Paying it forward: Jiayi’s story
Jiayi Liu arrived in Hobart as an international student in 2017. To her surprise, her journey in Tasmania led her into becoming a teacher and helping new students like she once was!
After finishing Year 9 in Guangzhou, China, Jiayi’s family wanted her to experience an immersive English-speaking environment, and Tasmania was the perfect choice. She studied at Taroona High School for one year before moving on to Hobart College.
Although Jiayi felt comfortable with the study program at the high school level, she admitted that the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) program was quite confusing at first.
Coming from a different education system, the structure was a surprise.
Jiayi quickly realised that while the daily homework load was manageable, the TCE focuses on continuous internal assessment. You have to put in steady effort throughout the year to get your dream marks!
But Jiayi soon discovered that Australian education isn't just about the grades. It is about personal growth, finding your own voice, and learning to adapt .
“At the beginning, Hobart College’s Language Department teachers helped a lot”, Jiayi recalls. “They were super friendly and offered a lot of help whenever we asked, either about homestay or academics”.
As for her homestay experience, Jiayi only has high praise for the homestay staff. In fact, she still runs into one of them today. “She still recognises me and calls out my name from across the street. She is really lovely.”, she says.
Jiayi’s second host family became a true home away from home, focusing on mental health and everyday care. She fondly remembers the fun memories, from how well she was fed to the quality time in their farm with the animals.
After college, Jiayi chose to pursue the bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). During this time, she volunteered to assist with teaching the Mandarin class at Hobart College. She found joy in helping students learn her native language, while working alongside formers teachers.
This experience gave Jiayi the guidance and motivation to pursue her Master of Teaching degree.
Sharing about the part that she enjoyed most, Jiayi said it was actually her fellow mates in the teaching degree. She appreciated the support from UTAS in encouraging her cohort to network for future support.
At UTAS, Jiayi loved the community vibe. The University hosted events like ‘Immersion Days’, that allowed teaching students to bond and network. For Jiayi, this peer support, friendship and sharing job tips made a huge difference.
After finishing her teaching placements at Elizabeth College, Hobart College and Hutchins School consecutively, Jiayi built strong local experience. She then worked in relief teaching roles at various schools across Hobart before landing her current role.
Jiayi is now working part-time as a Business Teacher and quite recently, an International Student Advisor at Elizabeth College. Besides this, Jiayi is also a Boarding House Supervisor at The Friends’ School.
Looking back at her journey, Jiayi’s proudest achievement is exactly where she is right now - working with lovely colleagues and helping young international students, giving them the same warmth she received when she first arrived.
Her top advice for international students? Expand your network, come prepared, and keep your passion alive.
“The connections I have made everywhere, whether it’s in the teaching area or in my early days working at a café are what I appreciate the most”. Jiayi says. “International students have the resilience to overcome any challenge and adapt in a new culture if they put their mind to it!"