Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of questions that may help answer some of your own questions about International Partnerships.
- What happens at ‘International Partnerships’?
- Which countries or institutes does International Partnerships have agreements with?
- Where can you teach overseas with SBIT?
- Which teaching areas are required?
- How can you find out about opportunities to teach in offshore locations?
- When would the teacher be required to go over, and for how long?
- What are the hours to be worked?
- How much do you earn when teaching overseas?
- What are the allowances?
- What is included?
- What is the accommodation like?
- What is required before leaving Australia (i.e. workload)?
- What is the most important thing to take with you?
1. What happens at ‘International Partnerships’?
In 2005, Southbank Institute of Technology developed an additional arm to its International area, that of International Partnerships. This unit develops International Partnership Agreements with offshore institutions, and coordinates the delivery of the programs offshore with a combination of overseas and Australian teachers. It not only allows advancement of international relations in a global market, but also provides Australian teachers the opportunity of international teaching experience, and the provision of native English speakers and Australian curriculum delivery for offshore students.
2. Which countries or institutes does International Partnerships have agreements with?
This is a developing area with new agreements being developed on a continual basis. Some of the agreements International Partnerships have obtained include the following:
- The University of Jinan, China - Diploma of International Business
- The Seoul National University of Education – TESOL Training
- The Shandong Institute of Education, China - Diploma of Children’s Services
- The Shanghai Second Polytechnic University, China - Diploma of Hospitality Management and Diploma of International Business
- The Changzhou Institute of Mechatronic Technology, China - Diploma of Information Technology (Networking)
- Japan College of Foreign Languages and its sister organisation, Osaka College of Foreign Languages - advanced standing partnership
- Vitus Bering University, Denmark, - student exchange program in Design
- Gyeonggi English Village, Korea - training TESOL teachers
3. Where can you teach overseas with SBIT?
The locations available depend on the current International Partnerships Agreements in place and which Co-partner institutions require SBIT to provide teachers.
4. Which teaching areas are required?
The teaching areas required depends on the current International Partnerships Agreements in place and which Diplomas are offered in conjunction with SBIT. Examples of previous agreements include IT, Children’s Services, International Business and Hospitality Management.
5. How can you find out about opportunities to teach in offshore locations?
Any opportunities to teach in international delivery are sent out as email broadcasts when teachers are required. These are put out as Expressions of Interest with criteria, which can then be applied for. Additional information can be obtained by contacting; International Partnerships Team at Internationalpartnerships.administration@southbank.edu.au
6. When would the teacher be required to go over, and for how long?
Generally the academic year commences in September but it depends which semester/block you would be going for, as most teachers go for either 10 or 20 weeks.
7. What are the hours to be worked?
Theoretically you work your normal 21 hours, but there will be some additional time required, for example if a student needs to do a resit for assessment.
8. How much do you earn when teaching overseas?
You will earn your normal teaching wage as you would in Australia, however you have most expenses paid (see ‘What is included?’), and generally the cost of living is lower than Australia. Returned teachers have said that the daily allowance provided by SBIT is generally adequate to live on in China.
There is a daily stipend (allowance), which varies depending on the country that you are teaching in. This can range from $25-$45 per day and is paid in accordance with the Queensland Government Directive for International Travel.
Included are flights, accommodation, airport transfers, and travel insurance, as well as an allowance of the $25 -$45 per day daily stipend, which is paid in accordance with the Queensland Government Directive for International Travel. (See ‘Is there an allowance?’ FAQ.)
11. What is the accommodation like?
The accommodation depends a little on where you go (location, country and institution). For example in more regional areas, the accommodation tends to be a little bigger, with perhaps a 2 bedroom apartment. In bigger cities it tends to be smaller.
12. What is required before leaving Australia (i.e. workload)?
We try to have materials prepared for you (e.g. a variety of Assessment Task Instructions - ATI's - etc,) that are put on Blackboard, however it is useful for you to be familiar with the material you'll be presenting. This is particularly relevant for the assessment - how you will be assessing and what you will be assessing.
12. What is the most important thing to take with you?
The best thing you can take with you is an open mind and flexible attitude! It’s good to be prepared in terms of attitude - going over with an open mind, and being prepared for different experiences and scenarios.
Disclaimer
The information in this FAQ List is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon for any particular purpose. It may change without notice and is not binding on the Institute (SBIT). Please confirm any FAQ information with International Partnerships before relying on the accuracy of this information as the Institute takes no responsibility for the correctness of the information made available.