Blog
Stories from teachers on the move.
Tips, reflections and travel tales from the Leading Out community — written by educators who've lived it.
Teaching
The Overseas Teacher's Guide To Anzac Day
When teaching overseas you may take part in observing Anzac Day in your school. If you have no idea what we’re talking about, you’re in the right place.
April 3, 2019
Food & Drink
Four Unique Melbourne Restaurants to Try Tonight
There’s no better way to get to know Melbourne than by sampling its restaurant scene. Google where to eat in the city and you’ll be bombarded with “best of” lists that have 30,…
June 5, 2018
Australia Life
The Truth About Your Ugg Boots
Ugg boots—whether you have ’em or not, every pair comes with an opinion.
May 20, 2018
Australia Life
Four Free Apps to Help You Live Abroad in Australia
At Leading Out, we’re dedicated to making living abroad as easy as possible for you. We can help you get your visas, find home sweet home, and (of course) dream job placement. We…
April 15, 2018
Australia Life
Australian Spider Hype: Why NOT to Freak Out About It
Whether you’ve moved to Australia or you’re about to head Down Under, the question has probably come up from concerned loved ones: aren’t you scared of THE #&#*in’ SPIDERS?
March 19, 2018
Sports & Culture
Three Australian TV Shows to Binge Watch on Netflix
Choosing the next TV show to binge can feel like a big responsibility. You need to pick wisely—after all, you’ll be there for awhile. (Does anyone know how to turn off that…
February 20, 2018
Food & Drink
Damper: How to Bake Bread From Scratch in the Bush
Winter might be full force up here in Canada, but Down Under, summer is in full swing! All over Australia, people are making the most of the warm weather, spending days on the…
February 5, 2018
Travel
Uluru Climbs are Being Banned—Here's Why That's Great News
In the fall of 2017, the board of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park voted unanimously to ban the climbing of Uluru—it’s about time.
January 21, 2018
Australia Life
23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia – Part Four
Welcome back to the final instalment of Leading Out’s comprehensive travel guide to lesser-known places in Aussieland, “23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia”!
January 8, 2018
Australia Life
23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia – Part Three
Welcome to week three of our four-part blog series, “23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia”. We’re here to give you insider info on the best little-known places to go, sights to…
December 18, 2017
Australia Life
23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia – Part Two
Welcome to part two of our blog series, “23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia”!
December 11, 2017
Australia Life
23 Amazing Places to Visit in Australia – Part One
What do you think of when you read the word “Australia”? Boomerangs, vegemite, and kangaroos? Hugh Jackman and Crocodile Dundee? There are plenty of cultural touchstones we…
December 3, 2017
Australia Life
Start Blogging Abroad To Stay In Touch
While you’re overseas, you’re guaranteed two things: plenty of adventures, and people back home asking what the heck you’ve been up to!
November 8, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Jeff – Toronto, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Jen – Halifax, NS
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Jamie – Kent, UK
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Quinn – Pembroke, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Erin – Nipissing, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Tracy – Sutherland, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Elli – Toronto, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Teaching
Australia Testimonial – Paul – Scarborough, ON
What Leading Out support and services have you enjoyed, or have assisted you, the most?
February 7, 2017
Travel
Travel Quiz: which international city is this?
Los Angeles Times – Kobe Bryant has received a reported $6.7-million offer from an Italian team, but it was far from certain Bryant would play there, according to a person…
February 6, 2017
Teaching
How to Start Teaching Internationally
February 6, 2017
Moving Abroad
Five Tips To Prepare Your Family When Moving Abroad
When you have decided that moving abroad is what you want to do, often time half the battle is easing your family’s anxieties surrounding your decision. Your parents may not be as…
March 18, 2012
Teaching
Nine Tips for Reflecting After the First Week of Teaching
As the school year gets underway, use some of that new energy and make a conscious effort to reflect on your first week of teaching in Australia . Here are a few tips to get you…
February 12, 2012
Moving Abroad
Moving Abroad: 7 Tips to help you in the first 24 hours
Being prepared will significantly reduce the stress surrounding your move to another country. You need to make a list and carry with you in your phone or on piece of paper with…
January 7, 2012
Teaching
Too Many Teachers in Canada
Finding a teaching job has never been tougher. A recent article by University Affairs is reporting the reality of the teaching job market in Canada. It is discouraging for new…
December 6, 2011
Australia Life
Canada's National Animal: Something We Should All Give a Dam About!
