I am the current Head of Program for English Language at Lincoln University. During my career, I have worked in a variety of roles (teacher, teacher trainer, academic manager) across a variety of sectors (high school, university, business) in a number of countries. I love traveling, hiking and going to the beach!
Staff Spotlight: Daryl Streat
Title:
Head of Program, English Language Photos
Tell us about yourself, Daryl.
What is your favorite travel memory?
For me, a passion for travel started when my parents took me to India as a child. The new sights (Jodhpur and Jaipur especially), food, and culture really inspired me to travel more.
Since then I’ve stayed with Maasai people in Kenya, explored the deserts of the Middle East, and visited amazing museums throughout Europe. In addition, this early experience led me to live most of my professional life outside of New Zealand.
Now that I have returned to New Zealand, I believe I have a really fresh perspective on this country and a passion to share it with new visitors.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since starting as Head of Program for English Language at Lincoln University, I’ve become more aware of the special place that Lincoln has in New Zealand. Our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs prepare students for their studies at Lincoln.
In my time at Lincoln I’ve worked with many other interesting teachers and professors. This includes soil scientists, economists, and landscape architects. This means that I have learned a lot about these areas of the university and am able to bring this new knowledge into our EAP programs.
By studying EAP at Lincoln, students will both improve their English language abilities and learn about a wide range of important issues.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
For me, the best stories I hear are when students let me know that our program has prepared them for their future studies. Successful university study requires a range of English and academic skills. If our students are going to be successful in getting a degree, then we have to provide them with the skills that they need.
When students return to tell me that they are doing well and enjoying their university studies, it lets me know I have helped a student. This makes me love my job even more.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
EAP at Lincoln is unique because of our strong connections with the other university departments. At some institutions, English language is a service which is outside the university. However, at Lincoln, EAP is a division of our university. This means we can rely on Lincoln lecturers to help us create our English program content. This means we are sure that our students are studying highly relevant information which prepares them for their future studies.