Teaching in a Foreign Classroom

Week two in Australia, and I’m loving it! I've finally settled into a routine and had the chance to explore more of the beautiful city of Perth.

Last weekend was my first here. I took the train from the suburb I’m staying in all the way to Fremantle, about a 45-minute ride. Fremantle is a port town with fun shops, a great fish and chips restaurant, and gorgeous coastal views. After shopping at the Fremantle market and doing some sightseeing, I grabbed another amazing Australian coffee and took the train back home for the evening.

Pictures from Fremantle

On Sunday, I visited Kings Park, one of the world’s largest metropolitan parks. It overlooks Perth and is absolutely beautiful! The park is also a botanical garden, full of native plants. I spent some time walking around Perth city before heading home to prepare for my first full week of school.

Views from Kings Park

Out of all the fun things I’ve done so far in Australia, being in the classroom at Hillcrest has been my favorite. I’ve had a wonderful experience getting to know the students and teachers, and I’ve already learned so much about education here. Schools in Australia have a more relaxed feel compared to schools in the States. In the mornings, parents come into the classroom with their child to drop them off for the day (in all grade levels). This is a great time for teachers to build relationships with parents and discuss any concerns. Throughout the day, students have clear expectations but aren’t expected to act beyond their age. My teacher is incredibly patient and only steps in if there’s a serious issue. Students are encouraged to work out minor problems on their own, which fosters a sense of autonomy. While there are some behavioral issues, overall, the children respect the teacher and perform well.

Teaching is challenging everywhere—parents, students, and expectations are part of the job no matter where you are. But I’ve noticed that teaching in Australia seems to be a more highly regarded profession than in the States. Teachers here are paid more, have more relaxed expectations (especially around test scores and rigid standards), and get more time off. The teachers I’ve met are busy and face stress, but they seem to love their profession and don’t appear as burnt out.

There are so many practices I’ve already observed and am keeping note of for my own classroom someday! I truly love it here and can’t believe it’s already been two weeks. I miss my friends and family back home, but I’m excited for the next six weeks!

One of my favorite parts of the day is the walk to school! I often stop at a local coffee truck for my daily flat white!