind. Even though her parents have said she can come and visit when they are on holiday, it's still going to be very hard for her. The thought of me going has touched a raw nerve, and therefore I have promised her that until my departure is fully confirmed, we will not talk about this when we are alone together.

I know that one reason is the length of time we would be apart, which is why for Vanessa's sake I would only go for one year, although the Youth Mobility Scheme allows successful applicants to stay for two years. The other main reason I can think of is that Vanessa's previous relationship when she was in New Zealand ended because she was coming back to Melbourne, and when she tried to get in touch with her ex, he wouldn't respond, leaving her very sad. I have assured her that if I do end up going, according to the famous Beatles song: "I'll write home every day, and send all my loving to you." Thank God that these days we have it so easy with Facebook!

On Monday, I had a phone interview with Smart Teachers as a follow-up to the information session I attended, and now have some paperwork to fill out before we can proceed. I'll be sure to keep you posted on how that all goes.

This afternoon, I will have the privilege of attending my first wedding for 2015, between old friends Becky and Scott, who have been together since 2002 and then got engaged last year. I wish the both of them all of God's blessings and a long, happy and fruitful marriage. 

Then tomorrow is my birthday, which I will talk more about in my next post. 

Cheers and God bless!