For some of you fellow Canadians teachers abroad who may be out of the loop on our nation’s top stories, let us apprise you of the gripping topic up for debate that is, our…
November 12, 2011
Teaching
The Do's and Don'ts When Writing Your Resume
There are plenty of books and online materials to walk you through the steps of writing a winning resume. Since we cannot possibly cram it all in here, consider the following do’s…
October 7, 2011
Melbourne
Melbourne! Something For Everyone
It’s that time of year again in Canada; students are back at school, the days are getting shorter and you are remembering those summer strolls on the beach, camping or hanging on…
September 7, 2011
Teaching
Primary Teaching Jobs in Australia – What to Expect
The most important factor for us when helping people find primary teaching jobs in Australia is that they are happy before, during and after their stay. We pride ourselves on…
June 17, 2011
Travel
It's that Time of Year Again to Travel out of Melbourne!
The chill is in the air and I bet for many of you Canadian teachers , all you can think about is Term 2 teaching holidays in Melbourne. Wondering where you should go?
May 18, 2011
Moving Abroad
Trying to buy or sell items when moving to Australia?
We did talk quite a bit about how to find furniture in Melbourne in past posts, but what about when you leave Melbourne and want to sell all of your stuff.
March 15, 2011
Travel
Japan – Stop in while travelling to Australia
So you are teaching in Australia and want to know where to stop in? Have you already checked out China? Vietnam ? Other countries? Don’t forget before you leave – Purchase the…
March 8, 2011
Travel
Go to Beijing on your way over to Australia!
DAY 1-in the morning:
February 22, 2011
Travel
Travelling to Australia? Why not stop in a few other countries?
We have found, if you have the time, it is well worth visiting other countries when you are on your way to teach in Australia from Canada or the UK. You have to fly across anyway,…
February 11, 2011
Food & Drink
The Party-Pumper: Beetroot Recipe
“Beetroot” is not a familiar concept to Canadians. For one thing, we call the purple veggie “beet” full-stop. We tend not to eat our roots–probably because as a “new world…
February 1, 2011
Moving Abroad
How to become an Australian Citizen
With Australia day fast approaching, I thought this would be a good time to discuss how you can become an Australian Citizen.
January 15, 2011
Australia Life
Couch Surfing and House Sitting in Australia
This is a fantastic way to see other parts of Australia, while saving some money! One of our teachers has decided to do this over the summer holidays and it is something you can…
December 16, 2010
Food & Drink
Market shopping for your groceries in Australia
There is nothing like going to the market to pick up your fresh veggies, fruit, meat, etc. and all of us who are from the Northern Hemisphere, we don’t get to do this for about 4…
November 11, 2010
Teaching
What to Bring to Australia Part II
So far we have discussed 5 items that should not be forgotten when moving to Australia: a jacket, electronic documents, work clothes, toiletries, and photos.
October 20, 2010
Teaching
What to Bring to Australia Part I
Over the years we have had a lot of teachers ask us questions about Australia. One of the biggest is: What should I bring?
