Discovering Early Childhood Education: A Conversation with Paolo Hamann, Peruvian Student at Douglas College
Paolo Hamann, a student of Early Childhood Education at Douglas College, shares his experience as an international student in Vancouver. From choosing his program to facing the challenges of adapting to a new country, his story resonates with many seeking a future in early childhood education. With a mix of enthusiasm and realism, he tells us how he has navigated his path in this new adventure.
1. Why did you choose your program at Douglas College?
I decided to study at Douglas College because when I was researching different programs, I discovered that Douglas had the best early childhood education program. As an international student, you always want to be in the best place.
2. How has your experience been living in Vancouver?
Despite arriving in the middle of winter during a snowstorm, my experience in Vancouver has been very good. This country has provided me with a lot of peace, and that is invaluable.
3. What is your schedule like each semester?
The truth is that the Early Childhood Education program is a bit different from other programs at Douglas; it operates in blocks. We take five courses each semester, but they are designed in such a way that starting from the second semester, you can already work, as it's part of the required practical experience. Also, in the summer, there are no courses for Early Childhood Education, so you have plenty of months to work comfortably.
4. What were some of the challenges you faced?
The number one challenge was the lack of information. When you want to come, you may have some ideas from someone who has told you things, but you don’t really dig deep into the details. Once you arrive, it takes a bit of time to get used to the steps needed to get insurance, your SIN number, and a bank account. And then there’s the language. Coming from a Latin America country, you are used to writing or doing essays in Spanish, but doing them in English is quite different, and you must readjust and retrain your brain to do that.