Challenges and Rewards for Caitlin in China

Caitlin Feenstra recently returned to New Zealand after 3 months in Zibo city, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China. While those of us in New Zealand basked in warm sun, Caitlin was experiencing her second winter for the year. For Caitlin, the opportunity to teach at Shandong University of Technology (SDUT) was too good to pass up. She had the chance to work with students who will be coming to Wintec to study and provide training and support for SDUT's English language teachers there in China. Another significant focus was on providing access to Vital English learning products developed by Wintec's Curriculum Factory.

Wintec and SDUT have an agreement where SDUT sends students from their Information Technology (IT) and Business schools to Wintec New Zealand. For these students, travelling overseas for the first time, leaving friends and family behind can be very daunting. For Caitlin, the connection she has built with students who will be coming to Wintec soon is one of her most valuable achievements. "I invited SDUT students who were on holiday from studying at Wintec into my classes to talk with students preparing to go to New Zealand. There were so many questions. Knowing that I'll be there in New Zealand to be of some support when they arrive is reassuring for them."

Caitlin describes her time in China as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Minus 3 degree temperatures with no apartment heating or hot water was hard to get used to, but perks like a personal assistant at work helped to balance the experience. When asked if she would like to return to China, she is quick to say 'yes'.