15th December 2023

Why Canadian graduates should consider teaching in the UK

Working internationally is considered a once in a lifetime opportunity for many, as not all career paths or geographies offer the chance to work abroad. The beauty of teaching is that you can work abroad – and if you’re a Canadian graduate, this blog is for you!

Whether you have a passion for travel and experiencing new cultures, or you simply have always wanted to work abroad, there are many options available for Canadian teachers who want to fly “across the pond” and experience living and working in the UK. 

With over 75,000 Canadians already living and working in the UK, could you be next?

What are the benefits of teaching in the UK?

Comparable average salaries

One of the main attractions for graduates globally, particularly in Canada is the comparable average salaries. Coming in at a graduate level enables you to start building your career and reputation in the UK immediately, giving you access to better opportunities across the country as well as the ability to earn what you would in Canada – while travelling to the UK.

Utilise your SEN knowledge

As of January 2023, there were 373 schools in England with SEN units [source]. When training as a teacher in Canada, SEN is part of your curriculum, and although there are SEN options within Canada, it’s important to note that the UK has these opportunities available too. This can be a great option if you’re looking to specialise long-term and want to ensure that you can utilise your SEN knowledge within a relevant school.

Canadian communities: A slice of home

Moving away from home isn’t easy, even if you’re someone who has a desire to travel and doesn’t get homesick often. It’s important to have a slice of home wherever you are, whether it’s cultural or simply to hear the same accent! There are so many communities for Canadians dotted around the UK. Naturally if you’re in a city, you’ll have more options – so take this into consideration when looking at what part of the UK you’ll be relocating to. A couple that we love are Canadians in the UK and Canadians in London. 

Or, a great option is to relocate with another teacher in the UK. You can support each-other whilst also having a home comfort right on your doorstep.

English-speaking

Teaching abroad is an incredible opportunity, but it can also be daunting if you’re relocating to a city or town where English isn’t widely spoken. Language barriers can be difficult, especially at graduate level when you’re at the beginning stages of building your career. Although the UK prides itself on having diverse schools, a huge benefit is that you won’t have a language barrier to cope with on top of living and teaching in a new location.

4 core visa options

Canadian-trained teachers holding dual citizenship with the UK or Ireland are eligible to work in the UK and Ireland without a visa. In the following visa categories, teachers can live and work in the UK:

Youth Mobility Visa:

• For two years in any capacity. The age range is from 18 – 34 years of age.

Ancestry Visa:

• For five years in any capacity. If a teacher has a parent or grandparent born in the UK then they are eligible for this visa. There is no age restriction associated with this visa.

Family Visa:

• This is a visa that allows them to stay in the UK for up to 3 years if they have a partner who is British or Irish.

Tier 2 Skilled Worker Visa (Sponsorship):

• Qualified teachers who do not fall under the aforementioned categories are eligible for sponsorship

Diversity of curriculum and environments

Depending on where you decide to work in the UK, you’ll have the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse countries in the world. Whether you’re working in one of our core cities or in a smaller town, you’ll have the chance to be exposed to new environments and teaching methodologies very early on in your career. 

The opportunity to travel

A huge attraction for many Canadian teachers who live and work in the UK is the opportunity to travel. We’re lucky that we are so close to the rest of Europe, so whether you want to hop on the Eurostar and take a trip to Paris, or you want to fly for a weekend away in Spain or Portugal, we are (quite literally) a stone’s throw from multiple countries that you can explore and experience over the course of a weekend. 

Have we convinced you yet? Register your interest here – or contact our Canadian office by calling:+1 416 656 5615