Know your own teaching abilities and when you make initial contact with your new school principal, share any concerns you may have about areas you may be required to teach . I know of a grade 7 teacher that went on an exchange to a grade 3 classroom and even though she didn't have experience at this level, she loved it, and on the flip side two teachers, one grade 3 and the other grade 2 got exchanges to grade 7 and 8 classrooms. They where not prepared for the challenges of this level and had an awful year teaching. If you don't think you would be comfortable teaching the grade or subject area you are given on your exchange, be honest and say so, because the trade-off for not sharing this information can result in a terrible exchange for you and your family. Most school principals will be accommodating to your needs.
Most teachers go on exchange because they are looking for something different.
The weather will be different, so will the housing, shopping, friends you make, the school, and even your lifestyle. That is why you need to be flexible. You are going to experience an exciting year of change, you will travel, overcome challenges and be a better person for it and you will spend more money then you might normally spend. Enjoy your experience with a positive attitude and a sense of humour. We are honoured and grateful to have received the prestigious awards on this page.