LATEST STORIES
Why I decided to relocate and teach with BestStart
"Hi Anne, What made you decide to relocate and teach in NZ"?
"Basically for Eli, my son. We were thinking about his future, growing up in a good country like NZ. We were okay in the Philippines; but we believed we could provide so much more for him here. I heard that NZ is a good country for a growing family like ours and everything fell into place when we thought of NZ. There was a posting on Facebook about job shortages for teachers and vacancies in BestStart. My husband and I discussed it and we decided that this was the place for us. I then went through all the paperwork process and got my IQA, IELTS and provisional certification with the teaching council and a visa. I then I started communicating with Shanya, BestStart’s International Recruitment Advisor and everything fell into place. So, I felt that it was meant to be.
"What are the differences in the teaching styles here in NZ and the Philippines"?
"There are a few differences, in New Zealand teaching is very child led and focused, the chilkdren are encouraged to learn on thier own. Teachers catch learning moments and strengthen the learning more. New Zealand children are very independent, they set things up themselves and are very experimental. It's far less structured than the Philippines where teachers play more of role in developing routines. The programme is teacher initiated but student structured".
"What is your impression of teaching in NZ now"?
"I actually came with an open mind and did not set any standards. What I came with was my previous experience and also knew that I may have to unlearn some things coming into a new country; Unlearn and learn new things. I found it east to fit into the new structure and build new relationships with my new team. I think I prepared myself, I adapt and adjust with the centre right away. Everyone in the centre is absolutely lovely so that made it really easy for me".
"Tell me about how BestStart supported you with the whole process"?
"I appreciated getting updates from Shanya every step along the process, it was very helpful. She was the one who kept in contact with me, without all that support and reassurance I would have been lost".
"Best moments so far in NZ"?
Building relationship with everybody- parents, staff and children, being able to share my past experience with my new team members, having my child with me in my centre, having a smooth first month and completing my first learning stories for my children. So many!
"Thanks Anne, hopefully your story will help anyone else thinking about relocating"!