Christchurch lures Chinese student from Auckland

Christchurch lures Chinese student from Auckland

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Lisel engages with children at her centre

Lisel Zhang’s thirst for adventure and desire to play a role in young children’s development inspired her to move to New Zealand from China to study early childhood education with New Zealand Tertiary College.

Initially settling in Auckland to study a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), Lisel soon longed for a change of pace after commencing her studies and, upon learning more about NZTC’s Christchurch campus, relocated to the South Island’s biggest city.

NZTC’s flexible online mode of learning made moving campuses and cities a breeze, enabling Lisel to continue her studies without interruption.

“There were so many people who supported and helped me during my time of study. I attended weekly tutorials, where I met teachers and students who were pursuing the same dream as me,” she explained.  

“The online discussion forums were great and provided me with a platform to post questions and get ideas from other students and lecturers.”

By the time she graduated, Lisel was so captivated with her new city that she decided to continue living and working there. Today she is flourishing in her role as an early childhood teacher at a preschool and embracing all that the city and its surroundings have to offer.

“Christchurch is surrounded by plenty of fun places within a few hours’ drive. You can go to Hanmer Springs and sit in a hot pool while enjoying the snowy mountains around you, experience the spectacular views of Arthur’s Pass, visit the romantic French town of Akaroa, or eat crayfish and see wild seals in Kaikoura,” said Lisel.

As an active part of the Christchurch early childhood education community, Lisel enjoys organising events for international students new to the city to discuss their studies and work life and offer support through sharing her own experience with others.

An avid ukulele player, she hosts workshops where she gives lessons to other early childhood teachers on how to incorporate the ukulele in their daily practice.

“I love meeting people from different parts of the world. I’ve made lovely friends through these workshops and events and we do a lot of trekking and short trips around Christchurch together,” she said.

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