Frequently asked questions

Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs) are built around direct engagement with local schools and educators — usually including several school mornings, professional exchange and a group professional development workshop. Professional Learning Programs (PLPs) focus more broadly on observing education in another context, through school visits, facilitated professional learning and cultural experiences. Each destination page clearly identifies which program model applies.

It depends on the type of program. Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs) are designed for people with some education experience who are comfortable engaging in and supporting activities within a classroom setting — this doesn't mean you need to be an experienced classroom teacher. Participants have included classroom teachers, learning support officers and other education professionals.

Professional Learning Programs (PLPs) don't require any previous education experience, and are open to anyone with an interest in the destination and its education system.

Some individual programs may have their own additional requirements, so it's always worth checking the specific program page before you apply.

Group sizes vary by destination. Check the approved departure information for the proposed group size and any minimum-number condition before making travel arrangements.

Absolutely. A large proportion of Global Teacher participants join independently rather than with a friend or colleague. Group meetings before departure help participants connect before travelling, and many long-term friendships have developed through Global Teacher programs.

Yes, subject to the room-sharing arrangements for the departure. A suitable roommate is not guaranteed. Before you accept a confirmed offer, Global Teacher will explain the matching deadline, the private-room price if a match is unavailable, and the relevant withdrawal and refund options. Read our 2027 Terms & Conditions and your specific program offer.

Private-room options depend on the departure and accommodation. Confirm availability and the applicable price in the approved offer before booking.

This depends on the program. In some destinations, a non-participating partner or family member may be able to share accommodation or travel independently alongside parts of the itinerary, but participation in school visits, professional learning and other program activities is generally limited to registered participants. Contact us before booking so we can confirm what is practical for your chosen program.

For our Professional Exchange Programs, a school placement generally involves structured engagement with a local school — this can include observing lessons, working alongside local teachers, supporting classroom activities, sharing teaching approaches, and taking part in professional conversations with educators.

It's a genuine two-way exchange, not a tour and not an opportunity to "take over" a classroom. The exact activities depend on the destination and the school you're placed with, and are shared with you in more detail before you travel.

A school placement is a more immersive experience used primarily within Professional Exchange Programs (PEPs). Participants spend structured time within a host school, working alongside local educators, observing teaching and learning, supporting classroom activities and exchanging professional ideas.

A school visit is generally shorter and may focus on observing the school, meeting educators and learning about the local education system, rather than actively supporting in classrooms. The exact format varies by program and host school.

Generally, no — most programs don't require you to prepare and deliver a full lesson of your own. Depending on the program, you might be asked to prepare a short, flexible activity, such as a simple introduction to yourself, your school or Australia.

The aim is to minimise disruption to the normal curriculum: local teachers continue teaching as they usually would, and participants observe, collaborate and support within that context. Many participants find that sharing practical ideas and approaches this way is valuable well beyond the program itself.

Exact expectations vary by program and are discussed with you before departure.

School visits, placements and professional activities are developed with local partners and host schools. The exact format can vary depending on the destination, school calendar, participating group and local priorities, which allows the professional experience to remain relevant rather than relying on a fixed one-size-fits-all program.

Professional learning activities and evidence vary by program. Check the program learning documentation and your registration authority’s requirements before relying on an hours claim.

School engagement, observation, professional exchange and reflection can contribute to professional learning. Recognition and recording requirements differ between employers and Australian teacher-registration authorities. Check the requirements that apply to you and retain evidence of your participation and learning.

Ask for the approved learning itinerary and the evidence available for the particular program. Retain your own reflection, participation and professional-relevance records. A certificate or APST mapping does not by itself establish tax deductibility or registration recognition.

Teachers may be able to claim eligible costs associated with overseas professional learning where there is a sufficient connection between the program and their current income-earning work. However, tax deductibility depends on the individual participant's circumstances, the nature of the program and the relevant Australian Taxation Office rules.

Global Teacher does not guarantee that a particular expense or program will be accepted as a tax deduction. We design our professional programs around genuine educator learning and provide detailed supporting documentation on request.

Complete Tax Guide

Read the tax and professional learning guide.

Yes. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, so participants should seek advice from a registered tax agent or accountant familiar with their employment and professional-learning situation. Global Teacher can provide program documentation to support that discussion.

Some participants receive full or partial support through school professional development budgets, employer contributions or other funding. Global Teacher can provide program information or a formal quotation where this assists with an internal funding request.

