Annemarie(33)

Eight years in the classroom in Zwolle had drained me. Large classes, increasing administrative burden, parents who always knew better and a salary that barely grew. When I read that Australia had put teachers on the skilled occupation list, a light went on.

The first step was my AITSL assessment (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership). They assess whether your Dutch teaching degree is equivalent to an Australian teaching degree. My four-year bachelor's was recognized, but I additionally needed a Graduate Certificate in Education through an Australian university — a six-month online course costing AUD 6,000.

Western Australia gave me a state nomination for the Subclass 190 visa. Teachers are high on their priority list, especially for regional areas. But I chose Perth itself — a city where schools were desperate for staff. My EOI was invited within two months, the visa was granted four months later.

The Australian school system differs fundamentally from the Dutch one. Classes are smaller — maximum 26 students instead of 30+. There's a teaching assistant in every class. The emphasis is on wellbeing and social skills, not just grades. And there's more appreciation for teachers — I'm called "Miss Annemarie" here and children draw cards for you.

My salary as a certified teacher in Perth: AUD 88,000 per year, with annual increases up to AUD 110,000 after ten years. In Zwolle I earned EUR 42,000 after eight years. Plus: in Australia you get twelve weeks of paid holidays per year (matching school holidays) and superannuation of 11.5% on top of your salary.

Perth is a fantastic city to live in as a teacher. The nature is overwhelming — Rottnest Island, Kings Park, the beaches of Cottesloe and Scarborough. The city is relaxed, safe and the community is warm. I sometimes miss cycling-country Netherlands, but here I cycle along the Swan River at 25 degrees with palm trees. Not a bad alternative.