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Before Nathalie graduated in May, she came to London for a week to just experience life in the downtown core and make sure it really was the best move for her to make. She quickly returned to Montreal, sold her apartment, packed her things, moved into our accommodations at Oxford Circus and was working with us within a few short weeks. What a whirlwind!

Teacher: Nathalie

Bachelor Of Education - McGill

Ages taught: Primary/Junior

Subject(s): All

How long have you been teaching in London now?

I have been teaching in London for two months, but I have gained a great amount of experience in this short time.

What do you teach?

I am a supply teacher. This means I go to many different schools all over London. I mainly teach Key Stage 1 (primary), but I have had the opportunity to work with students of all ages and in many diverse settings and subject areas. Basically, I teach anything and everything and I LOVE it!

Why did you choose Classroom Canada?

The main reason I chose Classroom Canada was that they were so personal and approachable. Before making a life altering decision, I did quite a bit of research and found that Classroom was very supportive and was always willing to go out of their way to help and provide useful information. Furthermore, it was very beneficial to speak one on one with a fellow Canadian who did the transition years earlier. It is always nice to hear real stories from the actual person rather than read about it. Also, it is nice to have someone who understands the fear and frustrations that come along with moving across the pond!

What was the biggest adjustment for you to make in your teaching in London compared to Canada?

The biggest adjustment was adapting to the fact that you are never the sole person in the class. There are Teaching Assistants that either stay with you or who walk in and out as they please. At first, I was very intimidated. I felt judged and at times as though I was not a good teacher because some Teaching Assistants 'take over.' The reality is they are there to help YOU and you are in charge. Once you set your ground, they respect you and are very supportive.

Describe a typical London day in 3-4 sentences:

6:00am: Wake up, shower, get my supply material ready and wait for my mobile to ring...

7:00-7:30am: Grab my bag, walk down to the tube, pray that I packed my A-Z (the map guide of London that will save your life!), and make my way to the school

8:20-8:50am: Hope that by this time I am at the school unless a terrible event happens (such as a bomb finding or just the fact that there are no street names posted anywhere!)

9:00am: Start teaching - Yeay!

3:30-4:00pm: Clock out - Get time sheet signed before leaving the school (if not - will not get paid!)

4:30-5:00pm: Home sweet home...

5:30-6:00pm: Go out for a night on the town - hang out with fellow Canadians

10:00pm: Back home getting ready for the following day...

What is the one piece of advice you can offer a Canadian teacher considering the move to London:

Make sure you are ready for the move. You need to realize your life will change - you will be living in the wonderful city of London! If you want to go on an amazing adventure, where you can meet fellow Canadians who have similar interests, satisfy the urge to travel, and just experience all the events in London - then make the move! If you are unsure perhaps come and see it before hand as I did. I arrived in April and spent a week or two and fell in love with the city - this made my decision very easy. There is no harm in trying!

Describe the funniest thing that's happened to you in your year so far:

The funniest event happened on my first day of teaching in a wonderful Reception class (Kindergarten). At the end of the day, the students wanted to know all about me and Canada. As I was trying to answer all their many questions, the Teaching Assistant asked something along the lines of "do you know what an igloo is?" and my response was "...umm... yes..." The next thing I know, on the projector there is an image from Google of an igloo, followed by the Teaching Assistant informing the kids of how terrible it must be for me to live in one of these all year long.... Yes, we live in igloos, wear coats made of moose fur, and we eat raw fish.... Good old Canadians!

Describe the worst thing:

The worst thing is when you have no authority in your class... which happens. The children are used to having supply teachers and in some cases, they walk all over them. The first half hour can be devastating - until you state your rules and follow through with consequences. It is the worst feeling punishing children, like a drill sergeant, especially when it is not your class, but if not, you will have a horrible day and may be asked to never return to the school... this has not yet happened to me - thank goodness - but classroom management is essential.

What made you stay with Classroom Canada, rather than with any other agency?

I like Classroom Canada because I have a connection with someone who I feel loyal to back in Canada. I know that if anything, I have someone who knows me and will be there to help me through the hard times - not push me aside. I feel that I have developed a relationship with the members of Classroom and would not trade that in.

What qualities do you have that make your stay in London more enjoyable?

I am outgoing, adventurous and spontaneous! I know - what a combination! In London you need to be a little crazy! It is a fun city with sooo much to do. As long as you find fun people (which all of us Canucks are!) you can have a GREAT time, anytime, doing anything. Your experiences are what you make of them - and you can make the BEST memories here! You can also form the kind of friendship you can only dream of - I am really lucky that I found a good bunch of people who are a little crazy and fun like me - because it is those friendships that will last - no matter what and let the memories live on!