Duncan Preston
Duncan comes from the UK and is studying towards his Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). He previously gained a BA (Hons) in History from the University of Wales, Bangor.
“I came to New Zealand for the first time in 2016 on a working holiday visa and fell in love with Auckland, the country and the people. Prior to travelling, I had planned to complete the UK equivalent of this course, but decided to return to Auckland instead. It is my long term hope to stay in New Zealand and work towards residency.
“The academic staff at the University of Auckland are welcoming, understanding and extremely interesting. I am a class rep for my peers and am about to embark on my second practicum placement. It will be the first time I have control of the classroom which will be a unique developmental experience.
“I have wanted to teach for some time but was hesitant to change careers and location. Finally I plucked up the courage to start afresh, travel, and pursue my dream of being a teacher. I am hoping the course and the people I meet will enable me to pursue a career in Primary Education. Auckland for me is the perfect city – plenty to do, not too busy and easy to navigate.”