Skip to main content
Start of main content

Student stories

Jenny picked CDU and is now fulfilling her dreams

This article appears in: Balance work, life and study, Studying in Australia
Jenny - International teaching student at CDU

For Qiujianni Fan (Jenny), the Australian lifestyle was a big factor in her decision to study in Australia. But it was also Jenny’s lifelong ambition of becoming a teacher and the uniqueness of the Territory that gave her the push to study teaching at CDU and fulfil her dream.

After three years living, studying and working in Australia, Jenny had racked up her fair share of adventures. Rock climbing, skydiving, bodyboarding and even eating (and liking) Vegemite gave Jenny a truly authentic Australian experience.

Despite all those great experiences, and a postgraduate qualification in Professional Communication under her belt, Jenny knew there was still more she wanted to achieve.

I have always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was a pupil in primary school. I love the idea of potentially changing someone’s life via education

For Jenny, the timing wasn’t quite right so she went down the path of Communications and Marketing, working as a Chinese content marketing assistant for a university. Despite enjoying her job, eventually that unfulfilled dream couldn’t be ignored anymore, and Jenny applied for postgraduate study in teaching.

Students with painting of Darwin sunset
Students painting the Darwin sunset

With offers from two Australian universities, Jenny had a decision to make. The Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) course, the affordable tuition fees at CDU and the promise of more Australian adventures made the choice an easy one.

“I have heard a lot about the friendliness and multicultural environment of Darwin, alongside its unique natural landscape. I was very intrigued to live in a place many Australians say represents true “Australianness.”

Moving to a new city - even one as fantastic as Darwin - is a challenge, so Jenny decided to take advantage of the on-campus accommodation at International House Darwin (IHD)

Living at CDU’s student accommodation was probably one of the best experiences I have had while studying with CDU

The safe, friendly and inclusive space and the great activities on offer made such an impression on Jenny, that she is taking on a Residential Leader role. “I am very excited for what this opportunity will bring.”

The future is bright for Jenny. As a graduate of the Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary), Jenny hopes to continue living in Darwin and find a role that allows her to use all her qualifications.

My ultimate goal would be working in a position where I can combine my passion in teaching and marketing

Students from International House Darwin out for dinner
Students from International House Darwin out for dinner

Want to become a teacher or take the next step in your education career? At CDU, you can find your new world, your way. Choose from a Diploma, Bachelor or Master. Explore our courses 

Explore 300+ courses

Certificates, diplomas and degrees

Related Articles

Back to top