Hazel Zishan Zeng

Hazel Zishan Zeng

From China to New Zealand, follow Hazel’s journey from international student to educator after studying a Master of Teaching and Learning – Secondary at Waikato.

Hamilton

Hazel Zishan Zeng

Originally from Guangdong Province, China, international student Hazel says her educational journey at the University of Waikato transformed her life and career. 

Now a Music and Mandarin teacher at Mangakōtukutuku College in New Zealand, Hazel credits Waikato with equipping her for a successful teaching career.

Hazel pursued a Master of Teaching and Learning – Secondary at the University’s Hamilton campus, drawn by the city’s safety, accessibility, and proximity to major centres. 

“I chose the University of Waikato for its excellent location in Hamilton. The programme’s unique structure, alternating between theory and practical internships, also really stood out to me.” 

The internships were a highlight of her studies, providing her with real-world teaching experience in local secondary schools and exposure to New Zealand’s multicultural communities. 

“These internships allowed my peers and I to gain an in-depth understanding of the school’s teaching structure and curriculum, fully preparing us to become teachers after graduation.”

Reflecting on her time at Waikato, Hazel appreciated the University’s support for international students. 

At first, I faced challenges with language and adjusting to a new academic system, but the one-on-one support, dedicated staff, and inclusive learning environment made all the difference.

“From being unfamiliar at first to falling in love with this school, every day has been so fulfilling and beautiful.” 

Having previously studied at a UK university ranked in the world’s top 100, she found Waikato’s teaching quality to be world class.

Hazel says her programme was not only academically enriching but also helped her network within the teaching community. 

“The internships were crucial for building connections with teachers, which is especially important for international students. We also created personal CVs and e-portfolios as part of our coursework, which helped me prepare for future job interviews.”

Her preparation paid off when Hazel landed her first job at a local secondary school following her graduation. 

“The University prepared me well for finding a job. My first interview experience in New Zealand was very different from what I had known in China. Instead of the usual mock teaching session, I had a relaxed conversation with the principal and several department heads. It was much more personal and less stressful than group interviews in China.”

The curriculum at Waikato provided essential tools that have shaped her teaching approach. 

"The professional internships in my Professional Experience papers TEPRO520 and TEPRO521 allowed me to gain a deep understanding of how New Zealand secondary schools operate and enabled me to apply what I learned in actual teaching practice. 

“In addition, my Evidence-Based Practice papers, TEACH520 and 521, taught me how to better combine theory with practice and how to write effective lesson plans and unit plans based on students' actual situations. 

“The ‘Future-Focused Teacher’ course in TEACH522 gave me a clearer understanding of the future trends in New Zealand education, helping me plan my career and design courses that better suit students' needs,” she notes.

The mentorship she received also left a lasting impression. “All the teachers who taught us were outstanding, but I would especially like to mention Mr Paul Ashman. His teaching style was humorous, and he was very supportive of international students, often patiently answering our questions and providing us with a lot of help. 

“I would also like to thank Dr Brent Wagner. His classes were full of passion, and during lessons, he shared many of his own teaching stories which greatly inspired me. He gave me a new perspective on the teaching profession, prompting me to reassess the role of a teacher and eventually leading me to fall in love with this career.”

Hazel’s experience at Waikato wasn’t just about academic growth. “I use what I learned at university every day in my work and personal life,” she shares. 

Today, she continues to make an impact in the classroom, applying the skills and knowledge she gained at Waikato, and is a proud advocate of the transformative power of education.

Hazel Zishan Zeng