October 13, 2010
Travel
Obtaining a Second Working Holiday Visa in Australia
As mentioned in one of our latest blogs on the Working Holiday Visa in Australia , it is a one year visa and can be extended by doing particular work for 3-months in your first…
September 14, 2010
Teaching
Skype: a tool for teachers in Australia
If you haven’t used Skype before, then you are missing out especially if you are overseas. We made the conscious decision to start using Skype with Canadian teachers interested in…
September 7, 2010
Travel
Working Holiday Visa in Australia
For any additional information, go to www.immi.gov.au . We also have other information on what to consider when moving to Australia and more specifically to Melbourne .
August 26, 2010
Teaching
What is Superannuation?
When working and travelling in Australia, one term that will likely be new to you, is superannuation. But it is important to understand what it is and what you are legally…
August 19, 2010
Australia Life
Homesickness when living in Australia
Many people who have travelled before, don’t really think too much about homesickness. However, travel and moving somewhere are two very different things.
August 12, 2010
Australia Life
Australian Winter: Our #1 Survival Tip
Almost on a daily basis, I seem to have a conversation with an Australian about how cold it always is in Canada and how I can’t possibly find Melbourne very cold right now. So…
August 5, 2010
Travel
July Teaching Holidays – Fraser, Whitsundays, Gold Coast
Have you thought about the East Coast of Australia? If not, then consider Fraser Island, the Whitsundays or the Gold Coast.
June 15, 2010
Travel
July Teaching Holidays – Uluru and Kakadu
So we are getting close to the holidays – where should you go?
June 8, 2010
Travel
July Holiday Ideas – Blog Series
In July it is Winter in Australia which actually means great things when it comes to travel. Not only as teachers do you have 2 weeks off at the beginning of July, but you have so…
June 1, 2010
Australia Life
Fostering Kittens while overseas
So many of our teachers arrive in Australia and instantly miss their pets at home. Well have you ever thought about fostering a pet while you are here?
May 25, 2010
Food & Drink
Local Breweries in Australia
When people think about what to drink when they travel over to Australia, most suggest wine especially as Australia has some of the best wines in the world! However Australia also…
May 18, 2010
Australia Life
Is Everything in Australia more expensive?
When teachers from Canada, and USA arrive in Melbourne, Australia one of the first things they say is that they can’t believe how expensive things are. But is this just a bit of…
May 11, 2010
Sports & Culture
Australian Rules Football – the Dislikes/Cons
You will see from my previous post that I had 5 points in the ‘Like’ category which can lead you to believe that I like footy more than I dislike footy which is true. I love going…
May 4, 2010
Sports & Culture
Australian Rules Football – the Likes/Pros
April 27, 2010
Teaching
Seven Reasons Students Don't Like Using Laptops in Schools
Should laptops be used in schools? Is it possible to have technology being used to enhance student learning? Do you know ways that have worked for you that you would like to share…
April 6, 2010
Travel
Bushwalking Lerderderg Gorge from Mackenzies Flat, Australia
About 45 minutes from Melbourne, Australia you will find this excellent hike up through a gorge with a number of stops for a swim. Definitely worth a day trip out of Melbourne,…
February 10, 2010
Teaching
Fifteen Tips to Start to the School Year Right in Australia!
1) Make sure you get a map & tour of the school including the location of your classrooms.
February 4, 2010
Australia Life
The Australian Sun – Beware!
The answer is YES! It might take one day walking around in the sun, but that’s all that it will take! It isn’t like any other sun you have ever experienced so take precautions so…
December 29, 2009
Sports & Culture
Jingle Bells (Aussie style)
I was listening to a choir singing carols in Melbourne last week and one of the songs that we were able to sing along to was Jingle Bells (Aussie Style) and after having a good…
December 17, 2009
Travel
Tasmania – Australia's hidden gem
With summer approaching, Tasmania is the place to visit. So much hype is always made about the East Coast, but you will find when you venture to Tasmania, the beaches, the people,…
November 29, 2009
Food & Drink
What You'll Miss in Australia #5: Tim Hortons
If you have ever been to Canada (and now parts of the United States), you would have experienced Tim Hortons . If you live in Australia and ever do go to visit Canada, stop in to…
November 19, 2009
Food & Drink
What You'll Miss in Australia #4: Food & Candy
Well so far we have talked about missing feminine products , Halloween , and deodorant while travelling and living in Australia .
