TAFE Western’s unique and popular Outbound Mobility Program continues to offer students wonderful overseas learning opportunities.
A group of 10 Diploma of Leadership and Management students from across western NSW travelled to Shanghai for 17 days, learning from a number of prominent Chinese businesses including AustCham Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland, Legend Sportswear and PTL Group about their successful business practices.
“The students embraced the opportunity to view and observe a wide range of management practices and processes used in a variety of Shanghai’s biggest and most successful organisations,” TAFE Western Management Teacher Jillian Pennisi, who accompanied the students to Shanghai, said.
“Students engaged themselves with the managers and staff, gaining an understanding of how organisations successfully operate and work within China.”
This was the fourth TAFE Western Outbound Mobility Program held in China in the past 12 months, following successful child care, nursing and hospitality study tours. The feedback received from the latest participants, like those before them, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The Outbound Mobility program is fantastic. You can consolidate what you are learning with your course whilst gaining a new appreciation and perspective from a culture vastly different to our own,” Dubbo participant Kelly Wixx said.
“It’s a great opportunity and the experience of a lifetime. I believe we would not have learnt as much if we had not been on a study tour,” Potato Point’s Lisa Stevens added.
Each of the 10 participants admitted to enjoying different things about the tour, but one thing they all agreed was a highlight was immersing themselves in the Chinese culture – and the sensational food.
“I enjoyed the trip to China, absolutely. The culture and professional experience was fabulous,” Orange’s Robyn Whiteley said. “Personally, it was a great growth experience and I’d love to go back.”
“I really enjoyed having the opportunity to embrace the culture and enjoyed learning new business practices and experiencing the food and other cultural activities,” Bathurst student Sharon Callan added.
“Everything was different, adjusting to the climate and city was interesting, but it was a fantastic and memorable experience,” Troy Robins from Orange said.
“As the teacher and coordinator of this program I was honored to escort a diverse group of students from various industry backgrounds to Shanghai. Their experiences and open minded approach to learning enriched the program and ensured it was a very successful trip,” Ms Pennisi said.
