Rachel Ault finds teaching in England a culturally rich experience she hopes will last several years
Originally from Brentwood, TN, Rachel Ault (‘21) knew early on that she wanted to attend Belmont University. Growing up around the university and knowing many people who had attended was a natural choice for her. “I also knew I needed to go to a place where I didn’t feel like a small fish in a big pond, so Belmont’s more community feel was much more suited to my needs,” Ault said.
Ault graduated in 2021 with a degree in Secondary Education and English literature. During her time as a student at Belmont, she participated in a study abroad trip to England, which solidified her desire to move there and become a teacher. After completing her degree, she is now working as a full-time teacher in the UK on a two-year visa with plans to stay a few more.
Although there are some things you can only learn in the classroom, Ault credits her education at Belmont for helping her roll with the punches and feel confident in her ability to be an effective leader and educator.
What drew you to education?
I’ve always enjoyed being in school, so when it came time to choose my future profession, I didn’t want to look any further than the school building! I also love working with kids. Every day is different from the last; they can say the funniest things sometimes!
How did you get the job?
I found a teaching agency called Quantum Scholars, which places international teachers in schools to help fill gaps due to teacher shortages. I told them that I didn’t want to teach directly in London, and they set me up with an interview at my current school which is an hour northwest of London! The day I interviewed was when I got the job offer, and two months later, I moved. Things here happen a bit more quickly than in the States!
Did you know anyone there?
I didn’t know anyone before moving, which was nerve-wracking. My coworkers were so kind and reached out to make me feel welcome before I officially moved! I also lived in a house share this year and met some great people through living there.
Who provides community support for you?
I joined a church pretty soon after moving, which has been a great help! My coworkers have also been wonderful additions to my life. I may not have as many connections here as I do in Tennessee, but I’m starting to feel more established!
How was Belmont pivotal to your journey?
I graduated in 2021 from Belmont, and they are the whole reason I am where I am today. I chose to go on a study abroad trip to England in 2019, and because of that opportunity, I felt God calling me to try moving here permanently. Once I made this decision, I wasn’t sure where to start, so I reached out to GPS at Belmont. The counselor helped me in any way she could, and I remember my education advisor telling me that he taught in England for a summer when he was younger. The fact that both of them gave me encouragement (and made it feel possible) really helped me achieve that dream of mine!
What challenges have you faced?
Being an ex-pat can be difficult for many reasons that have to do with the more technical aspects—for example, getting a driving license (you have to pass the test just like everyone else!), applying for and renewing visas and getting the right qualifications to teach. Besides this, you’re dealing with the difficulty of feeling homesick and genuine culture shock (it happens in the UK, too!).
Since this last year was also my first year of teaching, I had the normal obstacles of tackling my first set of kids, navigating my professional role at a school, and finding the right balance between work and life. All this is to say, there were quite a few obstacles…but one year into my ex-pat journey, I already feel a lot more settled than last year!
Who made a difference for you?
The English department really helped me embrace my love of literature, which I now get to pass on to my students. I especially want to thank Dr. Douglas Murray and Dr. Maggie Monteverde for introducing me to England on our study abroad trip!
The Education department has prepared me exceptionally well to be a teacher. A big thank you to Dr. Rachael Flynn for encouraging me even after I graduated and Dr. Mark Hogan, who was my advisor and biggest supporter!
And of course, the friends I made at Belmont have all stuck by me even after I moved 4,000 miles away, and I could not be more grateful. My family thought I was a bit crazy for wanting to do this, but I think they see now how much I’m enjoying it!
I hope my story can help other students at Belmont feel encouraged to make the leap as well. It’s definitely a difficult journey, but I think it’s worth every second. The amount I’ve grown in just one year is incredible, and I’m looking forward to seeing how much more I can do while I’m here!
What are three of your favorite local spots?
It would be hard to nail it down to just three, but I’ll give it a go :)
- I love Scotland! I’ve visited a few times, and each time I go, I love it even more! Lots of history, the people are incredibly kind, and it’s such a beautiful landscape as well.
- I traveled to London for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this past June, which was so fun! And it looks like I’ll be here for a coronation as well, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s been really cool to see these great historical and cultural moments up close!
- I live about an hour from Oxford as well, which I absolutely adore! It’s one of those places that exude history and knowledge, and I soak it up as much as possible! There are also many historical sites not too far from me, which is amazing to see how extensive the history is here.
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