November 12, 2009
Australia Life
What You'll Miss in Australia #3: Deodorant
I am happy to say that finally after many years of waiting, they now have a better variety of deodarant in Australia.
November 6, 2009
Australia Life
What You'll Miss in Australia #2: Halloween!
Yes it’s true! When you travel and or live in Australia, one of the main holidays you are going to miss is Halloween. I know I could hardly believe it myself in a country that…
October 29, 2009
Australia Life
What You'll Miss in Australia #1: Feminine Products
One of the things most missed by Canadian women when moving to Australia , is good feminine products. They are just not the same.
October 24, 2009
Australia Life
The International Flight to Melbourne, Australia from Canada or U.S.A.
It’s hour 28 and in 2 I should be home in Melbourne again after a 3 week visit
October 9, 2009
Food & Drink
Eating with Australians – Etiquette
As I’ve previously posted, there are a number of Australian ‘meal’ terms that will be unfamiliar to North American visiters in Australia.
September 23, 2009
Australia Life
Magpies and Minors: Australian birds of terror
Australia: we have the top 4 most deadly venoms, the worst snakes and spiders, PLUS crocs and sharks — but what you really have to fear are the BIRDS!
September 17, 2009
Australia Life
Naming Your Kids: Australian Nicknames
As a teacher, it helps to be ‘in the know’ about social ‘faux-pas’. Some things are said in Australian classrooms that are never used in Canadian classrooms, such as “ rubber ”…
September 4, 2009
Australia Life
Want to Know What Early Melbourne was like?
There’s a book I’m reading that I can’t put down.
August 30, 2009
Food & Drink
Touring the Yarra Valley wineries
After many trips to the Yarra Valley wineries, I think I have a fantastic route from Melbourne where you can get a bit of everything.
August 24, 2009
Teaching
Teacher Salary Benefits in Australia
Teaching in Ontario (Canada) is brilliant for a number of reasons; the pension’s reputedly one of the best in the world, and the teacher salary benefits: massage, dental,…
June 23, 2009
Moving Abroad
Coming through Customs: Into Australia
The Aussie are so hardcore at Customs, they even attempted to capture the drama in a reality TV show called “ Border Control “.
June 14, 2009
Australia Life
When Should You Teach in Australia?
Knowing when to travel and teach overseas is critical in the decision making process but it can also effect your enjoyment once overseas.
June 7, 2009
Australia Life
How to Survive Winter in Melbourne
The leaves that once strewn the sidewalks have now been kicked to the gutter! Or have they?
June 1, 2009
Teaching
Three Report Card Writing Tips
It’s coming around to that time of the year…yet this year I’ve made a tyro mistake.
May 24, 2009
Australia Life
Poll Results: Best Classroom Management…
I was just looking at the Poll Results that are coming in this week on the latest poll “Best Classroom Management Practice is managed by…”.
May 16, 2009
Australia Life
ROOTS Clothing? Don't Pack it for Australia!
Roots Clothing .
May 11, 2009
Teaching
School Dress Code for Teachers in Australia – What you need to pack
After teaching here for 3 years, I can’t think of an Australian school where the students do not wear a uniform.
May 6, 2009
Teaching
How Much Money do you need to Move to Australia?
When I moved to take a teaching job in Australia with my partner we had no one on the other side to help us. Even though we had each lived abroad internationally previously—and
May 1, 2009
Travel
Traveling Vietnam: Western Tourists Be Weary
Hopefully, you’ve read about a ll the reasons I love Vietnam . Here are some things to be ‘weary’ of though, so these potential ‘surprises’ don’t disappoint you.
