Is the dream over?????

Hi guys!

I have spent the last 2 months trying to work out how we can get a visa to make the move to oz. I am finally reaching the end of the line, and very sadly feel that maybe we just have to give up! Please, please, if anyone has ANY ideas left then I am willing to try!

Here is my situation: I am 31, married, 3 children. We will have approx £30,000 to take over.

I am a primary school teacher, 3 years experience.

My husband was a ductwork and heating ventilation fitter for 10 years but has been out of that for the last 8 years.

I studies a maths degree for 3 years and then a PGCE international for a year and a half. This is where my problem lies. My PGCE was classed as part time! I have just found out that this will almost definitely be refused by AITSL!!

I then decided to apply for a student visa and redo my PGCE in Oz. However, although the fees for domestic students are a reasonable 5,800 dollars, international students pay 22.000 dollars!!!!!!

Obviously I do not have this amount of money to spend. The £30,000 pounds is to set us up and pay the first months of living costs until we find work.

I know this is a very loooong post but if anybody can help I would very much appreciate it. I have contacted an agent but they wanted 600 just to check if my PGCE would pass the AITSL assessment. I am happy to pay for them to do the paperwork but I dont want to pay for nothing!!

Thank you in advance Karen xxx:sad:

I am a little confused, as here in Oz a Graduate Diploma of Education ( secondary or primary) can be studied part time. It does not matter if it is studied over one,two or three years, as long as the content adds up to one year of full time study. I was not aware that the PGCE had to be studied full time all in one year.

The good news is that your maths teaching specialisaton is an area of demand. Even though there is a huge surplus of primary school teachers, you may have more luck in finding a job as primary schools like having maths specialists.

Have you considered doing another PGCE, but this time as a secondary school teacher?

It really would be worth having your qualifications formally assessed (even if expensive), as you would then be really informed as to what steps you need to take next to make your dream into a reality.

Hi Sammy

I didn't even know my Pgce was classed as part time until u started this process! I studied my degree in Spain, but it was through the university of Nottingham. All the research, coursework and assignments were completed online. I spent a total of 15 weeks on supervised teaching practice. It took 18 months but on the website I have noticed that it says the PGCEI is a one year - part time course! I have seen on the AITSL website that ir must be one year full time or equivalent! I was considering a move into teaching secondary here un Spain as I have been the maths co-ordinator for the last two years and really enjoyed getting back into it.

I would happily do my Pgce again but the only problem is that I would have to go back to the UK again as the secondary Pgce offered here will be the same as the primary. It is a somethingI am going to look into though just in case, thank you!! Xxx

Please excuse any typing errors, I am on my mobile and so can't see all the writing! Xx

As the wording on the AITSL website is "or equivalent", would it be worth you emailing AITSL and asking if 18 months part time PGCEI is the equivalent to 12 months normal PCGE?

Good luck - I feel for you. We're still waiting for our skills assessment from AITSL.......

Ooh good luck Del70, I hope you get good news:-) I was wondering whether the a quick phonecall to AITSL. Would be any good, do you know if they will actually give out advice or whether they just want your 550 dollars? well this truly is a very difficult process good luck to everyone!

I agree, I'd ask them! It could well be considered equivalent to one year full time!

Yes im going to phone them, I will keep everyone informed. xxx