I used to think that a university degree merely reflected one’s academic level. However, the study at the EdUHK has changed my perception towards tertiary education. The University offers a wide range of experiential learning opportunities that encourage students’ whole-person development and strengthen our soft skills, which are essential for career preparation and potential realization.

After my two-year programme, I am truly grateful that EdUHK has provided an opportunity to have a remarkable practicum experience in a kindergarten. In this experience, I shared the knowledge and strategies I learned in the courses through workshops for parents. These workshops helped the parents support their children’s emotional, cognitive and language skills.

This programme has equipped me with a diverse range of skills for effective communication with parents. One of my primary goals is to not only serve the children but also to address parents’ concerns and help them support their children’s positive growth. The various opportunities this programme offers have opened multiple career paths for me. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Counselling at EdUHK, and I am about to enter the field of special education as a teacher. Through further studies, I aim to deepen my professional abilities and enhance my capacity to make a meaningful impact in this field.

The programme provides us with ample academic support and offers numerous opportunities to participate in activities that promote our holistic development. During the short-term exchange programme at Three Gorges University, I deepened my applied skills in the field of early childhood and family studies from a cultural perspective, gaining valuable experience. In the tea culture workshop, I realised that the spirit of “focus” and “respect” in the tea way can be transformed into tools for emotional education in young children—for example, through the tea-serving ritual, cultivating children’s empathy and emotional awareness.

These observations help me apply what I have learned to future parent education work, such as integrating tea culture etiquette to develop emotional education materials, making Chinese culture a parenting resource that responds to contemporary family needs, and using traditional wisdom to sustain the innovative value of parental education. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of traditional Chinese culture but also broadened my horizons, allowing me to truly step from the classroom into a wider world. 

During my two years in the programme, I engaged in practical experiences that significantly enriched my learning. A month-long practicum at a local church enabled me to connect meaningfully with parents and children, applying my curriculum knowledge in a real-world context. I also completed a six-week overseas internship in New Zealand, where I interacted with children from diverse backgrounds, enhancing my cultural understanding and adaptability. Supported by the programme, these experiences shaped my teaching philosophy and equipped me with essential skills, especially in building rapport and fostering a positive learning environment. I am now also a qualified substitute teacher in New Zealand and look forward to applying these insights in my future career as an educator.

After two years of study, I have gained a deeper understanding of the relationship between families and young children, including how to support their learning at home, the influence of family dynamics, and how to meet the diverse needs of different families. The programme not only helped us acquire relevant skills and knowledge but also actively provided career support and guidance.

Additionally, the programme connected us with multiple internship opportunities, allowing us to apply what we learned in real-world settings and gain invaluable experience. Beyond local internships, we also had opportunities for exchanges abroad or in the Greater Bay Area, enabling us to learn in diverse environments and expand our global perspectives. These experiences have been immensely beneficial, particularly in terms of career support, including various career workshops, which have thoroughly prepared me for future employment. I am about to apply what I have learned by joining a local charity to serve the community and families with young children.