Working in early childhood education in another country may not be the first thing on an exchange student's mind, not least because the profession is not one of the most highly valued in Brazil. But in Australia, the career is in strong demand in the market and opens the door to many opportunities. Exchange students who opted for courses in the area and are already working in the profession tell us about their experiences:
Luciana Duarte
"I started doing a VET (Vocational Education and Training) in Business to get a two-year visa. In the middle of the course, exactly one year in, I decided to stay in Australia. So I chose to do a course that would give me a better chance of residency. To design a path, I looked at the options and the one I identified with the most was Early Childhood Education and Care. And that's my career here today. I started with the Certificate III in Childcare at MEGT and then I did the diploma at AICL. What struck me most about the schools were the teachers, they make the difference. And I was very lucky, because all the courses I went on, the teachers were good. After that experience, everything in my life changed. I learned a new language the right way and a new profession. I used to work in marketing in Brazil and now I'm a teacher living in another country. For me, the change was very positive because I love my life."
Aryane Della Negra
"One of the reasons I came to Australia was to find what I want for my career. In Brazil, I studied law and it wasn't for me. In Sydney, I tried Business and I didn't like it either. Until, with the help of Good Day Oz, I found what I really love, which is working with children! As soon as I started my childcare course at MEGT, I found myself. The course is great, as well as the theoretical part we have the practical part, and this is great for practicing everything we've learned. I love being with children! My first job here in Sydney was as a nanny looking after three children. This course also opens doors to a future sponsor (sponsorship to stay in the country) or residency, and there is also a lot of demand in the market."
Vanessa Palermo
"As soon as I started Certificate III, I got a job as a nanny. I did a Certificate III at MEGT, a Diploma at SSBT, and I work for Australia's largest childcare chain, Goodstart Early Learning. I stopped to think and realized that if I continued to invest in "cheap" courses, I would spend my whole life as a student, paying for school and with no prospect of working in any area other than hospitality. With that in mind, I sat down and researched which professions were in demand on both the national and regional lists, and realized that there was an option for early childhood education teachers. It's a very rewarding job to arrive in the morning and have babies coming towards you to hug you, to witness the first steps, the first words, to participate in a child's learning. It's priceless! The recognition of the profession, the respect and trust of parents in my professional qualifications is also very gratifying. There is a huge shortage of professionals in this area, especially good ones. This career has allowed me to work with what I love and get paid well for it. It has brought me personal fulfillment and the dream of Australian residency is now a reality. In just three years I've gone from student/intern to casual educator, room leader, internship supervisor and assistant principal."
Do you want to know more about a career in childcare? Get in touch!
