Studying towards Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
When one door closes, another door opens; and Peh Bie took this opportunity to start her Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology online at UC during the pandemic.
Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Peh Bie shares that "UC had the option to study via the online-to-on-campus pathway, which allowed me to begin my studies offshore during the pandemic when the border was closed to international travellers and transition to on-campus once it was reopened".
Before the pandemic hit, Peh Bie experienced New Zealand first hand. Its beauty and breath-taking landscapes, the culture, and kind people attracted her to continue her studies in this beautiful country.
"I fell in love with its beautiful nature and weather. I grew up in a hustling city back in Malaysia, so I've been really enjoying the serenity here in New Zealand."
For those reasons and the quality of well-known programmes offered at UC, Peh Bie chose to pursue her education in Speech and Language Pathology as this degree is Aotearoa New Zealand's most established, having trained most of the country's speech-language pathologists and being the first to be accredited by the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists" Association.
"The programme is well structured and provides lots of opportunity for hands-on practice, which helps build my confidence to practise my knowledge. It prepares students for their future career and this is one of the major strengths of the programme which brought me to UC. UC graduates from this qualification are highly sought after and well-recognised globally."
UC values its students' welfare and this is evident throughout many aspects of the University: academically, emotionally, psychologically, and physically; especially during the pandemic. For Peh Bie, the support services available were the key to her successful transition from studying online to continuing her studies on campus.
"UC has an excellent support service. Since my study began online, the International Team has been keeping track of my progress and welfare. They constantly update offshore students on the events happening on campus and did welfare checks on us. Now that I'm onshore, I am happy and grateful to meet all the happy and friendly faces who helped me through the process of travelling to New Zealand during the pandemic. All the lecturers and support service staff are really helpful in all ways, with efficient email replies and help in planning for my studies."
Her passion for helping people and contributing to society led her to join one of the biggest UC clubs, the UC Student Volunteer Army (SVA) which is focused on making a positive difference in the community.
"UC has a very happening campus life. I joined the SVA camp to Kaikōura and the "Connect the Community" volunteering event, both organised by the UC Student Volunteer Army. I enjoyed both events, and it was a great opportunity to meet new people."
She is currently studying on campus and able to balance her studies and with part-time work at Ancestral Café on campus.
Her advice for future students is "do not hesitate and worry about taking up something unfamiliar. The lecturers and courses offered in the first year give a really good introduction to the degree area and the career opportunities. So, if you are interested in or curious about the degree, do give it a try. I joined without knowing much about the field, and currently, my interest towards the field is growing stronger as I am studying through it".
