Thinking of teaching in Australia?
As a Primary student teacher, my international peers may be unequipped with certain cultural and linguistic differences (English native speakers and non-English native speakers alike). Here are the common difficulties aspiring international teachers face when learning in Australia…
Australian English
The most common challenge international students face when studying in Australia is understanding Australian English. Australia have its own regional accents, and we often shorten words; this may make it difficult initially when studying in Australia. As you continue to communicate and immerse yourself in your community, work, and school, you can easily overcome this challenge.
Cultural Differences
In cultures with age hierarchies (most of Asia, if not all), where you show respect to elders, Australia does not subscribe to this social structure. Many international students find it shocking when students speak without raising their hand, or address tutors and professors by their first name (most, if not all, tutors and professors prefer to be called by their first name). People will treat you the same no matter your age; if you are sitting in the same room, you are peers.
Classes are informal, workshops and tutorials are student-centred, and the teaching curriculum highlights this. Primary teachers in Australia are taught to be student-centred teachers. If you are used to teachers feeding you information in the classroom or rote learning, then this may be a shock. It is heavily dependent on you to apply the content taught, as university education is student-led. Similarly, if you want to be a Primary teacher in Australia, this pedagogical approach is common in classrooms (student-centred).
Diversity of Australia
Many international students are shocked at the diversity and multiculturalism of Australia. If you are from a non-English monoculture country, you may be shocked to know that English is not a student’s first language or dialect. Media portray Australia as a monoculture white country with beautiful beaches and animals. Reality is, Australia is a big country with beautiful beaches, urban sprawl, and rural land. I want you to set the record straight to note Australia does not have an official language, and young people will learn English over time because of their environment (classroom, peers and community mostly speak English). However, it is something to note before your work placement that young students may code-switch without knowing, or you may have a new-arrival student. As a teacher, you need to navigate cultural sensitivity and foster a positive learning environment without putting students' linguistic backgrounds down.
Australian History
Australian education curriculum at all levels has recently changed to have more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders content highlighted by Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) standard 1.4: Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and 2.4:Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. I think it is important for aspiring teachers in Australia to have some historical background knowledge. Therefore, you would not be completely lost in the classroom as a teacher. It is also important to know about Aboriginality to avoid misconceptions and best support students in your classroom.
When I asked my international peers if they knew about Australian history, they told me they were shocked and had not been informed. As much as universities teach future teachers, it is also important for teachers to update their knowledge.
Conclusion
Preparation matters! Each country have it's own nuisances, and it is better to be prepared than to fall behind. Did this post solidify or make you reconsider teaching in Australia?
Read more: