Bicultural competence and confidence

He awa whiria, haehae moana braided rivers

Bicultural competency is not simply a goal at UC Education — it’s why we are a leading educational institution. We weave together western science and te ao Māori approaches to teaching, to create an enhanced approach to learning. Combining these two practices is integral into your success as a leader, teacher, and educationalist.

"We recognise the need for cultural competence applies to all people, not just tangata whenua. An approach often adopted is He Awa Whiria [Haehae Moana]. This refers to braided rivers, where western science and matauranga Māori together, are more effective than either on its own." — Angus McFarlane, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ahorangi Rangahau Maori | Professor of Māori Research.

Tuhono ki te ao globally connected

Understanding and incorporating cultural identity is essential to your learning success. At UC you will have the opportunity to place your understanding of biculturalism and diversity into the context of our global interconnected community.

In recent years, akonga students have had the opportunity to do professional practice placements in Rarotonga. Sport Coaching students have interned in Australia, Japan, and Germany. Early Childhood students have taken cultural awareness trips to Samoa, and Primary students have taken similar trips to Japan. Students within Early Childhood and Primary teaching programmes have also done a five-month teaching placement in China. You will also be able to connect with teacher recruitment agencies that offer employment overseas.