TAFE NSW ECEC students head to China

A group of ten TAFE NSW early childhood education and care (ECEC) students were recently selected to travel to China as part of the Australian Government’s Endeavour Leadership Program (ELP). 

 

The ELP initiative aims to promote research and professional development opportunities with Australia’s priority partner countries, including China. A core element of the program is to provide opportunities for established and emerging leaders to undertake a global education experience within their study, research or professional field.

 

Travelling to Hangzhou Binjiang Province, the students were chosen through a competitive application process from locations across Sydney, and are completing their studies at both TAFE NSW St Leonards and TAFE NSW Meadowbank. 

 

The tour, which saw students engaging with eight kindergartens in Hangzhou “gave students the invaluable practical experience engaging with educators and children in both play and classroom environments at different kindergartens” said TAFE NSW Early Childhood Education head teacher, John Stewart.

 

In the ten day intensive tour, Mr Stewart said, alongside the observational elements, the students engaged in cross-cultural relations, something he believes will aid them in preparing to become global citizens, as well as increasing their employability in a competitive industry (sic). 

 

Tour participant Meifeng Li is studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and said the study tour was an amazing opportunity for her, and her peers.

 

“The study tour to China was a wonderful learning opportunity and gave us great exposure to how different countries manage and run their educational settings. I was born in China but did not have an understanding of how the Chinese childcare industry (sic)  operated until I was able to experience it first hand.” 

 

Ms Li spoke about the ‘hands on’ elements of the tour, which included teaching the children how to make and serve food and play traditional games, as well as spending time with leaders from the kindergartens who she said were “very knowledgeable and helped me develop my leadership skills.”

 

Further information about opportunities to study with TAFE NSW may be accessed here.