It will be the third time a group of Chinese teachers have visited the facility to observe, participate and study its teaching methodology, with most trips involving south-west staff travelling to China to train teachers.

Officials from South West TAFE’s partner institute the Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute visited Warrnambool last week to discuss ways to improve connections between the two groups.

South West TAFE has regularly sent teachers to China to deliver the Diploma of Accounting since a partnership was formed in 2006, according to international relations manager John Cook. 

He said planning for next year’s three-week tour started during last week’s visit at South West TAFE.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the delivery strategy and hope to host a group of five or six accounting teachers at South West TAFE next year to teach them further about vocational education in the Australian curriculum,” Mr Cook said.

“It will be a refresh and a way to enhance their delivery methods and further understand how South West TAFE conducts its training.”

He said closer connections were a benefit for both countries.

“We’ve had students from China who have used their Diploma level qualification to study at university in Australia. 

“They gain a great understanding of Australian financial processes.

“The exchanges also benefit TAFE staff. A number of our teaching staff get to engage with a different culture. 

“A lot of teachers put their hand up year after year to do the exchange.”

Mr Cook said visiting delegations also helped the Victorian economy by staying in local accommodation and taking photos back to China after sightseeing around the region. 

“This type of exposure for south-west Victoria is great for our region.

“They like to see the water and clear skies; they’re really taken by our natural environment.”

A TAFE teacher has just returned after an eight-week stint in China and another is due to deliver training over the Christmas period. 

Next June a representative from South West TAFE will attend the annual graduation ceremony at Yangzhou.