The students each received a graduation certificate after learning Australian best practices in animal care from expert TAFE NSW teachers in Orange, Dubbo, Tamworth and Armidale.

“The best part about learning in Australia is that it is much more hands-on than in China,” Yang Chi said. “In China we see lots of pictures and spend lots of time in class, but don’t get to practice like you do here.”

Ruan Xing Dong added, “I go back to China knowing a lot more about animals. The learning is very different, a lot more fun in Australia.”

Sang Kai Ze said, “I had the best time with my teachers. It was really cool to get out and see lots of different animals. I made lots of friends and learnt a lot.”

The students agreed highlights of their trip included a working tour of Duval College in Armidale, visiting Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, spending time working on a number of farms in the Central West, a visit to Taronga Plains Western Zoo in Dubbo, and trips to visit camels in Spring Hill and Kienella Alpacas Farm in Orange.

“The students undertook basic industry and facility training, including handling and identification methods, working with small and large animal breeds, recognising and responding to an emergency, basic first aid, nursing techniques, methods of administering medication, treatments and much more,” TAFE NSW Relieving Regional General Manager Adam Bennett said.

“They also learnt how to work with trained stock and key things such as biosecurity, ultrasound, internal/external parasites, clostridial diseases, treatments for sheep, cattle, pigs and more.

“This study tour was part of an ongoing partnership we have with Jiangsu Agri-animal Husbandry Vocational College. It’s great to showcase TAFE NSW as Australia’s leading training provider, and give students from TAFE NSW and China the opportunity to participate in life-changing international education opportunities.”