No. An employer letter is not normally required to participate in a Global Teacher program. However, where a participant is seeking employer support or keeping evidence for professional or tax purposes, a brief letter confirming that the school considers the program relevant or beneficial to the participant's current teaching practice may be useful.

Generally, yes. International flights are usually not included in the program fee, giving participants flexibility over where they depart from, which airline they use and whether they extend their trip before or after the program.

Global Teacher provides participants with the relevant arrival information so they can coordinate their travel with the program arrangements. Always check the individual program page for the exact inclusions and arrival information.

Yes. Participants are welcome to arrange their own travel before or after a Global Teacher program, making it easy to extend their time in the destination or explore somewhere else. Travel outside the official program dates is independently arranged, so participants are responsible for their own accommodation, transport, insurance and other arrangements during that time.

Inclusions such as included accommodation and airport transfers generally apply only within the scheduled program dates unless specifically stated otherwise.

Transfer arrangements differ by departure and arrival time. Confirm whether transfers are included and which dates and locations they cover; do not infer inclusions from a route map.

Extensions and independent travel depend on the destination. Confirm any proposed extension, its inclusions and its separate cost before booking. Independent travel before or after a program remains your own arrangement.

Inclusions differ by departure. Read the approved offer’s Included / Not Included details, including accommodation, meals, transfers, activities and flights. The editorial journey pages describe experiences and do not confirm supplier commitments or inclusions.

The standard A$100 expression-of-interest (EOI) payment is fully refundable if you withdraw before accepting a confirmed program offer, if the departure is not confirmed, or if Global Teacher cancels the proposed departure before acceptance. An EOI does not reserve a confirmed place.

Once you accept a confirmed offer, the A$100 is credited toward your program price. Your offer will set out the remaining deposit, payment schedule, inclusions and cancellation conditions before you commit. Read the 2027 Terms & Conditions. Bookings and payments are completed on the linked WeTravel pages.

Payment methods will be shown in the separately approved booking process. No payment method or provider is connected to this website.

Please notify Global Teacher in writing as early as possible. For an accepted confirmed booking, the standard 2027 change-of-mind schedule starts with a 50% refund of payments received for cancellations at least 60 days before departure, subject to evidenced additional unrecoverable supplier costs without double deduction. For cancellations 0–59 days before departure, the standard contractual position is no change-of-mind refund, but actual circumstances, recoveries, fair loss and legal rights must be considered.

If Global Teacher cancels, different conditions apply. Nothing removes rights under Australian Consumer Law. See the full 2027 Terms & Conditions and contact Global Teacher about your specific booking. This website does not process cancellations or refunds.

Preparation and on-program support are described in the participant information for each departure. Team Leaders support the group and liaise with local partners. Ask about any specific support you need before booking.

The Team Leader helps coordinate the group, supports participants throughout the program, liaises with local partners and assists with practical issues that arise while travelling. Team Leaders are experienced educators and are briefed on the destination and program before departure.

The Team Leader coordinates group support and liaises with local partners during the program. They are not a substitute for emergency services or an insurer’s assistance service. Review the program’s approved emergency information and your insurance cover before travel.

Yes. Participants are required to hold suitable comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of their trip. Your policy should be appropriate for your destination, activities, health needs and any additional travel you arrange before or after the program.

Global Teacher works with schools, education organisations, local coordinators, guides and travel suppliers in each destination. These relationships provide local knowledge and help ensure that professional activities are planned in a way that reflects the needs and context of the host community.

The professional learning and school components are an important part of the Global Teacher program and participants are expected to engage fully with them. Some cultural, sightseeing or optional activities may allow greater flexibility depending on the itinerary. If you have health, mobility or other concerns, contact us before departure so we can discuss the program requirements.

Global Teacher programs have a structured itinerary, but we deliberately build in free time so participants have opportunities to relax, explore independently or simply have some downtime.

During these periods, Team Leaders will often suggest optional activities and can assist with planning and logistics for participants who want to make the most of their time in the destination. There's no expectation to join optional activities — free time is yours to use as you choose.

Discuss dietary requirements, allergies and accessibility needs before booking. Availability varies by location and supplier; accommodation of a particular requirement must be confirmed rather than assumed.

Activity levels vary considerably between destinations. Some programs include walking, hikes, boats, uneven terrain or other active experiences, while others are less physically demanding. Each destination page outlines the major activities, and participants should contact us before booking if they have concerns about accessibility or mobility.