A year in review and future aspirations from our international community

Our international students and graduates reminisce about their standout 2023 moments and look ahead to their goals for the coming year.

"For me, a highlight of the year has been building good relationships with the kaiako at my Home and Out of Home Centres, and having the opportunity to practise my learnings from NZTC. I am also proud to have adapted to the bilingual Te Whāriki curriculum, facilitating child-led experiences to promote critical thinking, learning new languages, and cultures.

Looking to 2024, my personal goal is to commit myself to te ao Māori and to speak te reo Māori fluently. I also aim to study and implement strategies to redirect and positively guide tamariki by supporting and encouraging good behaviour."

Charanjiv (CJ) Kaur Sahni, Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

"I really appreciate NZTC’s value of Heart. I love how it states that with kindness we celebrate and embrace people from different cultures. For me a highlight this year is seeing this reflected in my study journey, where all the lecturers and staff have been very kind and welcoming. This inspires me to embody and reflect this value in my day-to-day life and teaching.

My goal for the new year is to continue learning and growing as a teacher, and to empower children as much as I possibly can."

Adisty Paulina, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

"A highlight for me has been creating positive and inclusive learning environments for all children, where they feel valued and supported. I have learned to adapt and implement various teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of my students. These experiences have reinforced my passion for ECE and strengthened my commitment to helping children thrive in their formative years.

My aim is to continue moving forward by staying updated on the latest research, teaching methodologies and engaging in professional development opportunities. Having a psychology background, I plan to pursue additional training and certifications in special education to better understand and provide more tailored support to tamariki with special needs."

Mokshita Sobti, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

"A standout for me has been discovering how rewarding and fulfilling working in ECE is. As an early childhood educator, you have the power to shape and mold the minds of the future generation, and that is an honour like no other. You learn to love your little charges unconditionally, as if they were your own, and this is what makes this job so special. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in this field, and it drives me every single day.

Upon returning to India, I aim to take my next step towards professional growth by becoming an educational counsellor. This will allow me to utilise my skills and knowledge to guide and support students in their academic pursuits."

Jasmeet Kaur, Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)