Global Perspectives: A SLP's Journey Working Abroad #6 (Location: Canada)
This week you will learn more about Hilary. She moved from New Zealand to Canada and currently works in the public schools and private practice. You will learn more about her the challenges she has faced working abroad and also how she deals with being so far from her family. Thank you Hilary for sharing your story!
What are your name, pronouns, and your job/professional title?
Hilary (she/her), Speech Language Pathologist
Tell me about yourself. Where did you initially move from (before you worked abroad) and what graduate school did you attend?
I attended The University of Canterbury in Christchurch New Zealand and Completed a Masters Degree in Communication Disorders.
Why did you become a SLP?
A good friend's parent was a SLP and I spent some time in her clinic as I would get a ride home from school with them. Then when looking at university options it looked like a degree with which I could get a job in several different areas.
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?
Abbotsford BC, CANADA in both public school and private practice. I have also worked in Early Intervention. I have been working in Canada since 2010, previously I worked in New Zealand from 2006-2008.
What type of cases do you typically work with (e.g., AAC, multilingual, articulation, Autism, feeding, cognition/swallowing, etc.)?
Child language development, articulation, fluency, AAC, ASD, feeding
Where did you apply for this SLP international job and how was the application process?
I initially applied for a position at a Child Development Centre and think I found the posting on their website.
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.)?
I married a Canadian so was able to apply for a spousal visa, although SLP was on the skilled shortage list so that may have been a option as well. It took about a year for the visa to be completed. I had to complete a full day exam and assessment through an international qualifications assessment authority for which I had to provide my course transcripts, educational and practical hours and description of courses. I didn't have a lot of personal property at the time so didn't have much to move.
What motivated you to pursue work opportunities abroad as an SLP?
I had always been interested in working abroad as I have always wanted to travel and had originally thought about the UK. I had the opportunity to complete my last practicum in Iowa so after that traveled by to Canada and met my future husband.
How does the pay rate, cost of living, and quality of life compare to living in your home country?
I would say pay rate is higher, cost of living is slightly lower, but both places are great to live. There are great opportunities for families in both, maybe a bit more of a relaxed life style in New Zealand.
What specific challenges do you face working abroad as a SLP?
Beyond the initial and somewhat lengthy phases of obtaining a visa, paperwork and licensing the only other challenge I can think of is that the systems for how services are provided are a little different. In New Zealand, all educational related services are provided through the Ministry of Education. In Canada, different groups are funded differently so that was a bit of a learning process to figure out how it all worked.
What are your favorite things about working abroad as a SLP?
Learning about different approach and systems has increased my knowledge, meeting new people and of course seeing and experiencing new things!
What are the most significant differences between practicing as a SLP in your home country versus abroad?
Canada has a college that you need to belong to and I do not think New Zealand has mandatory membership of their association. So it is perhaps more to maintain your license in Canada. Additionally, as mentioned above, Canada has more programs through which SLP services are provided which was a little confusing as first, in New Zealand there are fewer and it can feel a bit more streamlined.
How does your experience working abroad influence your perspectives on diversity and cultural sensitivity in speech-language pathology?
I think learning about different cultures helps you be more aware of your own and how this can impact your work. Learning different approaches and ways of doing all sorts of different things.
What advice would you give to other SLPs who are considering working abroad for the first time?
It is worth the time and effort! It is a wonderful experience. The process can be daunting and overwhelming but take it one step at a time, plan ahead and be patient!
How do you handle homesickness or any potential challenges related to being far away from family and friends?
Thankfully there are direct flights from Vancouver to Auckland so we have been back several times and family has visited here. With facetime now it is so much easier to keep in touch.
Any other information, stories, and experiences that you would like to share?
In Taupo New Zealand I was employed by the Ministry of Education, Special Education, serving 0-19 in rural areas.
Can SLPs contact you for more information? How can they contact you?
hilaryscottslp@gmail.com
