Back in 2011 I decided to make a significant change in my life and travelled to the UK in the search of work and travel.
I was fortunate enough to get a good teaching job in New Zealand straight out of University. I spent 4 years in that role and could not have asked for a better environment to build my teaching CV and experience.
However, after a very busy few of years full of learning curves, challenges, success and interactions with amazing people, I decided it was time for a change. Although I loved the role I had, and the place I was living, I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new.
Coming to teach in the UK had always been something I wanted to do, but it was Impact Teachers who provided me with all the support and guidance that I needed to make such a daunting transition. It was a very quick turn around and I remember thinking,
wow, I can’t believe this is actually happening!
Landing at London Heathrow was amazing, and as I made my way from the airport through the city to where I was staying, I remember how awe struck I was by the size of London and the sheer volume of people I was seeing.
In the lead up to my arrival I had always said that I wanted a smaller English town, similar to what I was coming from in New Zealand. However, after spending one weekend in London I realised that there was no way I could leave. It is such an exciting, happening, energetic city. The most cosmopolitan place I have ever been, with so much to see and do. London truly is one of the great cities of the world.
Impact Teachers helped me settle and ensured that I was never short of work. Before long I was making good money in a long term teaching role and was able to get well and truly set up here in London. From this base I was able to travel Europe, experience the excitement of the city, meet new friends and play sport, all while developing my teaching at a challenging London school.
The first year flew by, and when a new opportunity to join the Impact Teachers team as an office based consultant presented itself, I was all too eager to get involved. Since then I have continued my London lifestyle, whilst challenging myself professionally in a slightly different role. It goes without saying that my life has been significantly changed for the better by my UK experience, and Impact Teachers have been at the core of this entire journey.