Q1. Will I teach my method/specialisation?

• Due to the nature of the Malaysian system, PST’s are sometimes responsible for teaching outside of their specialty and are often shocked to learn that Malaysian Primary school teachers have a specialisation, which is only the case in Australian secondary schools. Those teaching in Primary usually will teach classes in maths, English, sport, or music ie things that might not require a high level of understanding of English from the pupils. Those PST’s with Secondary methods in areas such as humanities, psychology or other subjects not taught, or taught solely in Bahasa Malaysia, will default to English teaching. If they have another area of personal expertise such as a native speaker of another language the school teaches (eg Chinese), they might also teach that.

Q2. Who chooses which school I will attend?

• TGS allocates the PST’s a school, splitting up those from the same university, allocating them a place with a PST from outside of their own institution, to ensure the sharing of ideas and teaching pedagogies. Program participants place a high value on this peer learning during their feedback and they find this to be a beneficial way of improving their teaching methods.

Q3. Where will I stay?

• For the national schools and ECE programs, accommodation is in twin share at a hotel. Similar to the school allocation, PST’s are allocated a room with someone from another institute, a different local school, and where possible from a different teaching level. This further increases the potential for comparisons and contrasts between local schools and their teaching methods and facilities, and the differing pedagogies from the home university.

Q4. How do I get to school?

• You will travel to school with your colleagues via public transport or ride-share. Schools always have a minimum of two PST’s allocated.

Q5. What are the school hours?

• It varies, but schools start around 7 – 7.15 am, and finish between 12.30 – 1.00pm. there may be after school extra curricula activities you will be expected to join, or maybe staff meetings, or meeting with your mentor. Schools sometimes have two sessions – a morning and an afternoon, but for this program we insist that all PST’s attend the morning session.

Q6. What is the role of TGS?

• The Global Student liaises with the Australian High Commission representatives and the MOE to manage and administer the program for the consortium. TGS handles all logistics, manages expectations, and assists the consortium to prepare the students for the experience. TGS also provides 24 hour in-country support for staff and students.

Q7. What does the program cost?

• TGS provides the cost each year based on expected student numbers, local destinations and their associated costs, and consortium program requirements following debrief.

  The program cost is inclusive:

• Program development

• Accommodation - twin share in 3 star hotel

• Pre-departure information

• Orientation

• One - half day language and culture program (dependent on location)

• Welcome and farewell meals

• Room bookings and projectors where required

• Any activities the steering committee would like included such as day trips or other events

• Transport to MOE events where required