April 26, 2009
Travel
I Traveled to Vietnam and Loved It (With No Research)
I’m not going to lie—I went to Vietnam to shop and enjoy the sun. (I was hating the fashion and was ‘over’ the winter in Melbourne.) On top of that, I’d been working every…
April 20, 2009
Travel
Traveling Tips–Traveling on the cheap (New Zealand Focus)
I didn’t really hold back at all when I went to NZ: I did everything I wanted to do.
April 16, 2009
Travel
OZ-NZ Holiday Accommodation Terms and Info
Here are a few key terms and some points to note about accommodation in Oz and NZ (Australia and New Zealand):
April 11, 2009
Travel
New Zealand Accommodation: Planning Your Budget
Hostels are pretty great in NZ. They are clean and rather affordable. Their deal is pretty much the same as you would get in Europe. For $20-25, dorm rooms include continental…
April 6, 2009
Travel
New Zealand – South Island's Best
April 1, 2009
Food & Drink
Melbourne Groceries: Where to Shop
As we all know (and you’ll soon learn) Melbournians love their food. And even if you’re not a “foodie” (DEFINITION: Aussie slang for “someone who loves food”), you’ll soon become…
March 21, 2009
Teaching
Living on a Teacher's Salary in Australia
Victorian teacher salaries are competitive with Ontario’s. You can live perfectly well on a teacher’s salary in Australia if you are attentive to a budget. I know quite a few…
March 15, 2009
Australia Life
One Thing I loved in Each Australian State
1. Tasmania : Kate’s Berry Farm in Swansea — man, I was sorry when I ate the last of her jam. If you go, it would be a huge mistake to leave without trying her ice cream!
March 7, 2009
Teaching
Teaching In Australia—it's different. Here's how…
On my first day of a Canadian teacher’s college in 2005, we were told that 95% of teachers quit teaching within their first five years.
February 27, 2009
Teaching
On a Teacher's Salary: How Can You save money, but still have Fun?
Most of us don’t realise how much we spend on a typical weekend. But you’re not the only one if you find yourself going through 5 twenties too quickly.
February 21, 2009
Moving Abroad
Ease your Money Fears: Moving to Australia
Looking at the Poll Results for “I won’t Move to Australia Be cause…” survey I was running on this blog – we had an overwhelming response to “money fears”.
February 15, 2009
Travel
Thinking of Moving to Australia? RE: Teaching Holidays
Melbourne, Australia
February 10, 2009
Moving Abroad
What is the CBD? (Part 10: 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Melbourne)
CBD: Central Business District. The CBD is a neatly grafted square of streets. Most of the hills have been levelled. The city was once very muddy as it slid down into the banks of…
January 23, 2009
Moving Abroad
Internet in Australia (Part 9: 10 Things To Know Before Moving to Australia)
The Internet works totally different in Australia compared to the rest of the world.
January 18, 2009
Moving Abroad
Australian vs. Canadian Dollar (Part 8: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Melbourne)
The market keeps fluctuating with the Australian dollar recently decreasing significantly below the Canadian dollar. Previously the two were quite even. Canada has always had a…
January 12, 2009
Food & Drink
Grocery Shopping in Melbourne
Canadian grocery prices are significantly lower than Australia’s. It seems a bit strange since we can’t even grow citrus in Canada and Aussies can grow anything from avocados to…
January 6, 2009
Food & Drink
Dining Out vs Dining In Melbourne (Part 7: 10 Things About Moving to Melbourne)
The tricky thing about Melbourne is that everyone eats out! Sure, this doesn’t seem so tricky, except when you see the prices and the frequency and your bank account…and you start…
January 2, 2009
Moving Abroad
What BILLS Will I have in Melbourne? (Part 6: 10 Things You Need to Think About Before Moving to Melbourne)
Considering there is a water-shortage in Australia, and the Australian press has made citizens very worried about water usage, the prices of water hasn’t really increased. I would…
December 26, 2008
Melbourne
Apartment Hunting and Neighbourhood Selection (Part 5: 10 Things Before Moving to Melbourne)
Although it’s sometimes hard for us to face it (myself included) teachers are more than their job. If you don’t think teachers struggle with this, go out for dinner with a…
December 21, 2008
Moving Abroad
What is a Rental Bond? (Part 4: 10 Things You Need to Think About Before Moving to Australia)
While Canadians will be used to paying “1st and Last month’s rent” when they take an apartment (which is ultimately productive and certainly tax-deductible), in Australia, you…
December 15, 2008
Moving Abroad
Getting Furniture (Part 3: 10 Things You Need To Know Before you Move to Australia)
Furnished apartments are hard to come by in Melbourne.
