Born in Papua Indonesia, Herlina Yawang has dedicated the last two and a half years studying CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, and now - she has graduated! Herlina shares with us her experience studying at TIWA and what her plans are for the future.
Why did you choose to study at TIWA?
I chose to do my course at TIWA because of the hands on skills that I can apply straight away in the workplace. With the CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, TIWA provides work placement each semester for students which allows us to experience working in the industry right from the start of the first semester.
I was previously studying public relations majoring in corporate communication at Universitas Multimedia Nusantara in Gading Serpong. I found out about studying at TAFE from my relatives who were also doing pathways from TAFE to university in Australia.
Why did you choose vocational education?
I was looking for more practical skills that I can practice right away and contribute my skill to the industry. By doing vocational education, I have had the opportunity to make connections and gain experience at two different early learning centres in Perth. This helped me a lot in connecting theories I learnt in class with current practices.
What were the best things about your course?
I enjoy being around children, playing, teaching and having meaningful interactions with them. In my course, I have been shown current views and practices in the field of education especially children aged five and under.
The best thing I would say is that the first five years of an individual’s life is very important, and I have the opportunity to help these children. This is why I’m looking forward to finishing this course as well as working as an early childhood educator.
Something that exceeded my expectations was that TAFE connected me to my work placement centre. From here I was able to apply for a job. I had applied on my own, but I didn’t get any answers. With the help from TAFE, now I am finishing my studies’ work placement, as well as working as an educator in the same early learning centre.
How have you found the facilities on your campus?
The facilities at Leederville campus were very beneficial for my studies. For my course, I need many resources and books for children during my work placement. At Leederville campus, there’s a special corner for children’s toys and books, so it has been very helpful.
The best things about my lecturers and their teaching styles are they are not only a lecturer, but also an educator working in the industry. With this, they have shared many current practices and things that need to be updated to meet the needs and expectations of the industry. The teachers stay up to date with the industry’s current practices. I like this very much, as they have prepared us to be ready to work in our fields quickly.
How do you like living in Perth?
I have lived here for about two and a half years now. As an Indonesian student, it’s close to home and it’s an affordable plane flight if I want to go back to Indonesia for the holidays.
There are also many Indonesian communities here in Perth. There are also Indonesian restaurants, shops, there’s churches and mosques, it’s comfortable for me here. The weather is also not too cold, even though sometimes it gets really hot for me, but it’s still bearable.
What are you doing for work?
Thanks to TAFE, I’m currently working as a casual educator at an early learning centre close to my house. I’m doing my work placement, and I also cover shifts when the centre needs me.
It’s a bit hard to find a job at first, but when I started my work placement, I requested a specific childcare close to my house that I want to work at. Then TAFE connected me, and that’s how I have my current job.
How does life in Australia compare to home?
Life in Australia is different from Indonesia because in Australia, you need to pay not only for electricity but also gas and water, which all depends on how much you use them. This payment is in addition to the regular rent. Also, payment for rent is every two weeks, not monthly. I think these are the major differences from the rent system back in my home country.
Would you recommend Perth as a study destination?
Yes, because there are many Indonesian communities in Perth, so we will not feel far from home. If you miss home and want to go back for the weekend or for a short holiday also, it’s possible, as there are several direct affordable flights from Perth to several destinations in Indonesia.
Do you have any advice for future students considering studying at TAFE in WA?
Studying at TAFE is beneficial as you can learn theories in class and then practice them right away in the industry. Depending on your course, TAFE will connect you to a workplace to do work placement and this will help you build practical skills as well as connections with other professionals in the industry.
If you’re thinking of studying at university, you can always take a pathway from TAFE to a desirable university in Perth. With my CHC50121 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, I can continue my studies at university to become an early childhood teacher and, I won’t be required to do the full three year course but instead, with the pathway from TAFE, I will only need to complete another two years.
There are other TAFE courses that provide this pathway to university too.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I wish the best to all of you!