The Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE) at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) organised the “Melbourne Learning through Play: Early Childhood Education Study Tour” from 10 to 18 May 2026. As part of the Co-curricular Learning Opportunity Course (CLOC)——Course OCE0007, the tour was led by Dr. SAXENA Anika, who accompanied 9 students to Melbourne for an exchange experience centered on global perspectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The study tour aimed to broaden students’ horizons, strengthen professional identity, and connect early childhood education with the SDGs. Students participated in inquiry- and play-based teaching workshops at the University of Melbourne and visited partner kindergartens to observe child-led learning in practice. They also experienced Bush & Beach Kinder at Balnarring Preschool, explored natural education and Indigenous storytelling, joined the STEAMeez workshop at Swinburne University to integrate interdisciplinary learning and discuss gender equality, observed Pop-Up Play at Victoria University to understand Playwork’s emphasis on child agency and wellbeing, and engaged in environmental and cultural immersion at Werribee Zoo and the Great Ocean Road, reflecting on biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable education.
In recent years, EdUHK’s ECE Department has actively promoted international exchange, organising study tours to Melbourne, Helsinki, and Edinburgh. These opportunities enable students to integrate play-based learning, nature exploration, interdisciplinary inquiry, and cultural immersion with the SDGs, including quality education (SDG 4) and gender equality (SDG 5). By visiting universities, kindergartens, and community institutions, students deepen their global citizenship awareness and professional identity, while appreciating the connections between education, environmental conservation, gender equality, and cultural diversity.
Looking ahead, the ECE Department will continue to provide diverse exchange opportunities, underscoring its commitment to nurturing early childhood professionals with international vision and attracting aspiring students to join the field.
