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Personal stories

Coming back from OE

Many people study as teachers, get a few years’ experience under their belts, then head off for their OE. Some choose to teach while they travel overseas – teaching skills are very portable and work isn’t difficult to find.

Others opt for different well-tried Kiwi overseas work experiences.
Eventually, travelled-out, homesick, yearning for summers on the beach – whatever the reason – Kiwis get the urge to come home.

Teachers have the benefit of knowing that there may be financial incentives for them to return as well as good jobs – information easily accessed from anywhere in the world on Education Gazette online

Job opportunities plus an International Relocation Grant (IRG) of NZ$2,500 or $5,000 means there has never been an easier time to come and teach in New Zealand. View more details of the IRG below.

Find out more about these homing Kiwis, they’re all teaching here and they all love it.

Rebecca Astbury
Rebecca Astbury
" I wanted a people job, with variety and interest, and I realised that teaching was it! "
>> read this article
Helen Benson
Helen Benson
" This is the best career decision I have ever made. I love everything about teaching. The kids are always making me laugh, every day is different, there are new challenges ­ it’s just a great job."
>> read this article
Steph Lamond
Steph Lamond
" Teaching is great for travelling. I taught for three years in the UK … and that allowed me to enjoy a decent lifestyle and travel lots."
>> read this article
Jane Moginie
Jane Moginie
" Teaching is great to return to after a break – I’ve come back with renewed energy and find it so enjoyable, a great fit with my parental responsibilities."
>> read this article
Heather Compton
Heather Compton
" My advice is get back in, it’s not scary!"
>> read this article
Marilyn Baigent
Marilyn Baigent
"I really enjoy teaching teenagers. Being in the music field helps in that you get to know the students really well. "
>> read this article
Cynthia Orr
Cynthia Orr
Cynthia strongly believes that time spent overseas is very valued by school employers. “There are lots of opportunities for people returning who want a promotion.”
>> read this article
Natasha Doyle
Natasha Doyle
The early childhood teaching landscape in New Zealand has changed dramatically since Natasha left for her OE five years ago. “There’s so much more demand in the sector now – for places in centres, for centres to be built and for qualified teachers. When I first qualified, it was really difficult finding a job in Christchurch. Now it’s the opposite.”
>> read this article
Links to more information