Teaching in Australia: Angela's journey from Bahrain to a new chapter
For many teachers, teaching in Australia is a dream that begins long before they ever submit an application. Some are looking for a new challenge, others for a better work-life balance, and many simply hope to build a new future for themselves and their families.
For Angela, however, the journey to Australia didn't begin in South Africa.
It began in Bahrain, where she had already spent ten incredibly rewarding years building a successful international teaching career. During that time, she progressed into leadership, established lifelong friendships and found herself in what she describes as her "dream job." Yet despite loving both her school and her life in Bahrain, there was one thing she couldn't ignore – the opportunity to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren, who were already living in Melbourne.
Her story is a reminder that there is no single route to teaching in Australia. Sometimes the next chapter isn't about escaping where you are; it's about choosing where you want your future to be.
Choosing teaching in Australia after a successful career in Bahrain
Angela's relationship with SA-Recruitment stretches back much further than her Australian journey.
Ten years ago, we assisted her in securing a teaching position in Bahrain. That experience gave her the confidence to return to us when she began exploring opportunities in Australia.
"SA-Recruitment found me a position in Bahrain ten years ago, so I knew my application process would be in safe hands."
Having already experienced international recruitment once before, she understood the value of working with a team that knew the process and could guide her through each stage.
This time, however, the emotions were very different.
Moving to Bahrain had been about embracing an exciting overseas opportunity. Moving to Australia meant saying goodbye to a country that had become home.
"Leaving my dream job in Bahrain after ten incredibly happy and rewarding years was difficult. During that time, I not only grew in my profession, but I also formed lifelong friendships."
It's something that often surprises people. International moves aren't always about leaving a difficult situation behind. Sometimes they're about making an incredibly difficult decision to leave somewhere you genuinely love because another opportunity has become more important.
For Angela, that opportunity was family.
Settling into teaching in Australia
One of the biggest concerns many teachers have when considering teaching in Australia is how different the classroom will feel.
Will the curriculum be completely unfamiliar?
Will it take months to adjust?
Will they fit into a new school culture?
Fortunately, Angela's experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
Because she had already worked in well-established international schools and held leadership positions, much of the transition felt surprisingly familiar. From the moment she arrived, she felt welcomed by her colleagues and appreciated for the experience she brought with her.
"From the start, I felt welcomed, included, and genuinely valued for what I could offer and contribute."
She also found that adapting to the curriculum was easier than she had anticipated.
"The curriculum we follow is quite similar to South Africa's, so you'll find it easy to adapt."
For experienced teachers, that's an encouraging reminder that while every education system has its own nuances, the core skills developed over years in the classroom remain incredibly valuable.
What surprised Angela most about teaching in Australia
Interestingly, Angela discovered that adapting to her school wasn't actually the biggest challenge.
The classroom, curriculum and relationships with colleagues all settled into place relatively quickly.
Instead, it was life outside the school gates that required the greatest adjustment.
Like many teachers relocating internationally, she suddenly found herself managing countless practical tasks all at once. Setting up a home, organising utilities, completing mandatory courses and learning the systems of a new country all demanded time and patience.
Returning to the classroom after around seven years while simultaneously taking on a new leadership position only added to that adjustment.
Initially, the workload felt overwhelming.
Looking back now, though, she sees those first few months as exactly what they were – a temporary settling-in period rather than a permanent reality.
"Initially, I felt quite overwhelmed by the workload and by setting up our new home. At first, my work-life balance involved long hours, but after six months, I've settled into a routine and I now have a better quality of life and get to enjoy the lifestyle Australia offers."
Her experience highlights something we often tell teachers considering an international move.
The first few months are rarely a true reflection of what life will eventually look like. Once the paperwork is complete, routines become familiar and your new surroundings start to feel like home, life becomes considerably easier.
Life beyond the classroom
Although Angela has found teaching in Australia professionally rewarding, the greatest benefit has come away from the classroom.
Her decision to relocate wasn't driven solely by career aspirations. Like many experienced teachers, her priorities had evolved over time, and being closer to her family became the most important factor in deciding where the next chapter of her life would take her.
"The reason I came to Australia was to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren, who love living here. I was fortunate to find a job that I truly enjoy, and I also get to see my family every weekend."
For Angela, that's been the biggest reward of all.
She has been able to continue working in a profession she loves while enjoying regular time with the people who matter most. After spending many years living abroad, that balance has given her a new appreciation for both family life and the opportunities Australia offers.
Cost of living and lifestyle
One of the questions we're asked most frequently by teachers considering teaching in Australia is how the cost of living compares with South Africa.
Angela is realistic in her answer.
Australia is more expensive, particularly when it comes to rental accommodation. However, she believes that careful budgeting and sensible financial planning make it entirely possible to live comfortably on a teacher's salary.
Like many teachers we've placed, Angela quickly discovered that while everyday expenses can be higher, so too are salaries. Over time, understanding how to budget within the Australian cost of living becomes part of settling into your new lifestyle.
Feeling safe and at home
For many South African teachers, safety is an important consideration when deciding whether to move overseas.
Angela says this has been one of the most reassuring aspects of living in Australia.
"I feel very safe here. Of course, there may be certain places you wouldn't live in or visit, but overall, Australia is a very safe country."
Combined with a welcoming school environment, regular family time and a rewarding career, it's helped create the sense of stability she was hoping to find when she made the decision to relocate.
Angela's home Exploring the natural surroundings Koala bear Kitchen in her home
Angela's advice for teachers considering teaching in Australia
Every teacher's journey is different.
Some move straight from South Africa, while others, like Angela, arrive after building successful careers elsewhere in the world. Regardless of the route you take, relocating internationally requires courage, patience and a willingness to embrace change.
Angela's advice is simple, honest and encouraging.
"Embrace the challenge! There will be many ups and a few downs, but overall, with the incredible team at SA-Recruitment, you'll be guided and supported every step of the way."
It's advice that reflects her own experience.
There were difficult decisions, emotional goodbyes and a period of adjustment, but there were also new opportunities, a welcoming school and the chance to build a life closer to her family.
A new chapter worth embracing
Every teacher's reason for moving overseas is different.
For some, it's about career progression. For others, it's about lifestyle, financial opportunities or simply experiencing life in another country.
For Angela, teaching in Australia represented something even more personal—the opportunity to continue doing meaningful work while being closer to the people she loves.
Her story also reminds us that there is no perfect time to make an international move. Whether you're leaving South Africa, another international school or a leadership position you've held for many years, beginning again can feel daunting. Yet it can also open the door to opportunities you may never have imagined.
If you're considering teaching in Australia, Angela's journey is proof that it's never simply about changing jobs. It's about starting a new chapter, embracing new experiences and creating the life that's right for you.
And sometimes, the most rewarding journeys begin when you least expect them.
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