"We managed to get all the documents assessed, and it all came through within just a day."
The Victorian Government’s Overseas Qualifications Unit (OQU) was able to help soon to be Australian citizen Karolina Staniszewska further her career in Melbourne. Karolina’s story begins with a Licencjat in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the University of Warsaw, one of Poland’s most prestigious universities. Her Licenjat is equivalent to a Bachelors degree and allows her to teach English in both private and public schools in Poland. After a two-year stint teaching English in China, Karolina moved to Australia to be with her partner.
Melbourne’s position as a leader in education has impressed Karolina who has had the opportunity to work in four schools teaching English to newly arrived migrants and international students.
“Victoria advertises itself as an education state and I can totally agree with that. I love the job opportunities especially within my sector, within my industry. It’s all been a wonderful experience.”
Earlier this year Karolina’s employer required her Licencjat to be formally recognised by Victoria. Karolina was able to get all her documents together quickly and the OQU helped resolve a potentially stressful situation.
“We managed to get all the documents assessed, and it all came through within just a day. It was a very easy experience.”
As someone who likes to live an active lifestyle, Karolina has been quick to discover what Victoria has to offer with friends. Preferred destinations include Wilsons Promontory, the Grampians and the Dandenong Ranges. The National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are also favourites.
Victoria in a nutshell? “Beautiful nature, wonderful activities and events organised by the city.”
Having recently passed her Australian citizenship test, Karolina looks forward to continuing her journey in Australia as a teacher with fully recognised qualifications.