Carly Ball, from Ontario, Canada
 Why teach in London?
“I was interested in the experience of working in another country. I love big cities so the idea of working in London was very exciting to me. I knew that teaching in a city like London, which is so multicultural would give me a diverse experience that I couldn’t get at home. I was also attracted to the idea of travelling throughout Europe during my time off.”
What kind of teaching experience were you looking for and are you getting it?
“I was looking for a diverse experience and I’m definitely getting it! I wanted to experience different age levels at schools in all areas of London. The more schools you teach in the more you come to realise what age levels you prefer and what you will look for in a school to work in permanently. You are also able to learn all sorts of teaching strategies and improve classroom management skills.”
How was your transfer to the UK?
“I figured that coming from an English country, there wouldn’t be much of a difference between Canada and England, but it was a actually a little more difficult than I thought it would be. There is a cultural difference, which takes some time to adjust to. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what the differences are, you just feel it when you are here. You do however adjust over time and it all happens rather smoothly, without even realizing it! And then you go back home to Canada and find yourself saying things like ‘loo’ instead of bathroom and ‘rubbish’ instead of garbage!
What are you enjoying the most?
“I am enjoying the lifestyle. Substitute teaching can be a challenging job but also extremely rewarding. I enjoy the challenge I face each week I work and then treating myself to a trip over the weekend to Paris or a vacation over the holidays to the Canary Islands. You have to work hard, but you can play hard as well.
“I wouldn’t change a single day of my time here teaching in London with TimePlan and also feel that all teachers should try substitute teaching before having their own classes. It’s done wonders for my development as a teacher!”
Carmine Sirianni, Canada
 “I am very pleased to be writing this to let you know about my positive experience with TimePlan London. Arriving to the UK was a stressful time for both my partner and I. We were overwhelmed with the details of starting a new life in a new country. From our initial acquaintance with TimePlan, the staff were welcoming and friendly to speak with. Upon arrival in the UK TimePlan was eager and generous in discussing employment opportunities that suited both my needs and wants as a professional educator. We were also presented with information on the British Health Care system, accommodation options, salary and general information about living in the city of London. Any questions I had were answered immediately and thoroughly. I am enjoying my experience with TimePlan London and will continue to work with them whilst I am in the UK.”
Karen Charmley, New Zealand
 “Before leaving New Zealand I was impressed by how much contact I had with TimePlan London, via email, telephone and interviews. At my initial interview I was put at ease by the friendly staff and I have found their general service excellent ever since. I originally signed with two agencies but have since signed solely to work with TimePlan London based on their continued support and service.”
Daryl Owens, New Zealand
 “TimePlan London was the first and only agency that I signed up with. After two terms supply they found me a sweet private school and I am now I’m the process of getting sponsored. The TimePlan staff are really experienced and helpful, as well as being a friendly and sociable bunch I always look forward to meeting the staff and other teachers at the TimePlan London social every month. TimePlan London rule!”
Kim Tredgett
 “Since joining TimePlan I have had several daily placements and block placements. I am currently working in an independent school and loving every minute of it. The children are very polite and the staff are friendly and helpful. I find working with TimePlan very beneficial. They are very flexible and find you lot’s of work.”
Conor Arnold, from Manly Australia
 “I decided to teach in the UK as I wanted a break from Australia and a change of scene. I love the nightlife in London, particularly the antipodean hangouts like the Walkabout and the Redback. I like the music, the strength of the pound and being so close to Europe for travelling.”
Lucilla Russell, British
 “I was recommended to TimePlan London by a friend. It’s great to work in a job that really matters.”
Susan Clibbon, New Zealand
 “London is such a lively city, there is always something to do and no time to be bored! The public transport is fantastic, it is so easy to get from A to B and I will definitely miss the travel opportunities when I go home. When I first arrived I travelled throughout Europe which was lots of fun!”
“The curriculum contents in England and New Zealand are similar, planning and delivery tend to be more structured in England. One thing I found was the difference in the school calendar. The academic year begins in September as opposed to January in New Zealand, and the summer holidays are in the middle of the year. Because of this, I would encourage teachers to really consider their arrival date to the UK. Kiwi teachers have a very good reputation in English schools – we are generally thought of as hard working, well planned organised and willing to go the extra mile!”
Mary Taylor, British
 “TimePlan London has always been able to offer the work I need, and have been supportive and efficient.”
Amita Chakravorty, British
 “I embarked on a Masters degree and wanted a job to fit in with my studies. I used a recruitment company as I needed the flexibility of working part-time not all schools offer that. A headteacher in Haringey recommended TimePlan to me.”
Katy Granato, British
 “TimePlan London were brilliant. They found me work straight away and the more I worked, the more I loved it. TimePlan helped me to get the full time teaching assistant position I now have and every day I’m learning something new as well as helping to teach the children new things every day! The school where I’m working is really wonderful. It has achieved many awards for their high quality teaching and inclusion programmes. I feel very lucky to be working in such a high ranking and lovely so school. So far I have got on well with all the staff, children and parents. I’ve actually made some great new friends!”
Lucindi Ohlhoff, South African
 “Working as a teaching assistant in London gives you the opportunity to experience a variety of schools and opens up countless new experiences and career opportunities. Finding the ideal job can be challenging on your own however TimePlan London helps you to find the most suitable school in your area. TimePlan London have always been helpful, organised and at all times friendly.
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