PGDE students overseas

Gary Bowman, PGDE Secondary (Design and Technology), 2021

Gary began his PGDE (Design and Technology) at Moray House in 2020. In 2023 he took the leap to teach full-time in Melbourne, Australia.  

Why did you choose to become a teacher?  

I always wanted to do something that made a difference to the world and have more sustainable work-life balance. So, during the pandemic I took the opportunity to retrain as a teacher, leaving behind a high-paying, high-pressure career path.  

Where do you teach abroad  

I have taught across central Scotland and now teach full-time in Melbourne, Australia. The Australian public school I have worked for is well-funded and always finds the resources. The curriculums are structured differently but the subject knowledge and teaching skill sets are transferable. The workload is equitable between both locations but the wages are comparably higher in Australia. Add to that the better weather and standard of life in the city, it has been a great experience teaching Down Under.  

Why did you choose to teach abroad? 

Teaching in Australia offers a chance to grow as a person and as a teacher. As a person you get to experience new cultures, climates, societies and traditions and as a teacher you get to experience new curriculums, pedagogies, assessments and education systems. These offer perspective and rationality in your practice and life that can boost your confidence and performance as a teacher.  

How have you found living in your new home?  

Living in Melbourne has had its many rewards. The climate, scenery and city life are major changes from life in Scotland. Opportunities to learn new skills like surfing, kayaking and mountaineering right on your doorstep in the heat and sun is wonderful. The Australian people are welcoming, respectful and inclusive. Colleagues and locals have been very friendly, helping and offering advice wherever you go.  

What have you enjoyed about living and teaching abroad? 

Living abroad and immersing myself in Melbourne life and new experiences has been great. To be able to teach here offers the greatest reward as you get to see what life looks like for the young people who grow up here. Melbourne is a huge city with a massive population and wide social class divides. As a teacher, you see those divides every day in your classroom. This gives you a better understanding and relationship with the city as a whole.  

Would you recommend teaching abroad to other PGDE students? If so, why? 

I would definitely recommend teaching abroad to other PGDE students. The opportunity to gain experience in other education systems, pedagogies and cultures is invaluable to developing as a teacher and looks great on your CV. You could earn better money, have a great standard of life and make some wonderful memories. You can always go back home afterwards! 

What advice would you give to someone who was considering using their PGDE to teach in another country?  

Remember, the place has to match the person. That person is you. So, if you are considering working abroad do not just consider the school, the pupils, or the money. Look at the opportunity holistically and what it would be like to live there. Hard work is never without its pressures and the little pleasures in life that exist outwith the job will be all you have to make it manageable and help you cope.