A specially selected group of ten TAFE NSW early childhood education students have gone global – travelling to China as part of the Australian Government’s Endeavour Leadership Program (ELP).

The ELP is an Australian Government initiative aimed at promoting research and professional development with Australia's priority partner countries. The program provided opportunities for established and emerging leaders to undertake a global education experience within their study, research or professional field.

The TAFE NSW students who participated in the exciting study tour to Hangzhou Binjiang Province were chosen through a competitive application process from locations across Sydney. Those successful are studying TAFE NSW St Leonards and Meadowbank and had the unique learning opportunity to engage with eight kindergartens in Hangzou.

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

“The ten-day intensive tour was an incredible opportunity for our TAFE NSW students as it provided them with leadership and training opportunities in a global environment, where they were able to observe and engage with a range of childhood education experiences in Hangzhou.

“The tour facilitated a great appreciation of cross-cultural relations, preparing the students to become global citizens and increased their employability in a competitive industry.” Mr Stewart said.

Student Meifeng Li is studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and says 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 operated until I was able to experience it first hand.

“During the trip, we visited eight different kindergartens where we got involved with the hands-on activities like teaching the children how to make and serve food and play traditional games. We also spent time with leaders from the kindergartens who were very knowledgeable and helped me develop my leadership skills.”

Studying with TAFE NSW can help students get the practical skills they need to succeed. To enquire now for Semester one, 2020 visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601 for more information.

Media contact: Emma Cawley, TAFE NSW Media Officer, emma.cawley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0412 478 415.