Xiaoxia Yang
Name: Xiaoxia Yang
Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
It was a unique and rewarding experience that first introduced Chinese student Xiaoxia Yang to the world of ECE. “In 2017, I joined the 94th Peace Boat Global Voyage as a volunteer translator and interpreter, which is a Japan-based initiative that organises global voyages.
“There was a Montessori program run on the boat, where children could learn while they were travelling around the world with their parents. This experience inspired me to learn more about how children grow and how we can nurture this process.”
After arriving in New Zealand with a working holiday visa not long after, Xiaoxia fell in love with the beautiful environment, encouraging her to stay and pursue her ECE endeavours.
New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC)’s 40-year history of empowering students to care, educate and serve particularly appealed to Xiaoxia, who is now looking forward to completing the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE).
“Although I am still only partway through my program, I already feel more confident when working in my centre. I believe I can have more quality conversations with children now, and I can see the deep reasons behind their behaviours and how we can nurture them.
“Studying in New Zealand opens doors for me, allowing me to push my limits. Because English is not my first language, it is challenging, however I feel fully supported by NZTC.”
Xiaoxia is really enjoying NZTC’s unique blend of online learning paired with Field Practice.
“This mode of study not only enables me to put theories into practice, but also provides me with ample opportunities to observe how my colleagues interact with children and cope with their behaviours, which fosters development and learning. From such experiences, I am able to constantly reflect on and improve my teaching.
"The flexibility of my program also means I can enjoy living in a beautiful town without needing to be physically close to a campus. Being in charge of my own study schedule allows me the opportunity to still spend time on my hobbies such as snowboarding and hiking.”