Huilin visiting Hobbiton
Name: Huilin Chen
NZTC Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Huilin Chen’s love for early childhood education has led her across oceans, with her New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) study journey starting in 2015 in Fuzhou, China and leading to her recent graduation in Auckland, New Zealand.
“I was studying in Fuzhou when I heard about how awesome early childhood education was in New Zealand. Luckily, I had a chance to enrol in the program run by NZTC at the Fujian Preschool Education College,” said Huilin.
“This provided me with an opportunity to study New Zealand early childhood education content while living in China. Once I graduated, I came to New Zealand to explore my study journey further.”
Huilin’s dream to become a teacher was born in her childhood, as she grew up watching her mother work with children and was inspired to follow in her footsteps.
“My mum is a teacher and when I was a child, I always liked to imitate how she taught her students. Even when I grew up I still wanted to be around children, so I chose to be a teacher just like my mother.”
The Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) graduate was drawn to New Zealand’s approach to early childhood education, as it aligned with her belief that one pre-designed guideline can’t fit all children’s needs.
“In New Zealand, teachers guide children based on their observations about the child’s interests and needs. Basically, children ‘teach’ teachers what to do next. If children can get more specific help from teachers, they will learn more quickly,” said Huilin.
Upon her arrival in New Zealand, Huilin found comfort in the kindness of locals while adjusting to the new lifestyle.
“It wasn’t easy when I landed in New Zealand, but luckily I got a lot of help from friendly Kiwis. They helped me get used to life here,” she said.
“Teachers from NZTC were also very supportive. They were always available when I needed help, and gave me lots of useful advice to improve my essay writing.”