Global Perspectives: A SLP's Journey Working Abroad #12 (U.S. to New Zealand)

Annette is originally from California, U.S.A, and moved to New Zealand to work as a SLP in an outpatient clinic for adults. Continue reading to learn more about her experience working in New Zealand. Thank you Annette for sharing your experience!

1. What are your name, pronouns, and your job/professional title?

   Annette Moore (she/her), Speech Language Therapist

2. Tell me about yourself. Where did you initially move from (before you worked abroad) and what graduate school did you attend?

   I moved from California. I attended California State University, Northridge.

3. Why did you become a SLP?

   This is my second career. My son required ST at 6 yo and when I was observing his evaluation in an OP clinic, I knew I wanted to become a ST.

4. What city and country do you currently work in, what setting  do you work in (e.g., international school, clinic, university, research, etc.), and what age range do you currently work with? How long have you been working abroad?

   Hastings, NZ for the health district board community based and outpatient clinics for adults only. I have been working abroad for one week.

5. What type of cases do you typically work with (e.g., AAC, multilingual, articulation, Autism, feeding, cognition/swallowing, etc.)?

   Aphasia, dysphagia, ALS, PPA, Parkinson's, Voice

6. Where did you apply for this SLP international job and how was the application process?

   I applied through Indeed NZ. I was required to complete an online application, provide my resume, provide references and join the NZ Speech Therapists Association (NZSTA). ASHA and NZSTA have mutual agreement for certification.

7. What did the process look like for you to move abroad (e.g., obtaining visas/work permits or sponsorships, finding a place to live, moving, SLP licensure, etc.)?

   In order to obtain work visa, I need to have FBI finger printing, birth certificate and valid passport. My employer is an "accredited employer" therefore they complete some paperwork on their behalf and then I was contacted by immigration to submit my required documents. I also had to have a medical exam completed by an approved physician (directory provided by immigration). I chose to move my cat as well which required the hiring of a pet relocation company. It takes at least 6 months to obtain an import certificate so lots of planning involved. I only brought 3 large suitcases with me. Importing furniture via a shipping container is costly and takes a long time. I made arrangements to stay at Airbnb for the first few weeks while I looked for a place to live. Finding a place to live is challenging as the realtors/property management companies only book viewings M-F from 9-5 and they're not very good at responding to viewing requests. I was able to find a place within 2 weeks. I also bought a used car as Uber gets costly.

8. What motivated you to pursue work opportunities abroad as an SLP?

   My daughter lives in NZ. Also, I visited NZ last year and fell in love with it.

9. How does the pay rate, cost of living, and quality of life compare to living in your home country?

   The pay rate, and cost of living are comparable to the USA, however when you do the conversion from NZ to USA $, I am making 50% less. The quality of life is 200% better than the USA. The pace is slower and more relaxed. Being in the medical setting, there are no productivity requirements and the case load is 50% less.

10. What specific challenges do you face working abroad as a SLP? 

    Learning the NZ culture and the Maori culture.

11.  What are your favorite things about working abroad as a SLP?

    The work environment is lovely and the country and it's people are beautiful.

12. What are the most significant differences between practicing as a SLP in your home country versus abroad?

    In the USA, SLP's treat cognition with the adult population. In NZ the OT's treat cognition. Also it has a public health care system which means everything takes longer.

13. How does your experience working abroad influence your perspectives on diversity and cultural sensitivity in speech-language pathology?

    It is the same as the USA. Constantly struggling to be all inclusive and culturally respectful and sensitive.

14. What advice would you give to other SLPs who are considering working abroad for the first time?

    Make sure you have your membership with NZSTA before applying for jobs.

15. Can SLPs contact you for more information? How can they contact you?

    Sure. amore.slp@gmail.com