December 11, 2008
Teaching
Are you a Tyro Teacher?
There are five kinds of teachers. Did anyone tell you?
December 9, 2008
Moving Abroad
Getting a Cell Phone (Part 2: 10 Things You Need to Think About When You Move to Australia)
The good news about using a mobile phone in Melbourne is that you don’t have to pay for receiving calls—somebody with a brain (not just a wallet) developed that one. However, the…
December 6, 2008
Melbourne
Public Transportation in Melbourne
This post marks the start of a 10-post series that Leading Out has asked me to write for you. These posts will appear once a week, over the Australian summer months, to give you…
December 2, 2008
Melbourne
Slang to Help You Get Around in Melbourne
Here are slang terms to help you understand where to find things and what people are directing you towards when you arrive. Aussies are very friendly and helpful, just like in…
November 27, 2008
Travel
Travelling and Touring Victoria (from Melbourne in a day)
The following list is a compilation of day trips all within a day’s comfortable reach, and return, from Melbourne. Victoria certainly has much more to offer; but I won’t even…
November 13, 2008
Food & Drink
Melbourne: for the Coffee Lovers
When you move to Australia, be prepared to give up Tim Horton’s —and surprisingly (for any true Canadian Patriot) I don’t think you’ll miss it! But never fear teachers who…
November 12, 2008
Melbourne
Melbourne Activities: what to see and do within the city
There is so much to say I will use sub-headings.
November 11, 2008
Teaching
How to Write an Australian Report Card
After previously teaching 25 Essential Australian Words and Phrases , I felt it was only fair to show you the language of academia in Australia as well.
November 10, 2008
Food & Drink
Tasty and Affordable Restaurants in Melbourne
Hot Honey. Breakfast and lunch? This is my—and probably the whole of suburb of Middle Park’s—favourite place for it. You can choose from the cooler (your mouth will be watering)…
November 8, 2008
Food & Drink
Australia's Wine-Tasting Regions (and Experiences!)
I’m working my way around Australia vineyard by vineyard. Victoria has four major holidays throughout the year and in the past two years I have spent each holiday discovering a…
November 7, 2008
Australia Life
Australian Slang: 25 Essential Words and Phrases
I previously wrote about the unique pronunciation of Australians. Today I’m going to take a look at words or phrases that will confuse the hell out of you.
November 5, 2008
Travel
Teaching in Aus? Don't Miss Vietnam!
It’s Day 4 of my three-week Vietnam tour during the September holidays — just one of the four term-break holidays during the school year in Australia.
September 16, 2008
Teaching
Teachers: Service and Stereotypes
At a car dealership recently, a salesman admitted to me that when he sees teachers coming, “he runs”. As a waitress, a colleague once stiffed, “bloody teachers never tip”.
June 21, 2008
Teaching
Collaborate with your students (and exercise some control) on laptops
If you have colleagues who are ready to give up on the laptop program at your school–you need to try this software! I went to a PD on it last year, and it was great! DyKnow is the…
June 17, 2008
Melbourne
My Three Favourite Laneways in Melbourne
1. Number One has to includean authentic Melbourne Coffee Experience. There’s no other choice for me: Vittoria coffee.
June 15, 2008