She said: “I chose Sunderland because of its reputation for academic excellence and practical learning. During my PGCE studies, it was clear that the combination of theoretical modules and practical teaching placements helped me grow as a reflective and effective teacher. My mentor, the in-country tutor, and the university representative all gave me very helpful feedback and support during the programme.
“This hands-on and applied approach was also a big part of my MA in International Education. The modules were carefully planned to fit the unique needs of international education, looking at both the problems and the chances that come up in international school systems. I thought the content was very useful and relevant because it helped me learn more about how schools work around the world and helped me think critically about and improve my own teaching in different and changing settings.”
She continued: “I decided to pursue an MA in International Education because I think that to be well-educated and confident in my field, I need to learn more about the international education sector. Learning more about this has helped me improve my professional knowledge and see global education systems from a new angle.
“I have been an IGCSE Biology teacher since before I started my MA and still am. I've always loved teaching biology, and I wanted to build on that through postgraduate study to improve my skills. The MA gave me a chance to think about my work, learn about new educational theories, and use them right away in my teaching.
Mai’s favourite modules were the International School Curriculum and Leading and Managing in International Schools.
She explained: “The International School Curriculum module helped me understand better how the organisation of a school and the curriculum are connected by looking at who decides what is taught, who sets the standards, and how student learning is assessed. It also made me think critically about my own teaching style, how well it works, and how well it meets the needs of my students and the setting I work in.
“The Leading and Managing in International Schools module was also useful because it taught me about different leadership styles, how staff can move around, and how cultural diversity affects international settings. It helped me understand better how the setting and the specific problems of international education affect leadership.”
For prospective students, the message is clear: “The programmes are meant to be useful, thought-provoking, and closely related to real-life situations, especially in the field of education. Be willing to think critically about the course material and take advantage of the help that tutors and mentors offer. They know a lot and really care about your growth. Most importantly, be curious and have a goal when you study. The more you put into the course, the more you'll get out of it.”
Since completing her postgraduate studies, she has advanced from Head of Years 11 and 12 to her current leadership post as Deputy Head of Key Stages 4 and 5, inspired to shape future-focused school strategies and motivate both students and colleagues.
“The supportive environment and expert mentoring at Sunderland gave me the skills and confidence to innovate in the classroom and take on leadership roles,” the teacher added.
Student success has followed. Under Mai’s guidance, Adam Draz achieved the highest mark in Africa on the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology exam series in May/June 2023 – further testament to the educator’s impact and the value of their Sunderland experience.
The University of Sunderland’s International Education programmes continue to empower graduates worldwide, equipping them for influential roles in global education.
Mai concluded: “In short, my time at the University of Sunderland was both enriching and empowering. The programme combined hard academic work with real-world experience, which helped me grow both professionally and personally. The supportive learning environment, expert help, and relevant course material gave me the skills and confidence I needed to be a great teacher and leader in international schools. It really set me up well for my future career growth.”